Relaxing in a North Shore beach house is the perfect way to cap off your day of fun filled activities under the Hawaiian sun. The picturesque community of Haleiwa is a great place to consider renting beach houses; it has access to a number of fascinating historical places and cultural attractions.
Living Museum
Situated on the island of Oahu, Haleiwa is home to colorful traditions and historic buildings which will take you back in time. It is also the home of the Dole plantation, as well as other beautiful and bountiful plantations.
There are 34 historic buildings that are in the State Register of Historic sites. These include the 1921 building which now houses the Surf and Sea Ocean Sports Headquarters. The building has a collection of surfboards and it has been used as a set for a number of TV shows and movies. Many of these buildings feature plantation architectural styles which are greatly influenced by the Waialua Sugar Company.
The Rainbow Bridge over the Anahulu River is a famous landmark at the northernmost end of Haleiwa. This is the site of the first Western settlement in the town, where early settlers established the Emerson House and a Protestant Church in the village. The church is now known as Queen Liliuokalani Protestant Church, named after Hawaii's last queen who worshiped there.
East of Haleiwa will bring you to Polynesian culture. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Waimea Valley and the Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau; this is said to be the largest native Hawaiian religious site. Nearby is the old Kahuku Sugar Mill. Meanwhile, the western part is the home of many old plantation homes as well as fieldworker camps and a variety of farms and ranches.
Museum and Art Galleries
The North Shore and Cultural Museum, also known as the Haleiwa Surf Museum, is situated in the North Shore Marketplace; it chronicles the surfing history of the town. It has a good collection of surf boards from the 1930s and memorabilia like surf posters, monochrome photos by Le Roy Grannis, as well as music album covers and movie posters and trophies won by Hawaiian surfers.
The town also has a number of art galleries which feature local artists. Visitors will enjoy the works of Roy Tabora and Walfrido Garcia which depict the sea and are displayed in the North Shore Marketplace, while Ron Artis' murals can be found in many public places around town. The following galleries are open to the public:
- Haleiwa Art Gallery
- Haleiwa Ocean Arts
- Tabora Gallery
- Wyland Galleries of Hawaii
These galleries also sell arts and crafts, and souvenir items.
The town offers year round activities. These include the Haleiwa Arts Festival, the longest running surfing event known as The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and other events such as triathlons, fishing tournaments, polo and a number of cultural festivals and farmer's markets.
A number of North Shore houses are readily available for your comfort and convenience when you visit the scenic town of Haleiwa. Search VacationHomes.com to find a beach rental based on price, amenities and features you want, and location.