Just an hour from Waikiki and Honolulu is Oahu’s famous North Shore. Renowned for its spectacular views, laidback beach vibe, unassuming lifestyle and of course – surfing.
The North Shore is home to the best surf spots in the world including Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach which feature 30 foot swells in the winter months. Surfing isn’t the only activity on The North Shore, you will also find activities including snorkeling, paddle boarding, horseback riding, golfing and even sky diving.
Dotted along the beautiful shoreline you’ll find charming quiet towns where time and your troubles no longer matter. Among the most famous is the Historic Hale’iwa Town which is the center of surf culture and the hub of the arts community on Oahu.
Living in the North Shore Area
The North Shore is also home to beautiful Waimea Bay which features a 30 foot high rock in the bay to jump off (at your own risk) and for those less adventurous there are large stretches of beach for relaxing and enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
Just behind the Bay is Waimea Valley where traditional Hawaiian culture comes alive at this historical site and botanical garden.
Father up the North Shore is Turtle Bay Resort which features a championship golf course. The North Shore is also where you’ll see some of the most famous Hawaiian residents – the Honu or Hawaiian Sea Turtles. These federally protected species can be seen swimming along the reefs.
The North Shore is truly a rustic escape from today’s worries.
Homes on North Shore
North Shore couldn’t be further-removed from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. There isn’t one towering office building, skyscraper or hotel to be found here.
Traffic eases along Kamehameha Highway through Hale’iwa, which is lined with surf shops, beach boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Haleiwa has a long history rooted in Hawaii’s plantation era. It was named a state historic district in the 1980s, so new construction has to follow the same plantation style design as the 34 historic buildings that have been designated as landmarks. These historic buildings are found throughout town and are home to businesses, restaurants and shops today.
Real estate in Haleiwa is comprised primarily of single family homes that fall into the plantation-style bungalow or beach cottage design. Though they may look quaint from the outside, many have beautifully remodelled interiors. This is not a very large area. Haleiwa homes are located along Kamehameha Highway, across from the beach park and boat harbor, or along the smaller streets that branch off of Kamehameha Hwy, on either end of the main section of town. Custom, multi-million dollar beachfront homes, such as Hale Komodo pictured below, can be found out of town, down Kamehameha Hwy toward Waimea Bay.
Welcome to Hale Komodo. Stunning, handcrafted perfection. Offered at $14,950,000 FS.
Hale’iwa is a prime place to live, but it’s also a prime place to vacation. Visitors, like residents, love that it’s quiet and far away from Waikiki, the vicinity to amazing beaches and surf breaks, and the easy-going, bohemian vibe of Haleiwa.
A home in Haleiwa is an excellent option if you’re thinking of buying a vacation home that can be rented out while you aren’t there. Many homes, like 61-133 Tutu Street pictured below, also have a small studio, or ohana unit, on property, which can be rented out a short or long-term basis.
61-133 Tutu Street sits on an oversized lot with a thoughtfully designed, flexible floor plan that allows multi-generational or single family living options. All for less than $2M Fee Simple!
Haleiwa offers its residents options – in real estate, in land and water activities, in nearby beaches, in shopping and dining. If you’re a beach-lover who wants a small-town island lifestyle, a home in Haleiwa could become your personal paradise!
Fun Facts
- Surf enthusiasts will say that if there ever exists a perfect wave, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore.
- The beaches of North Shore stretch on for more than 7 miles, and hosts some of the world’s premier surfing competitions during peak winter months.
