~Historic Haleiwa sign welcomes visitors into town~
When most people think of visiting Oahu, it is the bustling beaches and exciting atmosphere of Waikiki that comes to mind. But, there is another side to Oahu that most people call the legendary North Shore. Locals just call it the “country” and although it is only about an hour from Honolulu, the two famous locales are simply worlds apart.
~Beautiful Beaches of Haleiwa~
There is a lazy, breezy “don’t go too far or too fast” kind of attitude that permeates around the North Shore and allows folks to tune into the rhythm of the sea.
At the heart of this unhurried pace is the historic town of Haleiwa, a hamlet that proudly proclaims to have one foot in the past and one foot in the present.
~Surfboards stand ready and waiting~
Present day visitors will find the to-do list is low key: wake up, check the surf, and decide which of the award winning beaches to hit. If you are not a surfer-and really, you are on the North Shore, at least give it go– you will find Haleiwa has charming shops that are delightfully free from the touristy feeling you get in town. Delicious food is waiting, as well, from the famous shrimp trucks to the even more famous North Shore Shave Ice.
~The Anahulu Bridge is 85 years old and provides a tight squeeze for modern vehicles~
But it is the past-the history of Haleiwa that makes it worth a second look and a longer stay. This history seems to radiate from the sun-soaked buildings and smiling local faces. It is a history that richly reverberates with Hawaiian authenticity.
~Established in 1832 by Protestant missionaries, this church was attended by Queen Lili'uokalani during her retreats from the palace~
This history began when the high priests made their holy dwelling in the verdant hills of Waimea Valley and continued through the century when sugar plantations were king. From the minute your (possibly bare) feet hit the casual streets, you will want to know more about the tales of plantation houses and Hawaiian royalty that created this town. Of course, you can find someone to tell you the stories, but the only way to really know them is to slow down and soak them in.
Photos edited by my latest obsession photo editing software is Pixlr-o-Matic. I think I am in love and may need an intervention. I've tried practically every frame and filter-which is your favorite?
~Today I am linking up with Budget Travelers Sandbox and R We There Yet Mom~
Love all the stuff you did with the photos! I totally forgot I had this app on my phone! Thanks for the reminder. I love that surfboard shot. The color is amazing and the composition is perfect. You totally captured this sleepy little surfer town.
Great job with the vintage feel of the photos! I will need to get this app now. I've been to Oahu an few time but have never made it to the North Shore. The shrimp trucks alone have made this area a priority on the next visit. I love the beach picture!
Wow! Stopped by because you were nice enough to visit my little nook and found this amazing blog. You're living our dream! I have ittie bitties but I would love to show them the world and have them experience these amazing things. Although our first trip next year is a go big or go home kind of thing. 🙂 We are taking them to visit the inlaws in Ireland. 🙂
Your new obsession is fantastic. Each of your photos reminded me of the famous shave ice cones to be had in Haleiwa. . .it's one of my favorite places on earth!
LOVE the photos (and the subject matter)! I think I need to learn how to do some photo editing – it always amazes me what other people are able to do with their photos. Is that a phone app or is it editing software?
Love your photos! That bridge shot is awesome! I also really like Picfx and BeFunky. Thanks for sharing!
Your photos are awesome. I must try this app! This looks a part of the island not to be missed…far from the madding crowds!
these are beauitful and so super cool. they look like they should be a gallery all together.
By the gorgeous look of these photos, I may need intervention soon myself. I am off to click on the link!
Budget Jan
I love the North Shore-where do you stay when you visit? And are you team Matsumoto or Aoki;)?
We've only seen Oahu from the Honolulu airport as we change planes for other islands, but would very much like to check it out. My husband keeps talking about "the pipeline" surf area — is that on the North Shore? Great pics.
Love this! My husband and I stayed in Haleiwa when we visited Oahu. We rented a little house on the north shore and loved the casual atmosphere. We even visited the little church in your picture for Sunday worship! Everyone was so welcoming (they presented us with fresh-flower leis!) and it was such a lovely experience singing worship songs in Hawaiian (the program included a lyric sheet for us to follow). I think Haleiwa may be Oahu's best-kept secret!