If the islands of Hawai‘i are a beach lover’s paradise, then the O‘ahu town of Hale‘iwa is the shopper’s version of consumer Nirvana. Charming and chock-full of unique character, Hale‘iwa is a smallish town tucked away on the Gathering Isle’s idyllic North Shore — an exotic enclave known for attracting surfers from around the world.
A Unique Surfer’s Enclave Amidst Plantation-Era Buildings
But what might be news to many is that the shopping in this unique enclave is also a magnetic attraction. For a small town, Hale‘iwa boasts a wide range of retail options. The stores here are mostly housed in aesthetically adorable plantation-era buildings within two main complexes. The North Shore Marketplace and Hale‘iwa Town Center run the retail gamut from surf gear shops to art galleries, and offer goods for purchase like unique clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and more.
World-Class Art Galleries
Start your Hale‘iwa shopping safari with a stop at any of the numerous art galleries in the area. Hale‘iwa Art Gallery has been a North Shore staple for more than two decades, while Tabora Gallery, Wyland Gallery and Wys Gallery (the new installment owned by the famed artist’s nephew) each display their own brands of eclectic artwork.
Surf Inspired Apparel
When you’ve settled on the perfect artwork to adorn your home, shift that focus to outfitting your body with something equally dazzling and gorgeous. Choose from Growing Keiki, a cutesy kids boutique where you can pick up everything you need for your little ones, Pakaloha Bikinis offer-ing swimwear and accessories, Patagonia for all your outdoor adventure needs, and Silver Moon Emporium or V Boutique for stunning women’s wear.
Souvenirs from Iconic Haleiwa Shops
Need something to bring back to your loved ones? You’re in luck, as Aloha General Store, Whalers General Store, Matsumoto’s General Store, Kai Ku Hale and Polynesian Treasures each offer their own smorgasbord of specialty gifts and souvenirs. And if the island treasure you are seeking to snag just happens to be something that sparkles and shines, Maui Divers Jewel-ry won’t disappoint.
Surf Boards and More
The remaining niche — surf goods and gear — is unsurprisingly among the most amply offered in Hale‘iwa. Stores like Raging Isle Sports, Surf N Sea, and Tropical Rush (the latter two of which also offer various water adventure rentals on-site) cater to wave riders sharing the sun-shine and stoke.
Shopper’s Delight
These are just a few of the main retail names in this exciting town. Venture here and you will be delighted to find a myriad of other boutiques and shops sprinkled along this charming stretch of Kamehameha Highway.
And when you tire of shopping ‘til you drop among this treasure trove of island trinkets, the town offers amazing coffee shops, as well as local eateries offering super ‘ono grinds (delicious food)!
