Haleiwa Beach Park

Up on Oahu's North Shore and just north of the small town of Haleiwa is Haleiwa Beach Park.

Meaning, "home of the frigate bird," Haleiwa is a small, sandy beach that's great for having a picnic, enjoying an amazing view of Kaena Point and for taking in a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, but it's not a beach that's recommended for swimming due to the rocky shoreline and ocean floor.

Most people come here to do a bit of kayaking and canoeing or watch the surfers ride the bigger waves out near Puaena Point, as Halweiwa Beach Park is a part of Hawaii's north shore - the place where the famous Banzai Pipeline is found and the Van's Triple Crown surfing competition is held. When you reach Haleiwa and cross over the Anahulu River on the Rainbow Bridge, it is said that you have passed through the "gateway to the north shore."

Although not known for the best snorkeling in the islands, some people do snorkel at this beach because marine plants thrive on the rocks scattered through the shallow waters and a variety of sea creatures can be found thriving there. The water tends to be colder and a little cloudy due to run off from the river, so Haleiwa Beach is not a beach with the warm, aquamarine waters that you see on picture post cards. It is however, naturally beautiful and delightfully charming in it's own way.

The most popular attraction at Haleiwa Beach Park are the sea turtles and you don't have to go snorkeling to see them. This quiet little beach is much like experiencing old Hawaii - never crowded and in fact, often empty, except for the large sea turtle population basking in the sun and grazing on the abundant green algae along the peaceful shores.