How's it in Honolulu, The North Shore Experience
How's It in Honolulu, The North Shore Experience
Word of the day: Mahalo
Translates to thank-you. It's that simple. Just say, "ma-hah-loe" to thank someone.
If you want to take a day trip away from the concrete and noise of Waikiki, jump in the car and head up to the North Shore of Oahu. The "country" as locals call it, is just that. Rural communities dot the shoreline and give you a genuine sense of how things used to be.
The most prominent community is Haleiwa (pronounced Ha-lay-ee-va), which in 1832 the first western settlements occurred. But the history of this area goes back as far as 1100 AD, go to North Shore Chamber of Commerce website to read more about the history. The website also provides details about attractions and events occurring on the North Shore.
Today's Haleiwa offers a variety of places to spend the day shopping, eating, sight-seeing, and of course lazing on the beach. The "shops are housed in plantation-era buildings" and each one offers unique styles that stand out from mainstream brands.
Eating (grinding), to name just a few:
- Matsumoto's Shave Ice - opened in 1951, Mr. and Mrs. Matsumoto sell the famous Hawaiian treat to locals and tourists alike. A must do on the North Shore!
- Shrimp Trucks - there are at last count 6 or 7 shrimp trucks that are parked along the highway running through Haleiwa. You are served the local style "lunch plate." Just walk up to one of the trucks, order your food, sit down outside and enjoy a cultural favorite in Hawaii.
- Malama's Grocery Store - pick up some picnic food at this local grocery store and head out to the beach. Perhaps a romantic sunset is in your plans.
- Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill - Traditional dining billed as "Perfect dining in Paradise" with indoor and outdoor seating, offering a wide variety of unique and tasty dishes.
- Cholo's Homestyle Mexican - some of the best Mexican food you'll ever eat. The food is made fresh daily and the mojitos are to die for. You'll dine with plenty of locals who know "ono grind".
Galleries and Gifts:, to name just a few:
- Aloha Island Crafts
- Haleiwa Art Gallery
- Black Pearl Jewelry Shop
Apparel and Shoes:, to name just a few:
- Bali Moon Hawaii sells chic/hip clothing at very reasonable prices
- Hawaiian Sole, handmade custom leather "slippers" for all sizes. When in Rome...right?
- Oogenisis is an upscale woman's retail shop and has unique designs that stand out on the mainland.
So now that you've eaten and shopped, if you want to lounge on the North Shore Beaches no worries, just follow Kamehameha Highway through town. Pass through the historic Rainbow Bridge and you're on your way.
The more you journey up the road, the more you'll find that each beach has its own scenic quality that exemplifies Hawaii.
So grab the camera, start up that rental car and head out H1 to H2 North, towards Mililani, click here for map. Kamehameha Highway runs along the North Shore and if you don't eat, don't shop, don't beach-comb, then do nothing else and take the drive, get out of the city and enjoy da country.
As always, contact me if you have any questions or want recommendations on what to do or where to go. Mahalo for your time and come back.
Aloha!
