Can anyone tell me about Haleiwa North Shore, Hawaii? Is it a fun place to visit?

I'm going there for a little vacation and want to know if there are any fun things to do there.

I lived in a little studio apartment on the beach in Haleiwa for 5 years, and I think it is one of the best spots in Hawaii. It is the largest surf town on the Nothshore, but is only about 2 city blocks long. Alii beach park is where the women's surf competition is held every year, and the surf shop Surf N Sea holds surf lessons on that beach for beginners (I highly recommend this). Also, at the Haleiwa Harbor there are little places that will take you diving with sharks, or you can rent a jet ski. Right past Haleiwa is Mokuleia where you can go on a glider ride or go skydiving. I've done both, and recommend both very much because of the beautiful views of the ocean. If you skydive only once in your life, do it at Mokuleia "Skydive Hawaii". For great Thai food try Haleiwa Eats, and for the best breakfast ever go to the Haleiwa Cafe. Try the Hawaiian sweet bread pancakes with fruit on top or for a more savory breakfast, try the "breakfast in a barrel". I have never tasted better Mexican food than Lulu's Mexican. She has a white truck she sells her food from and is located right next to Haleiwa in Waialua. The pearl shop in the Northshore Marketplace is a great place to find incredible deals on pearls. Also in the Northshore Marketplace is an interesting shop to buy gifts called "12 Tribes International" Make sure to say hello to the shop owner Alika, she is a very interesting person. Also in the same Marketplace is a Surf museum with some cool historic surfboards. All in all, there is a lot to see, but the best sights are all the beaches along the Northshore. You have to try the shave ice, but to be honest, Matsumoto's was not my favorite, it is just the most famous. I like Aoki's shave ice right next to Matsumoto's better. The Spaghettini is a great little fast food Italian restaurant, say hi to the owners Bob and Suzanne. And Kua'aina is famous for it's burgers. Well, that is probably more than enough info for ya, have fun! Aloha.

I love it! That's where the world famous Matsumotos shaved ice is.... A must for visiting Oahu.
The town is small and it's not too busy like waikiki. We usually stop at Mackey's right before we get into the town. They have the best shrimp plate from the truck. And this past visit in November, we actually got to view some surf competitions at Haleiwa beach park - that was fun! I love the little shops and the people are nice! They have some cool restaurants: Haleiwa Joes, Cholos and the one that I'm definetly gonna try this next visit in August ... Kua Aina burgers. I hear they are to die for! So if you love a place without the SUPER huge crowd, but beautiful beach, lots of neat small shops and good food -- GO FOR IT! We love it.

I was born on the North Shore.....most of my family still live in Haleiwa. It's a great place to visit but it is mostly country. If you crave the city life.....then Haleiwa is NOT for you. Steamers, has excellent food and entertainment. Lot's of things to do.

Is is a fun place to visit? Humm.....it's good for seeing the winter surf and getting some good shaved ice (Matsumoto is the best!) but other than that, there's really not much to do in this "country" locale.

What do you classify as fun?

Okay well when i went to hawaii, i went to waikiki not too far from north shore. While i was there we went on a huge tour bus to tour ohau. When we arrived at north shore, the first thing i noticed was the HUGE sea turtles! [and thats about the only thing i remembered, since it was short stop.] :) hehe. but they come right up to you, and let them pet you. :)

It's very laid back, and you will want a car to get around. Lots of fun little shops and restaurants. It's about 45 minutes to Honolulu with little traffic, so plan your trips outside North Shore carefully. Haleiwa is one of several smallish towns (Sunset Beach, Waialua, etc.). The cost of things has gone up due to more affluent people living there, but it's still got the charm. If you want something touristy but interesting, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center--a sampling of five different Polynesian cultures. It's also considered to be on the NS.

I know this isn't for everyone, but I thought it was amazing:
http://www.hawaiisharkadventures.com/ind...

Haleiwa has good food....like Kua Aina burgers...Cholo's Mexican Restaurant, Rose's Cantina...Bob's Pizza and of course Matsumotos Shave Ice....

but its more of a relaxing small 2 mile long town for surfers mostly..

definitely rent a car and go to Waikiki for excitement. opposite side of the island.