Waialua

Waialua, a quaint and relaxed town on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii, is a gem nestled between verdant mountains and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. It offers a unique combination of stunning natural beauty, a rich historical backdrop, and the charm of a small town.

As you near Waialua, you are welcomed by the expansive sugarcane and pineapple fields that extend towards the horizon, showcasing Hawaii’s agricultural heritage. The town itself is an appealing blend of plantation-style architecture and contemporary storefronts, with many structures harking back to the early 20th century.

Waialua is renowned for its spectacular beaches, considered among Hawaii’s most pristine and beautiful. From the rugged cliffs of Waimea Valley to the untouched sands of Mokuleia Beach, there is an abundance of awe-inspiring vistas and activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

In addition to its natural allure, Waialua is a vibrant center of local culture and craftsmanship. The town hosts numerous galleries and studios where visitors can observe local artists in action and buy distinctive, handcrafted items. The Waialua Sugar Mill, formerly Hawaii’s largest sugar plantation, has been transformed into a community center housing various small enterprises, including a coffee roastery, a chocolate factory, and a surfboard shaping workshop.

Despite its array of attractions, Waialua maintains its quiet, laid-back atmosphere, offering visitors a respite from the hustle of Honolulu and a taste of the authentic Hawaiian spirit. Whether you’re seeking beach relaxation, outdoor exploration, or cultural immersion, Waialua is an ideal destination for your Hawaiian journey.

Flights To Waialua

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Waialua

  • Book in advance: Flight prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so it’s best to book your flight several months in advance.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates to find the cheapest flights.
  • Consider alternative airports: Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is the largest airport in Hawaii, but there are also smaller airports on neighboring islands that may offer cheaper flights. Consider flying into one of these airports and taking a ferry or inter-island flight to Oahu.
  • Look for budget airlines: Some budget airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines. Be sure to check their websites for any current promotions or discounts.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines offer exclusive deals and promotions to their newsletter subscribers. Sign up for the newsletters of airlines that fly to Hawaii to stay informed of any cheap flights to Waialua.
  • Use travel rewards credit cards: If you frequently travel, consider getting a travel rewards credit card that offers points or miles for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. These points can be used to book free or discounted flights to Waialua.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Mokuleia Beach: A long, sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
  2. Waialua Bay: A small, secluded beach that’s ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.
  3. Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park: A family-friendly beach with calm waters, picnic tables, and a playground.
Historical Sites
  1. Waialua Sugar Mill: Once the largest sugar plantation in Hawaii, the Waialua Sugar Mill has been converted into a community hub that houses several small businesses, including a coffee roastery, a chocolate factory, and a surfboard shaper.
  2. Waialua High and Intermediate School: A historic school building that was built in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Arts and Culture
  1. Clay Art Center of Hawaii: A community arts center that offers classes and workshops in ceramics and other art forms.
  2. Talk Story Bookstore: A charming independent book store that sells new, used, and rare books, as well as local art and crafts.
  3. Hawaii Potters’ Guild: A cooperative gallery and studio that features the work of local potters and ceramic artists.
Food and Drink
  1. Seven Brothers “at the Mill”: A popular burger joint located in the Waialua Sugar Mill, known for its juicy burgers and shrimp plates.
  2. Kono’s Northshore: A local chain that serves delicious Kalua pork dishes, including tacos, burritos, and bowls.
  3. Waialua Bakery: A health-conscious bakery that offers vegan and gluten-free options, as well as artisan-al bread and pastries.
  4. Oasis on the Beach: A beach front restaurant and bar that serves fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and stunning ocean views.
Shopping
  1. Surf n Sea: A surf shop that sells surfboards, wetsuits, and other surfing gear, as well as clothing and accessories.
  2. Haleiwa Surfboard Company: A custom surfboard shop that offers hand crafted boards made by local shapers.
  3. North Shore Soap Factory: A natural soap and skincare company that uses locally sourced ingredients, such as kukui nut oil and lavender.
  4. Global Creations: A fair trade store that sells handmade crafts and textiles from around the world, as well as local art and jewellery.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Waialua Beach Park: This beautiful beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The park also has picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.
  2. Dillingham Ranch: This historic ranch offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, zip lining, and skeet shooting.
  3. Waialua Sugar Mill: Once a bustling sugar plantation, the Waialua Sugar Mill is now home to several local businesses, including a coffee roastery, chocolate factory, and surfboard shaper. Visitors can take a tour of the mill and learn about its history.
  4. Haleiwa: Just a short drive from Waialua, Haleiwa is a charming town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can enjoy surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the beach.
  5. Waimea Valley: Located in Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu, which is about a 30-minute drive from Waialua.This beautiful botanical garden and cultural site is home to over 5,000 species of plants and several historic structures, including a restored Hawaiian temple. Visitors can hike to the top of the valley and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
  6. Mokuleia Beach: This secluded beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Visitors can also take a horseback ride along the beach or explore the nearby dunes.
  7. Polynesian Cultural Center: This living museum showcases the cultures and traditions of Polynesia, with interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and performances. Visitors can learn about Hawaiian music, dance, and crafts, as well as those of Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, and other Pacific Island nations.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Turtle Bay Resort: Located in Kahuku, about 20 minutes from Waialua, the Turtle Bay Resort is a 4-star oceanfront resort with 410 guest rooms and suites. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including two golf courses, a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and several dining options.
  • Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Located on the west coast of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Waialua, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a 5-star luxury resort with 371 guest rooms and suites. This resort offers a variety of amenities, including a lagoon-style pool, spa, fitness center, water sports, and several dining options.
  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Located on the south shore of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Waialua, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a 5-star luxury resort with 338 guest rooms and suites. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a lagoon with dolphins, a spa, fitness center, water sports, and several dining options.
  • Halekulani: Located in Waikiki, about an hour from Waialua, Halekulani is a 5-star luxury resort with 453 guest rooms and suites. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, pool, and several dining options.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village: Located in Waipahu, about 30 minutes from Waialua, the Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village is a budget-friendly hotel with private and shared rooms. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore: Located in Laie, about 20 minutes from Waialua, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is a budget-friendly hotel with 144 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
  • Pagoda Hotel: Located in Honolulu, about 45 minutes from Waialua, the Pagoda Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel with 364 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant.
  • Queen Kapiolani Hotel: Located in Honolulu, about 45 minutes from Waialua, the Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel with 315 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
  • Aston at the Waikiki Banyan: Located in Honolulu, about 45 minutes from Waialua, the Aston at the Waikiki Banyan is a budget-friendly hotel with 142 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, and on-site laundry facilities.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: The weather in Waialua is generally warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, the North Shore is known for its winter surf, with waves reaching up to 50 feet or more. If you’re a surfer or just want to watch the pros, winter is the best time to visit. If you prefer calmer waters and sunbathing, summer is the best time to visit.
  • Crowds: The North Shore can get crowded with tourists during peak season, which is typically from December to April. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the off-season, which is from May to October.
  • Activities: If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or water sports, spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. If you’re interested in cultural events and festivals, consider visiting during the summer or winter, when there are several events and celebrations taking place.
Scroll to Top