An hour drive away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu is a charming north shore town called Hale’iwa. It is the landmark community of the peaceful North Shore and a gateway to world famous surf breaks such as Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset Beach. Known as the surf capital of the world, Hale’iwa is the social and artistic hub of the North Shore community. Take a ride through town and you’ll see a well preserved historical main street full of locally owned shops and laid back North Shore residents.

Downtown Hale'iwa

I recently watched “North Shore,” a 1980s movie about a young up and coming surfer on the north shore of Oahu. This box-office bomb was supposed to be an inspirational action movie, but it ended up being more comical than anything. The stereotypes of punk surfers and outsiders (haoles) coming to Hawaii  was down right hilarious. One particular scene my friends and I laughed about was the fact that Hale’iwa looks exactly the same in the movie as it does today. The community has done a great job preserving the land and limiting commercialization from larger corporations and resorts. The town today showcases the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle and has forever turned it’s back on the hassles of modern day city living. Residents and visitors all cherish the small businesses that fill up main street in the rustic old buildings, whether its an art gallery, shave ice stand, surf shop, or restaurant.

Minutes before you reach Hale’iwa Town you’ll see a majestic landscape of pineapple fields, over-grown sugar cane fields, coffee farms, magnificent mountain ranges, and a clear view of the Pacific Ocean. On days when the surf is up, which is almost everyday in the winter months, as you drive towards Hale’iwa, you can see the white

Famous Hale'iwa Sign

caps of massive breaking waves on the horizon. Instead of bypassing to continue on the Circle Island Tour, Discover Hawaii Tours will take you on a ride down Main St to witness this quintessential gem of the north shore, Oahu. As one of the highlights on several of our island tours, you’ll witness first hand the culture, history, and laid back vibe this community has to offer.

Read more: Hale’iwa: A North Shore Gem

One of the most scenic views on the entire island of Oahu, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is an absolute must on any Hawaiian Vacation. Tucked in the cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, pali is the Hawaiian word for cliffs. From the lookout, a panoramic view of Windward Oahu overlooks the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. The Pali Highway (State Highway 61) connects Honolulu to windward Oahu.

Scenic View from above Pali Lookout

The Pali is famous for the strong trade winds that blow through the pass, seemingly at all times. Coupled with the tunnels of the highway, it forms a natural wind tunnel of sorts.

There are many legends and beliefs surrounding this fabled overpass and its surrounding mountains. Two large stones near the back of Nu’uanu valley are said to represent a pair of goddesses who were guardians of the passage. Travelers have been know to leave offerings of flowers or bark cloth to ensure a safe trip. Many parents have been known to bury the umbilical cords of newborns under the stones, as a protection against evil. It is also widely believed that pork should never be carried over Nu’uanu Pali. Many motorists have reported their cars mysteriously stopping and not starting again until the pork was removed from the car. This is the responsibility of Pele and her contest with Kamapua’a, a half man, half hog God that is forbidden from passing to her side of the island in his hog form.

The Nu’uanu Pali was also the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian History. During this battle, King Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule. The battle took place in 1795 after Kamehameha conquered the islands of Maui and Molokai. Along with an army of 10,000 soldiers, Kamehameha forced the defenders of Nu’uanu Valley up the mountain and trapped more than 400 soldiers. The defenders were driven off the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below. When the first road was built over the mountain range, workers came across more than 800 skulls, believed to be the remains of the warriors that fell to their deaths during the battle.

For the best chance to see the Pali Lookout and many of the other scenic and historic landmarks on Oahu, join us on a Circle Island Tour today.

Read more: Nu’uanu Pali Lookout