Best Dining in Hale’iwa
Hale’iwa, is the largest and most well-known town on Oahu’s North Shore. A quaint beach town, Hale’iwa is famous among surfers, especially in the winter, for its proximity to the world-class Banzai Pipeline. In addition to fun shops featuring clothing, artwork and other unique items, Hale’iwa boasts some terrific bed and breakfasts, as well as a good selection of restaurants, all of which keep with Hale’iwa’s laid back, hang loose atmosphere. Here are the best dining places in Hale’iwa.
Kua’Aina Sandwich by far offers the best burgers on Oahu’s North Shore. Large and juicy on a fresh roll, their burgers rival the best on the entire island. My only complaint is that fries cost extra, and they don’t do the burgers justice. The fries are thin and stringy and an entire order can be eaten in a couple large bites. The sandwiches here are good, too, but if you are only dining here once, I suggest you order the burger. Very reasonable prices, but this popular joint does get crowded at lunch and dinner times, so I recommend adjusting your schedule to eat at off-hours. (Should be no problem if you are suffering from jet lag.) You can dine inside or out, but Kua’Aina Sandwich does not offer table service. You can order soft drinks or you can BYOB. The restaurant is located right on Kam Highway across from the Hale’iwa Shopping Center.
If you are looking for decent pizza, look no further than Pizza Bob’s. Located in the Hale’iwa Shopping Center, Pizza Bob’s offers very good pizza and other menu items (including excellent appetizers) at a reasonable price. Pizza Bob’s has both indoor and outdoor tables. The pasta and sandwiches are good, but if you are in the mood for a burger, I suggest you walk across the street to Kua’Aina. One added benefit is that Pizza Bob’s serves beer, and they serve it cheap.
Another good Hale’iwa Italian food joint is Spaghettini. Located right near Kua’Aina Sandwich, Spaghettini offers decent pizza and pasta at downright cheap prices. Perfect if you are a surfer on a budget. The portions are large and you can buy your pizza by the slice. Spaghettini is also a good alternative if the other dining places are packed.
If you are in the mood for Mexican, then you are in luck, because Hale’iwa offers a number of casual Mexican dining experiences, most of which have very good Mexican food. My favorite is Rosie’s Cantina. Located in the Hale’iwa Shopping Center, Rosie’s Cantina offers delicious Mexican food and a wide selection of margaritas in a fun and pleasant atmosphere. Rosie’s Cantina’s menu also contains some not-so-Mexican dishes, such as burgers and wraps. This should be your first choice if you are in the mood for Mexican. However, other Mexican dining places of note are Killer Tacos at 66-650 Kam Highway, and Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican located in the North Shore Marketplace.
Perhaps the most well-known dining opportunity in Hale’iwa is Hale’iwa Joe’s. Located at 66-011 Kam Highway, this restaurant has a broad menu that includes delicious steaks, large burgers, ribs, fresh fish, sushi, and other excellent seafood dishes. Hale’iwa Joe’s offers indoor and outdoor dining across from the harbor.
Speaking of well-known, no dining experience in Hale’iwa is complete without a famous Shave Ice. You can find shave ice spots in and around the Hale’iwa Shopping Center. They are the places with the long, long lines and the giant handmade signs that read: Shave Ice! None are any better or any worse than the other, so grab two or three one dollar bills and treat yourself to this unique snack made famous in Hawaii.
