The North Shore of O’ahu is a slower paced community than most in the United States. We call it the “Country”. There are two stop lights in the 15-mile-long community, one grocery store, and traffic that is generally caused by surfers and tourists who park and cross the two lane Kamehameha Highway to run across to the beach. Hale’iwa is the main town on the North Shore. It is a community whose residents understand and appreciate nature.
One of the most attractive parts of the North Shore are the world-class waves that bring surfers from all over the world to try their hand at surfing them. The surf season is at its peak in the fall and winter. On a trip to the grocery store you can hear accents and languages from all over the world. During the summer season, it becomes a different town. However, just because the surf isn’t double over head doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. The art community is thriving.
The Hale’iwa Arts Festival was established by passionate local artists in 1999. This year it will be held on July 14-15. It is an open-air event held at the Hale’iwa Beach Park under the Banyan Trees. Its mission is “to promote education and public awareness of arts and culture, with emphasis on participation, for the betterment of the community”. The Hale’iwa Arts Festival facilitates workshops with established artists, offers grants for community projects that help community improvements, exposes students to career opportunities and more. It is located next to wonderful dining, including Hale’iwa Joes and the Beach House. You can also watch sailboats cruise in and out of the harbor right next to the beach park as the sun sets behind Ka’ena Point. And yes, it is dog friendly.
Even though it was established for the improvement of the community, patrons to the event benefit the most. This free and open to the public gives you the opportunity to engage in an active community and enjoy its flourishing arts. You can also find great deals with up and coming artists or pick the brains of classic North Shore artists.
Check out more information at HaleiwaArtsFestival.org. I hope you can make it out this year!
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