With nearly two-thirds of the Hawaiian population residing in Honolulu and the surrounding areas, it can feel as though the entire island of Oahu is one huge city. Luckily, it’s not – technically. Whenever you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, you can head to any of the island’s charming small towns where you’re sure to find some peace and quiet. And, if we’re being honest, there is no town on Oahu more peaceful than Waialua, a small community located on the north shore between the secluded Mokuleia Beach and the always-charming surfing town of Haleiwa. Let's take a closer look at this peaceful little town, shall we?
With a population of 3,800, this rural residential community has little more to offer than gorgeous beaches, charming farms, a few incredible shops, and jaw-dropping views.
Nestled at the base of the Waianae Mountains on Oahu’s north shore, Waialua is tiny, measuring in at only 2.4 square miles.
This census-designated place was originally founded as a sugar mill town, housing the Waialua Sugar Mill as well as a host of other factories and farms. During the late 1980s and 1990s, sugar production decreased as a result of increased labor and production costs forcing producers to move overseas. Today, Waialua is home to many of the families brought to the area during the sugar rush.
Waialua may be home to a post office, library, and various businesses, but its quiet ambiance makes it the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday exploring.
Start your day with a cup of coffee from one of the town's few coffee shops like Waialua like Brew + Foam or Island X, and a trip to the Old Sugar Mill, where you will find a plenty of history and a small collection of shops.
One of our favorite shops to visit here, pictured above, is the North Shore Soap Factory.
You can also visit Ka'ala Healing Arts for total relaxation as well as plenty of peace and quiet, if that's what you're looking for.
Spend your afternoon relaxing at the gorgeous Waialua Bay for a secluded experience rarely found on the island of Oahu.
While the Hawaiian Islands as a whole are pretty peaceful, Oahu, which is known as the "Gathering Place" is easily the busiest of the islands, and it's nice to know there is a sleepy residential town to which you can escape the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.
We dare you to find a more peaceful town on the island of Oahu.
Have you ever made a day trip to Waialua? Share your experiences with us in the comments below! For more peaceful towns across the Hawaiian Islands, click here.
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