O‘ahu’s North Shore is a surfer’s paradise that boasts with some of the best beaches in the world. But for art lovers and collectors, it’s also a haven. There are plenty of artists practicing their craft in this beautiful locale. Whether you’re looking to add to your art collection or just find a little something to brighten up your home, there’s truly something for everyone. Even if you just want to spend a day browsing, you’ll find everything from artful big wave photography to sculpture, from surf art to ceramics. You are sure to find some indoor beauty in Haleiwa.
There’s so much to see that gallery browsing can take up an entire day. If admiring beautiful objets d’art is your thing, we recommend you set aside a day for this — breaking it up with a delicious lunch and following it up with a fun pau hana, of course! Prepare to have your senses delighted at every turn in one of these carefully curated galleries. While there are too many to mention, here are a few of the Hawaii Life North Shore team favorites. For some recommended lunch spots, check out our post here.
Wyland Galleries
With close to two dozen galleries, this Haleiwa outpost of Wyland Galleries is a cool oasis with rich wood floors and a diverse and fascinating array of artwork that’s sure to stimulate your senses. If you’re traveling North town, you’ll find it in the North Shore Marketplace. Step in out of the heat to admire the renowned paintings of marine life artist Robert Wyland’s (known commonly as Wyland), in addition to works by many others – all in the theme of ocean life.
There’s something for everyone – limited edition prints, copper etchings, fine art photography, sculpture done in bronze, Lucite, and glass. You’ll find Heather Brown’s surf art here, too. Wyland’s work, initially inspired by a trip to California in the late 70’s, is sure to delight. Celebrate the sea with a visit to the gallery and maybe bring some of that ocean love back home to decorate your own home.
North Shore Market Place, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712, (808) 637-8729
Clark Little Gallery
Opened in 2009, this Haleiwa gallery features the breathtaking work of award-winning, big wave photographer Clark Little. A native of Napa, Little’s family moved to O‘ahu when he was just a toddler, changing his life forever. An intrepid surfer at Waimea Bay in his youth, Little bought a waterproof camera housing in 2007. His goal: to capture some wave photos and create some art for his wife.
Since then, his photos of massive waves from the inside out have become famous around the globe. His gallery in Haleiwa is a one-stop shop for unique souvenirs and artwork at every price point – from apparel to his latest images, from limited edition to panoramic prints – you’ll find it all right here.
Clark Little’s stunning coffee table book Shorebreak makes a perfect gift for the ocean lover in your life, showcasing Little’s best pics taken on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, as well on trips to California, Japan and French Polynesia. In addition to prints, you’ll also find cool apparel, stickers, bags and board shorts in this great gallery and store, located in Haleiwa Store lots.
Haleiwa Store Lots, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy. #102, Haleiwa, 96712, (808) 626-5319
Polu Gallery
Polu Gallery is located just a few doors down from Uncle Bo’s (one of our fave North Shore eateries), and in the same block as the Clark Little Gallery. It features artwork by famed local artists Heather Brown and Pegge Hopper, to name but a few. The gallery is focused on surf art from both local and international artists, so if you want to pay homage to the sport with a browse or a purchase, this is a great stop on your way through Haleiwa.
The white walls and natural light of this North Shore gem lend it a kind of hip, industrial feel that makes it great spot to spend a little time admiring the delicate screen printing of AJ Feducia, Pegge Hopper’s painted renderings of archival photos of Native Hawaiian women, or the bold colors and lines of Heather Brown’s surf art. Check out their second location in Ko Olina, as well. For a complete list of the artists you’ll fine at Polu Gallery, please click here.
Haleiwa Store Lots, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy. #201, Haleiwa, HI, 96712, (808) 924-4404
Tabora Gallery
One of three locations across O‘ahu, this North Shore gallery is home to a varied mix of art pieces. From the delicate plumeria paintings by Coco, to the four-panel paintings printed on aluminum by Mark Eastridge, you’ll find some unconventional and thought-provoking work at Tabora. The shop is located on the right side of the road as you head north, right across from the Happy Haleiwa store. Be sure to check out the the vintage poster-style work of Steven Neill, as well as his vintage-style signage that’s reminiscent of a 1950’s Hawaiiana. To get a sense of the galleries daring style, check out their website here.
66-160 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI, 96712, (808) 637-5520
Wy’s Gallery
Owned by the brother and nephew of the artist Wyland, Wy’s gallery in Haleiwa is an eclectic collection of fine art, sculpture, surf art, original paintings and photography from established artists around the world. An accomplished photographer himself, Wy’s gallery also showcases the works of Brian Wyland, nephew to marine life artist Wyland. For a complete list of artists represented, please click here.
Haleiwa Town Center, 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712, (808) 200-4678
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