History of Haleʻiwa, Hawaii in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 30, 2025

Haleʻiwa is a community and CDP located on the North Shore of Oʻahu, Hawaii, within the Waialua District. Situated on Waialua Bay at the mouth of Anahulu Stream, it features a small boat harbor and is bordered by Haleʻiwa Beach Park and Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park. To the west lies Kaiaka State Recreation Area on Kiaka Point by Kaiaka Bay. Haleʻiwa is known for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere.

1915: Birth of Joseph Paul Leong

In 1915, Joseph Paul Leong, the former Hawaii State Representative, was born.

1921: Rainbow Bridge Built

In 1921, the Rainbow Bridge, a double arch bridge, was built, spanning the Anahulu River on Kamehameha Highway.

December 7, 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, George Welch and Kenneth M. Taylor took off from Haleʻiwa Airfield in P-40B fighters.

1983: Joseph Leong Representing 42nd District

In 1983, Joseph Paul Leong began representing the 42nd District as a Hawaii State Representative.

1984: Designated a State Historic District

In 1984, Haleʻiwa was designated a State Historic, Cultural and Scenic District by the City and County of Honolulu.

1984: Joseph Leong Representing 42nd District

In 1984, Joseph Paul Leong represented the 42nd District as a Hawaii State Representative.

1985: Joseph Leong Representing 14th District

In 1985, Joseph Paul Leong began representing the 14th District as a Hawaii State Representative.

1990: Joseph Leong Representing 14th District

In 1990, Joseph Paul Leong represented the 14th District as a Hawaii State Representative.

1992: Death of Joseph Paul Leong

In 1992, Joseph Paul Leong, the former Hawaii State Representative, passed away.

1997: Highway Renamed

In 1997, the Haleiwa Bypass was renamed the Joseph P. Leong Highway (Hawaii State 83).

2000: 2000 Census Data

As of the 2000 census, Haleiwa had a population of 2,225 people, 770 households, and 525 families residing in the CDP.

November 21, 2012: Hale'iwa Beach Park reference

On November 21, 2012, Hale'iwa Beach Park was described as a place that provides a plethora of possibilities including surfing lessons offered year round.

2018: 2018 Population Estimate

In 2018, the population estimate for the CDP was 4,040.

2020: 2020 Census Data

In 2020, according to the census, the CDP's population was 4,941.

2025: Tsunami Recording

In 2025, the Haleiwa tidal gauge was the first in the state to record the tsunami caused by the Kamchatka Peninsula earthquake, with an amplitude of 4 feet (1.2 m) relative to normal sea level.