Tourists and locals alike have worn a well trodden path to the major and minor shopping locations on Oahu. Ala Moana Center. Pearlridge Center. Windward Mall. Sam’s Club. Costco. Here’s my list of the best off the beaten path…

First stop: North Shore. Haleiwa Town means good shopping for tourists and local folks. Locals? Sure. Think wine, T-shirts, Art, and Food. Not necessarily in that order.

Haleiwa has half a dozen art galleries; marine art, watercolors, and more. No, it’s not always fine art. It’s art.

Of course Haleiwa is known for shave ice, too. M. Matsumoto’s has folks—tourist and locals alike—standing in line for the flavored sugar water and fine shaved ice.  Nearby is local favorite Aoki’s. Great with a scoop of ice cream and sweetened Japanese azuki beans.

Yum.

More shopping for fashion in Haleiwa. Specialty shops abound. Gone are the days of The Beach Boys, smokey surf spots, and wafting incense. Today’s Haleiwa boasts a variety of shops with casual summer fashions.

Sorry, no sweaters, boots, or leather jackets.

A quick (well, not really quick quick, but…) drive along the North Shore will provide you with a view to many little stores, snack shops, and what not shops.

The Kahuku Sugar Mill is a worth stop; especially if the shrimp truck is nearby.

An hour or so later and you’ll be cruising through quaint Kaneohe. Forget shopping for a moment. Aren’t those the most stunning mountains you’ve ever seen rising above Windward Mall?

You may not know it but when you’re cruising like this you’re off the beaten path and far from the madding crowds.

Want to know the best places to eat in Hawaii? Click over to Ono Dining for totally biased reviews on Hawai's best (and not so best) restaurants.