North Shore NewsBy Chris Wall
As Haleiwa gears up for more visitors, residents and business owners are also focused on the little wins that got us through a difficult 2020.
Visitors are returning to enjoy some of the things we take for granted: amazing beaches, fantastic food, a remarkable art scene, and mom and pop shops that are actually worth a visit. Speaking of these mom and pops, many of them are reflecting on this past year and celebrating something of a little victory… keeping their businesses open.
Extended lockdowns put North Shore families and businesses to the test and, unfortunately, not all of those businesses made it through. “It was stressful,” says Maya Kanaiaupuni. Maya runs North Shore Boardriders Club, a surf shop founded by her father, legendary sunset surfer Barry Kanaiaupuni, and her mother, Leslee. “We have a strong community,” continues Kanaiaupuni, “It’s not like other places. The town rallies around those in need. When homes in Haleiwa were hit with flooding, it was the community that stepped in, and they stepped in before local officials could. That same community stepped up and supported Haleiwa’s local businesses as soon as they could and it kept us going.”
North Shore Boardriders Club carries swimwear, Quiksilver clothing lines, and custom “BK” series surfboards. You’ll also see remnants of surfing’s golden era in the form of classic photos on display and trophies from contests past. It’s a family-run business that’s been a local stop for residents and visitors to Oahu since 1996. North Shore Boardriders Club is thrilled to celebrate one little victory at a time as we all start getting back to normal.