Skjalg Halmøy remained an important contact for travellers and the few residents still living in Øksnes Vestbygd. He went on receiving visitors after the shop closed and being both sociable and hospitable he loved telling stories and showing people around. He generously shared his knowledge of the coastal culture and several thousand people would visit every summer. Skjalg Halmøy was from his youth an active member of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue and became an honourary member. He was also awarded the Norwegian King's Medal of Merit.