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Sunset Beach
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
59 reviews for Sunset Beach
59 reviews in English
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Review from Sandra s.
1/24/2012
Sunset beach is truly beautiful, and definitely is the epitome of "Surfers Paradise". The waves go as high as 25 feet (300 inches). Since the waves are five times my height, I would have possibly drowned if I attempted to surf there. I am glad I did not do such thing. I prefer the amateur waves instead!
I was fortunate to be able to observe the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition this past November. It was a memorable experience watching the surfers compete as they ride those crazy killer waves! They were spectacular!
If you go to North Shore, Sunset Beach is a must visit! -
Review from Earl G.
11/11/2011 3 photos
World famous beach that even tour buses stop here. This is where they have the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the longest running and most prestigious surf series in the world.
There wasn't a surfing competition that day but it didn't stop all the tourists in their Hawaiian shirts, birkenstocks, and telescopic dslr's snapping photos of surfers doing their thing on big waves that can get as high as 25 feet. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
More a surfers and sunbathers paradise then for family lounging. They had no swimming signs up and for good reason. As soon as you get in, the water would get deep quick with a surprisingly strong undercurrent. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Beautiful beach, didn't get to watch the sunset but there's definitely a different vibe to this quintessential north shore beach. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)Listed in: Adventures in Oahu
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Review from Nina U.
11/7/2011
There is nothing better than pulling your car up close to the sand, walking a few steps, and being right by the water. You don't have to hike across miles of hot sand or leave your car where you won't be able to see it. This beach can get busy- I mean Haleiwa in general gets busy...so go on a week day and if you're not on vacation then play hookie from work one afternoon or take the day off.
Winter waves are crazy- just take your book and watch the boys surf. Or my favorite time of the year is during the summer where the nice waves somehow take a vacation and are no where to be found. It's like a completely different beach. The water is flat and calm and perfect for snorkeling.Listed in: Oahu Hot Spots
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Review from Sharina N.
Honolulu, HI
This is the second year in a row I spend New Years at a beach (first one was spent at Lanakai Beach in Kailua). So what's there to complain about? Nothing. this is a beautiful beach to watch the sunset. The only disadvantage is parking can be a little scares but that's about it.
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Review from Jason G.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Walked along beach and watched the surfers, the parking was easy to get into but a little tougher to back out
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Review from Liz V.
Redwood City, CA
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
North shore. Surfer's paradise.
Sept is start of winter season, high winds, high tide, aka surfers paradise.
No swimming here, red flags up, just surfer watching and sun bathing.
The beach stretches a long a few miles, low key, mostly locals, no crowds. -
Review from Courtney O.
Honolulu, HI
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have only gone here during the summer so I can't write about the large waves and having trouble finding parking. Sorry! With that said...
This beach is so beautiful! Probably my second favorite behind Lanikai. There is actually a lot of parking during the summer. I never have trouble finding a spot. There is sometimes an ice cream truck that comes by and is perfect to help you cool down a little. Perfect for locals and visitors. -
Review from Jay L.
Honolulu, HI
Unless you've been to Sunset Beach, you'll never know how much this beach totally reeks of awesomeness. the second most popular beach on the North Shore along with Waimea Bay, this beach truly is indeed very popular amongst tourists and locals alike and it has every reason to be considered as a popular beach because the sceneries at this beach is absolutely amazing and every time I've been to Sunset Beach, I'd stop just to take plenty of pictures and absorb the awesome scenery.
The best time to go swimming at Sunset Beach is during the summer when the waves aren't monstrous. Plenty of beachgoes ranging from tourists and locals alike come to this beach to go swimming as well as body boarders having the time of their lives. When the waves start picking up, eventually swimming is not allowed because of the increasing swells and by the time winter season arrives, the waves are monstrous and that's where the fun begins.
In the winter season, the waves all along North Shore are monstrous with waves heights ranging from 15-20 feet or even higher than that. There's an annual surfing contest held at Sunset Beach known as the "Sunset Pro" as part of the Triple Crown of Surfing contest where world renowned surfers take part in the contest and get the chance to surf the huge waves as many spectators and onlookers watch in amazement at what these world renowned professional surfers are known for.
Unlike Ehukai Beach Park just down the road from Sunset Beach, the water is not as deep so you'll probably have no trouble swimming in the waters unless you manage to venture deeper into the water. Just make sure to come to Sunset Beach when the waves aren't monstrous if you plan on wanting to go swimming.
Only problem about Sunset Beach is the parking issue. There's very limited parking spaces at this beach and it does get filled up quickly with a lot of beachgoers wanting to come to this beach. Additional parking is located right across from the beach at the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park where the bathroom stalls are located and although it is quite of a walk to and from your car, at least you managed to find parking and now you can enjoy your day at the beach. However, make sure to lock your car securely because since you parked it across from the beach, there's no telling what might happen to it since there's no one keeping an eye out on your car. Be very cautious when crossing the street on Kamehameha Highway if you're either going to or coming from the beach if you parked at the park; there're a lot of drivers that speed along the highway and don't slow down at all so just be sure to keep that in mind when crossing the street.
Alongside Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach is indeed my second favorite beach on the North Shore and it's just so much fun coming to this beach all the time and having a great time. Not only is it a great beach for me but for tourists and locals alike as well. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like Sunset Beach. Sand is not fine, but still soft. Lots of beach space. Gorgeous views.
I did visit this beach in May when the swells were mild. I saw a lot of tour buses going through so I assume in the fall/winter when the surfers are out there will be more of a crowd.
Still, one of my favorites! -
Review from Allan E.
Spokane, WA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the best beach we went to on Oahu. Theres plenty of parking (other than Waimea beach park) either on the side or over in the parking lot across from the beach. There is even a police guard helping people cross in the cross walk. The beach does go for miles. When we went, there was a surfing competion going on so, there was more than average people there, but there was plenty of room to plop down and get some sun. Its clean, not too crowded, the waves are good, had a good time, a must see beach on Oahu
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Review from Nicole R.
Mililani, HI
3/23/2011
ONE of my favorite beaches on Oahu.
This is the best beach to go to, especially if you can't find ANY parking at Waimea Beach Park. It's about a 10min drive further, but unlike Waimea there's ALWAYS parking.
This beach is a little more interesting to go to, because you can do so much more here than Waimea. (Except jumping off a rock)
Divers come here to hunt for fish, I like to go with one of my friends and watch him as he looks for fish & tako (octopus).
The shore break is a little more entertaining to play in than Waimea, but it can also get a little dangerous if you don't know the water.
In the distance to the left & right side of the main part of the beach, surfers can be found enjoying the surf (on good days).
The beach is really close the the parking lot as well as the bathroom & shower. -
Review from Lisa W.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2010 3 photos
Worth the 1 hour drive away from the bustling tourist ridden Waikiki for the scenic and partially secluded beaches of the North Shore. Albeit rocky, the sands are mostly uninhibited except for a joyous smattering of animated visitors and local surfers out for their nonsensical adrenaline rush.
That day happened to be the most gorgeous day with the beautiful golden sun beating furiously down my sweaty brow. The heat emanating from the beige sands warmed my oily slick body while the gentle crashing of the cerulean blue ocean waters soothed my free-spirited soul.
If there is such a thing as heaven, I have arrived. -
Review from Nina Y.
12/26/2010
This beach is gorgeous. As a family, we came together, but they weren't letting people into the water..no matter, I wasn't wearing a swim suit anyways. I was just wearing a swim top and a dress.
There were so many surfers there; it was great to see them all and just admire their skills. Loved the scenery. Such a Hawaiian style beach.
Parking is really hard to find, if you're lucky, you'll find a space right next to the beach. Don't be like my dad and try to get out of the parking spot with the ice cream truck right behind you. We had a nice person help us back out of the spot to eventually leave the area.
Lots of people are going up there now because of the waves apparently - not a surfer at all, although I would love to try someday.Listed in: O'ahu, Hawai'i
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Review from David B.
Sunset beach captured my heart years ago when I first came to Hawaii....
The sand is grainy and brown but feels sooo good between my toes, in my hair, and all over my body....
The current and waves here are very strong. If you aren't accustomed to them you'll soon discover their power...
Surfers of North Shore are some of the best in the world... The guys you see here on a daily basis are the same ones you'll see in all the surf magazines... This is their playground!
Water here once you're accustomed to it will refresh your soul and body even on your worst days... I simply love this beach. Now they have even built restrooms and showers right across the street with plenty of parking...
What better way to spend the day than letting the tide wash your worries away...
Love North Shore!!!!Listed in: Toes in the sand...
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Review from Raych D.
3/21/2011
By far my favorite beach on Oahu!
After moving to Oahu and dating my ex who introduced this beach to me (which is also his favorite beach), so since then I've always heart this beach! I don't come to north shore much unless with him so every weekend holiday or just weekends when we decide to go for shrimp we always do a stop over to this beach. I've shared a lot of great laughs, photos, and memories here!
3 years ago when I decided to make a calender of myself as a gift for my ex, I did my photo shoot here (for one of the months). The tress, water, sand and sunset made the photos so beautiful!
Just recently came here this past Saturday with my ex and a friend of ours who recently moved back from France and his girlfriend. Showing her the country side of Oahu we decided to come to Sunset to relax and watch the surf. She loved this beach just as much as I did. They now have 2 food trucks (shanghai tacos and an ice cream truck) right by the parking so if you're ever hungry or craving for something sweet before or after you're dip in the water!
The best part about this beach is that it's so easy to find, located right next to the highway. The parking is awesome because its all right on the beach or across which has clean bathrooms. And the sand is so fine and clean...it's not those sticky sand that sticks all over you and your slippers when wet. The view is also amazing especially when the sun is going down! -
Review from grace l.
San Carlos, CA
9/12/2011
Wonderful beach with a lifeguard on duty. I only lasted 30 minutes out in the sun, but it was a peaceful 30 minutes. I think my visit would have been better if I had an umbrella or tent or some kind of shade so I wouldn't just cook out in the sun. The water was wonderful and the lack of people made it even better. I was able to just lay out and relax. There's plenty of street parking too!
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Review from Belle N.
Anaheim, CA
12/30/2010
5/27/10
Beautiful beach no peeps...nothing but miles of blue water and sand...at least during this season..considering we were near the pipeline, but then found out it's not season...we had calm waters/waves...not good for surfers..but it was still an experience!
Reminded us of the Corona beer commercial where the couple are doing nothing but sitting in front of the ocean...THAT is exactly what this beach was like! Beautiful and amazing and relaxing... -
Review from Christina L.
Honolulu, HI
12/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I love coming to this beach because the sunsets are AMAZING! However with that said, there are always a lot of people there at sunset and I cannot get professional photos like I want. :-(. Bottom
Line is if you want to watch a beautiful sunset and surfing, this is the beach for you. http://www.christinalu...Listed in: Best Beach
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Review from Brian Y.
Moraga, CA
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very blue water and spacious beach = good news. I think the pictures people have submitted can kinda speak for itself. The sand is a little bit coarse, but aside from that when I went in the middle of May, this place was really nice. Waves are probably bigger at different times of the year. I would like to go back!
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Review from Diana C.
7/11/2011 7 Check-ins Here
My favorite beach on the whole island. In the summer it's relatively calm and easy to swim (but the sand drops off quickly, so if you're not a strong swimmer, stay away). In the winter, they have crazy waves that bring the pro surf competitions here and are a blast to watch. Can't wait to come back!
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Review from Nam N.
5/5/2009 1 photo
Ahhhh, Sunset Beach......be still my heart. If a person could have a crush on a location, my big crush would be Sunset Beach--swoon.
What's not to love about this beach?
- Beautiful sands
- Amazingly gorgeous water with awesome surf
- Crazy skilled surfers riding these gi-normous waves
We spent the ENTIRE day at Sunset Beach. Me, the bf, my cous, and her hubby packed up the car with a cooler full of beers, bag of snackies, and a newly acquired package of Huli-Huli Chicken---now if that isn't a recipe for perfection, I don't know what is....
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
This particular day the surf was just amazing and the BEST thing of the day, we saw a TON of whales flipping around breaching in the horizon. And it may sound like I am exaggerating, but I would venture to say that we saw at least 10 whales surfacing around for over an hour. I was breathless. :)
So take my advice, if you're headed to the North Shore, spend a good amount of time at this famed beach--you won't regret it. Don't forget to pack some goodies because you may never leave :) And don't forget to stay for the sunset!!!
Note to y'all: This isn't a place for beginning surfers--the waves can get huge and will quickly whisk you away.Listed in: A Whole Lotta Aloha...O'ahu…
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Review from Heather J.
Waterloo, IA
Great sand and sun. This time of year sunset turns into an oasis for beach goers looking for clean, calm waters to frolic in.
I spent a few hours this past Sunday relaxed in bliss here. The closest neighbor I had was 20 feet away. If your willing, walk away from the parking areas for the best spots. The farther you go the more private you can find.
I am anticipating a return visit already and I just might stay late enough to catch the sunset which I hear is fantastic.Listed in: My Oahu habits!
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Review from Annie W.
7/11/2010 1 photo
There were people playing tackle foot ball, paddle ball, surfers out surfing, sun bathing, chilling and relaxing. There is not a big crowd like Turtle beach for obvious reasons, and a lot of beach space to pick out the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The waves are great here to splash around and about. We were able to wind down, snag a great parking and watch the sunset (see my picture of the sunset).
I guess there were a lot of dried shrubs and twigs at beginning parts of the beach. My friend's boyfriend got a nice cut on the bottom of his foot for running like a dork up the beach.
I admit, I was guilty of tear jerking, laughing out loud as he moaned out in pain. It was an inside joke that triggered as he slow motioned fell on one knee. For a moment, I was the 5 year old in Adam Sandler's "Big Daddy" that laughs at pain. -
Review from Lisa C.
Seattle, WA
5/3/2010
Probably my favorite beach in the world. There's just something so awe-inspiring and mind blowing about Sunset beach, and it's more than just the huge waves. This is the home of the famous pipeline - the place where surfers flock from all around to catch amazing waves. I think I've gone to Sunset every time I've been to Hawaii and I still can't get over how big and soothing the waves are here. Sunset beach can be hard to find, it's got a small parking lot of the highway that isn't well marked like Waimea is so keep your eyes peeled.
Warning: don't get in the water here if you are not a very experienced swimmer - the waves are strong and the rip currents will take you out to sea. Come here to look and gawk, head down the street to Waimea if you want to get in the surf.Listed in: Oahu
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Review from Drew T.
10/13/2008
Great rolling beach with lots of room - so it never felt overcrowded.
The only problem was that the showers were across the street.
bring water shoes 'cause there are rocks in the water (as pretty much everywhere)
great place to take pictures and watch real surfers.
don't take your kids here. people drive a long ways away to get to a quiet beach - please don't spoil my vacation. -
Review from Natalie W.
Raleigh, NC
6/4/2009
Love this beach.
Pretty white sand, lots of places to take a beach walk too, and fun water to body surf in. I was here at the end of surf season so I did not see any big waves, and still the beach was amazing. Ted's is close by so good food is within walking distanceListed in: Hawaiian Adventure- Oahu, North Shore (Oahu) Eats and…
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Review from Michelle O.
Honolulu, HI
1/25/2009
After a failed attempt to secure parking at Waimea Bay, I continued down Kam Hwy. Between the homes lining the shore, were inter-mitten public access points to the beach. I squeezed onto the shoulder of the road next to tons of other cars crookedly parked and trekked a short distance to an access point.
There were pro-photographers near the lifeguard station, flanked by people watching the surfers brave the huge waves this time of year. I was amazed at the skilled souls who braved what easily looked like 25+ ft waves.
While it seemed like there'd be a jilion people on the beach, just surveying the cars it wasn't nearly as crowded. It's very clean and provided a relaxing getaway. The drive out there from Waiks put me in vacay mode. Would definitely return. -
Review from Daniel A.
Henderson, NV
3/25/2011
This place is really good to hang out. It gets a little crowded at times (since it's a popular beach) especially on the weekends. The waves are great. It's just a nice beach to be at. It's one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
Listed in: Beaches
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Review from Ming-Jou C.
Torrance, CA
9/27/2008
I pulled off to the left when I saw a bunch of people parking. Funny thing is that since I was unsure which beach I was at, I looked at the view I had and looked down at the picture in my Oahu Revealed book and voila, same exact picture. Funny. I moseyed down and laid out for a good hour. Like Christine E, I ended up at this beach because I didn't want to deal with circling Waimea Bay Beach for parking. But I wanted to see Sunset Beach anyway, so it was a good experience.
I like any beach in Hawaii where I can see my car from where I'm laying, and where I can see my stuff from where I'm swimming. This place had both. It wasn't really a lot, just park perpendicular to the road and you're good. Relaxing beach and big enough not to feel crowded. Good place for kids, if you have those, since the water was pretty calm (for September).Listed in: Aloha Oahu!
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Review from Rob W.
Orange County, CA
10/8/2009 3 photos
#400
Got Surf? This IS where it's at. When you are here you are part of something real, organic, special. If you can't feel it....your in serious trouble.
What an awesome thing to be able to stay in a house right on the sand of Sunset Beach for 9 days. Wake up in the morning at 6am and right outside your door there's over 20 Surfers in the water.......at sunset.....there's over 20 surfers in the water.
When you get to see a couple days when the surf is offering 20' Swells you will feel the energy.....not from only the Sea, also from it's people. They are here and this is what they do.
Of course the Sand is beautiful and the Sunsets here are magical. -
Review from Christine E.
Washington, DC
9/11/2008
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any parking at Waimea Beach (still my favorite beach in North Shore), so my sister and I settled on Sunset Beach.
You can find parking in the lot and along the street and it doesn't seem to get too crazy. We got here around 3 pm and although there were a good number of people out on the sand, it wasn't crowded at all.
Water was clean, clear and warm. Very nice and chill.Listed in: I Miss You, My Hawaii...
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Review from Tim W.
Orange County, CA
10/31/2009 3 photos
Something magical about the sunsets here.
Just sitting on the beach admiring mother nature. It's an experience.
From the surf to the sand to the sunsets.
This beach has it all.
I miss it! -
Review from George G.
12/28/2010 2 photos
Hands down, my favorite beach! I used to come here a lot before I moved up to the mainland. The place has not changed one bit after all these years. I still see good views, lots of happy people, sucky parking, and most of all - strong waves. Strong, great waves. I love it!
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Review from Evelyn T.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2010
I wanted to keep this a secret because I loved it so much! I explored all the Northshore beaches and this one was the one I chose to revisit the next day.
It was clean, had clear waters, and was not at all crowded. Quintessential Northshore beach. Waters were ideal for swimming as well as snorkeling! Rent some gear for a couple of days, and take it with you as you try the different beaches along the coast. -
Review from Daniel J.
Philadelphia, PA
4/18/2011
Awesome swim spot
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Review from Soul i.
Long Beach, CA
9/5/2010
Sunset is definitely a beautiful beach. The surf was probably calmer than how it gets in the winter months, but it was still too strong for my 4 year old niece and 2 year old son. We dipped our feet in the water, and resorted to building sand castles and enjoying our surroundings. It wasn't too crowded either, and there was plenty of parking. Would definitely go back, just probably better without the kids or wait til they're older.
Listed in: Visiting O'ahu
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Review from Richard K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
9/30/2010
Sure is a pretty beach with gorgeous sunsets to enjoy with a companion.
Listed in: Ohana in Oahu
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Review from Gerard Y.
12/26/2010
Less crowded than I thought it would be. I was able to find a place where I can set myself down and still have plenty of room around me. The waves over here are truly a surfer's dream. The signs warning not to swim is not a joke because of that. Those waves were a pleasant sound to hear as I was soaking in the sun.
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Review from T C.
12/23/2008
The winter surf is awesome. Do not miss it.
And stay for the spectacular sunsets!
Parking on the side of the road is a pain. -
Review from Mary B.
Hobart, IN
12/10/2008
I love this beach, it wasn't as crowded.
