Sunset Beach (Oahu)

Sunset Beach is on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii and known for big wave surfing during the winter season. The original Hawaiian name for this place is Paumalū. It is a two-mile (3.3 km) stretch of mostly beige sand located at 59-104 Kamehameha Highway in Pupukea, 39 miles (63 km) driving distance from Waikiki. Lifeguards are usually present.

Like many beaches on Oahu's North Shore, Sunset Beach is considered dangerous for inexperienced surfers, due to extensive coral formations near the surface that present the risk of serious injury. Trade winds will be an advantage and a disadvantage, at the same, as the offshore breeze will make paddling for a wave a difficult task. Conditions for swimming change depending on the particular location and season. Generally speaking, the water is flat as a lake in the summers and has waves in the winters. All the surfing contests take place in the winter around December and January, that being the time of the largest and best waves for surfing. Swimming conditions change from spot to spot along the beach. There is usually a place to swim somewhere, except during stormy weather.

Surfing competitions

Sunset Beach will pump perfect waves with West-to-Northeast swells coming from the North Pacific. The spot is located two miles (3.3 km) east of Banzai Pipeline. It was home to the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational surfing competition until 1985. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in honor of Eddie Aikau started at Sunset Beach in 1984. Today Sunset Beach is home to the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which is part of the World Cup of Surfing. It also holds contests such as the Pipe Masters and a stop on the WSL Championship Tour

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Mohammed Alrabah
23 January 2017
One of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu. Well known for big wave surfing during the winter season. The bathrooms and showers are located across the street.
Deanna Peluso
10 September 2014
Can't complain about an amazing beach! From surf competitions to picnics and family gatherings, the location, access to comfort stations and views of sunsets - this beach won't disappoint.
Condé Nast Traveler
13 July 2016
One of the world's best places to watch big wave surfing in winter, the water here becomes as calm as a lake in summer and is a great place for snorkeling.
Carmen
8 March 2015
One of the most spectacular beaches in Oahu: wide, stretches for miles, fine sand, surfing. Not for swimming, danger signs about strong currents abound.
Gonzalo Arenas
23 November 2023
Amazing long chill beach with decent waves. Fun to swim and lay in the sun, and easy to access
Nicole McKinney
11 December 2019
One of the most beautiful places to catch a sunset. Great surf, soft sand, and lots of sky to meet the sea.
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Map
59-114 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA Get directions
Thu 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Fri-Sat 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Mon 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Tue 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

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