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Sunset Beach Oahu - a North Shore favorite
Sunset Beach
Oahu is another Best of Oahu
highlight and a beautiful surfing mecca not to be missed after
making your rounds at Waimea
Bay and the Banzai Pipeline!
Itโs
a great Oahu Beach to watch big-wave
surfers in action during the wintertime.
Then come back in the summertime when the waves go flat, and Sunset Beach State Park gives way to a new scene for some amazing snorkeling in Oahu.
But above all, visit Sunset Beach for its name and reputationโฆbreathtaking sunsets which will easily rival some of the best sunsets in Hawaii!
Visiting Sunset Beach
Located just past the famous Banzai Pipeline where waves crash onto Ehukai Beach, is another 2-mile stretch of sand on the North Shore, which is home to beautiful Sunset Beach Hawaii.
Sunset Beach State Park, is
one of the few long stretches of sand that you get to drive right next
to, traveling
along the Kamehameha Highway.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is held at Sunset Beach in the wintertime. This is one of the most exciting and thrilling surf contests to
attend
on the island. Pay attention to the surf report and head to the North
Shore early if the contest is on!
Sunset Beach
Oahu is one of the 3 surf breaks where the famed Triple Crown Surfing
Contest is held over
the course of the winter months.
The other two surf spots
that host this important surf contest are
Waimea
Bay and the
Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach.
Surfing Sunset
Beach challenges big-wave surfers who try to conquer these
gigantic
waves. The surf swells easily usher in 15
to 30 foot waves. The
surf breaks a little farther out to sea, so bring a pair of binoculars
with you if you plan to visit this Oahu beach and want a better and closer view of the action.
Be careful when entering the ocean in this area, especially when waves are present. It's best to check in with the lifeguard if you're unfamiliar with this beach to better understand current conditions and get advice on entering the water from certain points of the beach.
Sunset Beach in the SummerThe crowds tend to die down as the surf flattens out during the summer time. Sunset Beach State Park is a beautiful spot to bring the family, for simple relaxation, beachcombing, and snorkeling.
Thatโs right...Sunset Beach is a
fantastic spot
for some snorkeling in Oahu during the summer months when the surf tends to be flat. The sharp jagged pinnacle reefs
are fun to explore with a nice variety of colorful fish and Hawaiian
marine life.
Catch a Grand Sunset
As referenced within the name, this Oahu beach is home to some beautiful sunsets.
Sunset Beach Oahu Amazing SunsetIt's easy to see why as Sunset Beach is one of the few beaches on the North Shore that you can see from the road. And if you happen to be passing by during magic hour, you'll be in for a special treat.
Video & Drone Footage
Watch surfers ride waves to shore with a blood red sky behind them. Beach goers take a seat and watch all the beauty this magical hour gives. The drone footage puts a new prospective to how gorgeous it really is, as it sails down the beach from above.
Beach Facilities
- Little shady areas
- Lifeguard on duty
- Free Parking Lot
- Located across the street from the park
- Restrooms
- Beach showers
- Picnic bench tables
Sunset Beach Oahu Tips
If you are planning a visit to the North Shore, I suggest starting your journey early in the morning. You might even want to consider enjoying breakfast on this side of the island. There are a few choices in Haleiwa Town, and also Ted's Bakery across from Sunset Beach State Park is open for breakfast.
This Oahu beach is famous for its big winter surf, but it's the endless beautiful sunsets in Hawaii that gives its classic name, Sunset Beach. Treat yourself to one before returning back to town. It will give you a chance to let traffic pass...and besides, it will be dark by the time you get back to Waikiki (if that's where you're staying) anyway.
And did I mention this Oahu beach has amazing Hawaiian sunsets...thus the name! I've had my share
Warning: The only downside to this beautiful beach are the car break-ins and wallet/phone theft that is prevalent in this area! Do not leave anything in your car or unattended on the beach. Don't be afraid to visit Sunset Beach...just be smart about it!
Getting to Sunset Beach Oahu
Directions By Car From Waikiki
- Take the H-1 Hwy West to the H-2 Hwy North
- Follow the H-2 Hwy to the Kamehameha Hwy (hwy 99)
- Take Hwy 99 and continue into Haleiwa Town
- or by pass Haleiwa Town , and continue on Hwy 99 and merge onto Hwy 83, which will lead you to the coastline.
- As you continue on Hwy 83, until you see a Sunset Beach State Park sign on your left hand side.
- Turn into the parking lot and you are there.
Need a good rental car option for the day? Whether you would like to visit a beach, a popular Oahu attraction, or explore the island for just a day, consider these great, discounted rent-a-car rates with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They also have great packages for your entire trip...
Oahu Street Level Map to Sunset Beach Oahu
Directions By Oahu Bus from Waikiki
Take the 52 Oahu Bus from Kuhio Ave to Haleiwa Town, and transfer to Oahu Bus number 88A or 60. These Oahu Bus will take you to the North Shore Beaches. Ask the bus driver once again to notify you once you have arrived at Sunset Beach State Park.
Note: Bus # 88A travels from the Ala Moana Center to the North Shore and backdown the Windward (East) side of the island.
Aerial Map to Sunset Beach Oahu
In the Area
Ted's Bakery
Tedโs
Bakery โ the North Shore
is
famous for its Hawaiian Shave
Ice,
but Iโm here to tell you that there's a new treat that is gaining
popularity. Tedโs
Bakery is known for its cream
pies. Not just any pies, but some of Hawaii โs
best sweet
local flavors.
Not to be missed flavors are Haupia
Cream and
Chocolate Haupia Cream, which resembles a coconut
pudding.
Tedโs Bakery is not just a great spot
to grab some breakfast, but also hot
sandwiches for lunch, including BBQ Chicken, Teri Beef
& Mahi
Mahi. If you donโt make it to Tedโs Bakery, youโre still in
luck. Tedโs pies are sold in Foodland grocery stores, back in
town.
Banzai Pipeline
Ehukai
Beach โ more popularly known
as the Banzai
Pipeline! If
the Sunset Beach surf isnโt close enough for your viewing , then drive
back down to Ehukai Beach where surfers are lined up close, paddling
into amazing
barreling waves. Watching from here, you'll definitely feel the Hawaiian surfing experience!
The Banzai
Pipe tubes are world famous and add to the
North Shore character and experience. The first trick is to find
Ehukai Beach ,
which is located just across the street from the Sunset Elementary
School parking lot.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Ehukai Pillbox Hike - right across the street
from Ehukai
Beach is a little known secret hike called the Ehukai Pillbox
Hike. This Oahu hike is a 30 minute journey that leads you up
to
the top hillside ridge, where two old World War II military bunkers
overlook the North Shore coastline. The views are
breathtaking!
Toa Luau at Waimea Bay
Tie on a visit to Waimea Falls Park with an evening luau dinner with cultural demonstrations and Hawaiian entertainment. The Toa Luau includes your entrance to Waimea Valley & Waterfall.
Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get back in time for the festivities. Note that this luau only takes place on Mon - Wed. Learn more and reserve a spot...
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle
Bay Resort โ just up the road is the grand resort,
known
as
Turtle Bay . Located over a stretch of 4 miles plus of
beachfront property, including 2 championship Oahu golf
courses.
Turtle Bay Resort is a relaxing resort estate that sits at
the tip of the North Shore all by itself.
You will need to
check in with the security attendant if you are not vacationing on the
premises, but you are allowed to visit the restaurants & golf
pro shop. Note:
Donโt forget to get your parking
card validated if driving in.
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Aloha & Enjoy!
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