Sunset Beach (Oahu)

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Sunset Beach on Oʻahu's North Shore

Sunset Beach is on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii and known for big wave surfing during the winter season. It is home to the Duke Kahanamoku Classic surfing competition, the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing competition, and occasionally the site of the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational.

Winter Sunset at Sunset Beach

You want to see big waves? Really big waves? This is the place to go! Sunset Beach is the absolute surf-mecca in the world. In the winter months surf pros from all over the planet gather here and wait for the perfect waves.

Competitions are called out with short notice when the swells have the right size and then the usually relaxed Sunset Beach turns into a bustling party zone, loaded with adrenaline, pretty people and lots of music.

The Triple Crown of Surfing, one of the big events on the professional surfing tour, is held here every year. Surfers say that the waves at Sunset are among the most dangerous and challenging they have ever ridden. Waves easily go over 10 feet and can reach heights of up to 40 feet.

In summer the scene is totally different. The waves are gone and snorkelers replace the surfers in the water. Sunset Beach 1 has a beautiful reef and the fine, golden sand is a perfect place for a little afternoon nap.

Parking is available on the side of the street and even on crowded days, there is always a spot to be found. As the name tells, the sunsets here are the best on the island. Every evening people sit here and watch the sun go down in a blaze of colors right behind Kaena Point.