Sunset Beach

Stunning sunsets and top surfing are some of the highlights that make Sunset Beach in northwest Oahu so popular. It’s easy to reach from the Kamehameha Highway which skirts along the edge of the sandy beach providing tempting views.

In winter, it’s a top place to catch big-wave surfers riding the swell, while in summer the flat waters take on a completely different alter ego. It is popular with families during the summer with free parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a lifeguard. At this time, you’ll find Sunset Beach is perfect for beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling with a variety of colorful fish and marine life inhabiting the craggy pinnacle reefs.

Don’t miss the annual Vans Pro Surfing event that has been hosted on Sunset Beach in early November each year since 1984. This 3-day event ensures plenty of drama in monstrous surf conditions with 15-20 foot swells not uncommon. It’s is one of the top surf contests on the island and is one of the three surf breaks (along with Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach) that make up the Triple Crown Surfing Contest.

Whenever you visit, no need to bring food as Ted’s Bakery just across from Sunset Beach State Park offers refreshments from breakfast onwards. Its signature dish is the sweetest cream pie on the island (according to locals!) particularly the pudding-like Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie. Sunsets, surf and pie – sounds like heaven to me!