Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
beige
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
3 218 m
Frequently asked questions
Sunset Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +25.0°C, warms up to +27.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Sunset Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Sunset Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — mixed. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Sunset Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — beige. Texture — fine. Beach length — 3 218 metres.
Sunset Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May, June, July. It ends in August, September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Sunset Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Sunset Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins, stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Sunset Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Sunset Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Sunset Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Sunrise Shack, Banzai Bowls Sunset Beach. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Sunset Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Water shoes, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, Snorkel mask.
Sunset Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In summer for swimming and snorkelling. In winter for surf watching. Sunsets are beautiful year-round.
Sunset Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Watch the flags and lifeguard warnings. Swimming is dangerous in winter.
Sunset Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Sunset Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers and big wave watchers in winter. In summer suitable for families with children thanks to calm water. Not suitable for inexperienced surfers.
Sunset Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Sunset Beach is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, host of the Duke Kahanamoku Classic. In winter waves reach 30 feet, while in summer the water becomes calm as a lake.
Sunset Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Legendary world-class surf spot, Two-mile beach with beige sand, Crystal-clear turquoise water, Breathtaking sunsets, Big wave watching in winter, Lifeguards on the beach. Cons: Dangerous waves and currents in winter, Rocky bottom near the reef, Limited parking, Can get crowded, No sunbeds or umbrellas, Limited infrastructure.
Sunset Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Banzai Pipeline, Ehukai Beach Park, Pu-u O Mahuka Heiau. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Sunset Beach: how do I get to the city of Oahu?
The beach is located near the city of Oahu. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Oahu.