Sunset Beach is a scenic spot where you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Hawaii.
It’s also one of the most famous surfing spots, with a reputation as well-known as Waikiki Beach!
The name “Sunset Beach” comes from the fact that the sun sets over the ocean here throughout the year.
While the sun might dip behind the mountains slightly during the winter season, you can generally enjoy a truly beautiful view of the ocean glowing golden every day.
It’s located on the North Shore, the farthest area from Waikiki, but it’s well worth the trip just to see this view!
Differences Between Summer and Winter at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a place that offers completely different scenery in the summer and winter.
During the summer season (around mid-May to mid-September), the waves are minimal, and the ocean is very calm.
This allows you to enjoy the wide, beautiful sandy shore and the clear, emerald-green water.
In the winter season (around mid-October to mid-March), it transforms into a rugged sea with massive waves rolling in.
Waves can reach heights of around 8 meters (about 26 feet), and the skill of the pro surfers who ride them is truly breathtaking!
The beach has its own unique charm in both summer and winter, so be sure to visit during both seasons!
The Best Time to Visit Sunset Beach is December
A major world surfing competition is held at Sunset Beach in early December every year.
During this time, enormous waves crash ashore, sometimes powerful enough to wash away the sandy beach. It’s not just that the waves are big; the beach is famous as a “mecca for surfers” where the best waves in Hawaii can be found, attracting top surfers from all over the world!
It’s a time when not only tourists but also many Hawaii locals come to watch, so if you have a chance to visit the North Shore in December, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to check out.
The sight of massive waves, the likes of which you may have never seen before, rolling in one after another is so captivating you could watch for hours.
General Information about Sunset Beach
| Name | Sunset Beach |
| Address | 59-88 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Estimated Time | From 15 minutes |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
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