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Sunset Beach

Right21.6779, -158.0409

Overview

Quality
Totally epic
Crowd
Crowded
Experience
Intermediate
Bottom
Coral reef

About this Spot

Sunset Beach is a surf spot located in Oahu North Shore, Hawaii. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s situated in the Pūpūkea area, which is known for its popular surfing sites. Sunset Beach is part of a stretch that includes other famous spots like Velzyland, Kammieland, Pūpūkea, ʻEhukai, and Pipeline. The surf spot is characterized by a coral reef bottom and can be surfed at all tides. Sunset Beach is known for its epic quality waves and very consistent frequency, with wave lengths ranging from 50 to 150 meters. The spot is suitable for intermediate surfers, but it’s important to check your skills before paddling out to ensure the conditions match your level. Sunset Beach can be crowded, so it’s crucial to respect the locals and follow surf etiquette. The spot is known for its powerful waves, especially during winter months when swells can reach up to 30 feet. Surfers should be aware of potential hazards such as rips, undertow, rocks, and sharks. The wave conditions can change rapidly, transforming from 3 feet to 15+ feet in just a few hours. Sunset Beach doesn’t start to cap until the swell exceeds 6 feet, and surfers often use boards in the 7’4″ – 8’6″ range. Be cautious of the infamous cleanup rogue west peaks that can appear unexpectedly from the channel. The lineup at Sunset Beach is vast and complex, requiring time and patience to master. Even professional surfers like Kelly Slater have found it challenging. When visiting, you can find beach parking nearby. Remember to always check the surf forecast and report before heading out, and consider using surf maps or webcams to assess conditions. Sunset Beach has hosted major surfing competitions and continues to attract surfers from around the world seeking to test their skills on its renowned waves.

Optimal Conditions

Best Swell
W, NW, N
Swell Direction
263°-36°
Best Wind
E, SE, S
Wind Direction
76°-191°
Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 1.2 meters
Wave Length
50 - 150 m
Frequency
Very consistent (more than 150 day/year)

Location

Coordinates

21.677888° N, -158.040862° W

Open in Maps

Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

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