Sunset Beach

The Basics

One of the best ways to see Oahu is with a circle island tour. You’ll visit Sunset Beach as well as other top attractions including Diamond Head, the Dole Plantation, and Waimea Valley. If you’re looking for more adventure, view the beach from the air on a helicopter flight over the North Shore, or book an island tour that includes snorkeling or surf lessons.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A must-visit for sunset lovers, surfers, and beachcombers.
• Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer months.
• Although the water looks calm in summer, currents can be strong so check in with a lifeguard to learn about the risks.
• Surfboard, snorkel gear, and kayak rentals are available near the beach.
• Restrooms and beach showers can be found at the park across the street from the beach.

How to Get There

Sunset Beach is located on the North Shore of Hawaii just outside of Haleiwa Town past the Waimea Bay, 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of downtown Waikiki. Ample parking is found across the street from the beach at the Sunset Beach Support Park. To get to the beach via public transportation, catch the Wahiawa-Circle Isle or the Kaneohe-Circle Isle bus from the Ala Moana Center in downtown Honolulu.

When to Get There

Oahu’s North Shore beaches are popular during the summer months, so visit early in the morning to avoid traffic and secure a prime spot on the beach. Big surf season runs from October–April and swimming is not considered safe during that time. Big wave surf competitions are typically held in November and December.

Other North Shore Attractions

Check out surfers shooting through the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park and don’t miss snorkeling the reef at Shark’s Cove, a lava-rock beach with abundant marine life and unique underwater rock formations. You can also hike to an impressive waterfall in Waimea Valley or browse the surf shops and galleries in Haleiwa Town.

Ways to explore

You can visit Sunset Beach independently for a day of sand and sun. Or, book one of the many North Shore tours that include it as a stop. Guided full-day and half-day excursions often include Sunset Beach, along with stops at Banzai Pipeline and Haleiwa Town. From e-bike adventures to food and sightseeing tours, there are plenty of ways to experience this stretch of coastline.

If going solo, budget at least an hour. Plan on spending more time if you’re swimming, watching the sunset, or strolling the beach. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early if possible.

Accessibility

Sunset Beach is accessible from the parking area to designated lookout spots and restrooms, though soft sand can make beach access difficult for people in wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, sunhat, water bottle, snacks, blanket

What to wear

Beachwear, sunprotective clothing, sandals

Not allowed

Drones, glass containers, alcohol

Amenities

Free parking lot, restrooms, outdoor beach showers, lifeguard during peak hours, picnic tables

Address 

Sunset Beach is located along Oʻahu’s North Shore, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Waikiki.

Driving

From Honolulu or Waikiki, take H-21 West and merge onto H-2 North. You’ll follow Kamehameha Highway (HI-83) along the coast. Expect about an hour drive time, depending on traffic.

Public transportation

TheBus Route 60 (Honolulu–Haleʻiwa) runs from central Honolulu to the North Shore. Get off at the Sunset Beach stop on Kamehameha Highway, a short walk from the sand. Plan for a 90-minute to 2-hour ride each way, depending on traffic.

Best times to visit

Arrive early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temps, while sunset offers the best photo opportunities.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends; local families and tour groups tend to fill the beach on Saturdays and Sundays

Best months to visit

That depends. Visit May through September for swimming, snorkeling, and calmer water, and November through Feb for world-famous surfing.

Special events

Visit to watch pro surfers compete in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events, which usually happen in late November and early December.