Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To get here, take Kamehameha Highway (Hwy. 83) 2 miles north of the Polynesian Cultural
Center; as you enter the main gate, you'll come upon the wooded beach park. Or you can take
TheBus no. 52.
SUNSET BEACH PARK
★★★
Surfers around the world know this famous site for its spectacular winter surf—the waves can
be huge thundering peaks reaching 15 to 20 feet. This surfing spot wasn't really “discovered”
until the 1940s; before that, surfers preferred Makaha on the leeward side of the island. During
the winter surf season (Sept-Apr) swimming is very dangerous here, due to the alongshore
currents and powerful rip currents. The “Sunset rip” has been the site of many rescues and
has carried numerous surfboards out to sea. The only safe time to swim at Sunset is during
the calm summer months. Sunset also features a huge sandy beach adjacent to the street. This
is a great place to people-watch, but don't go too near the water when the lifeguards have pos-
ted the red warning flags. One of the most popular beaches on the island, Sunset attracts local
surfers, sunbathing beauties, and visitors wanting to get a glimpse of this world-famous surf
destination. To avoid the crowds, go during midweek. Because the beach is located right on
Kamehameha Highway in Paumalu, TheBus no. 52 (Circle Island) will get you there if you'd
rather not drive.
WAIMEA BEACH PARK
★★★
This deep, sandy bowl has gentle summer waves that are excellent for swimming, snorkeling,
and bodysurfing. To one side of the bay is a huge rock that local kids like to climb and dive
from. In this placid scene, the only clues of what's to come in winter are those evacuation
whistles on poles beside the road. But what a difference a season makes: From November to
March, monstrous winter waves pound the narrow bay, sometimes rising to 50 feet high. The
ground actually vibrates and everyone on the beach is covered with salt spray mist when they
break onshore. When the surf's really up, very strong currents and shore breaks sweep the
bay—and it seems like everyone on Oahu drives out to Waimea to get a look at the massive
waves and those who paddle out to challenge these freight trains. This unforgettable activity
won't cost you a dime, and you'll be amazed at how small the surfers appear in the lip of the
giant waves. Weekends are great for watching the surfers; to avoid the crowds, go on week-
days.
Tip:
Don't get too distracted by the waves and forget to pay attention when parking or
crossing the road.
Facilities include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, parking, and nearby restaurants and
shops in Haleiwa town. The beach is on Kamehameha Highway (Hwy. 83); from Waikiki, you
can take TheBus no. 52.
Leeward Oahu/The Waianae Coast
KO OLINA
The developer of the 640-acre Ko Olina Resort has created four white-sand lagoons to make
the rocky shoreline more attractive and accessible. Nearly circular, the man-made lagoons of-
fer calm, shallow waters and a powdery white-sand beach bordered by a broad, grassy lawn.
No lifeguards are present, but the generally tranquil waters are great for swimming, are per-
