Sunset Beach Park Reviews

Lovely area, but sad to see all the beach erosion and even sadder to see all the tourist overrunning the beauty of the area and clogging the roads and parking. Be careful to lock your car and don't leave anything visible in the cabin as there is a high rate of car break-ins in places like this around the island.

Parking is never an issue. The beach is never crowded. The waves are big enough to surf/body board but small enough for our kids to swim in. Very laid back. Occasional local artisans and food trucks roll through.

Just like the name says, this beach is great during sunset and the pictures you can take are amazing. Other than that, the beach itself is really nice. Not crowded at all during the week, worth a visit.

A stroke of luck to see some whales from sunset beach today. Lovely stop in your tour. Great fruit van. Toilets across the road.

We arrived at Sunset beach in the afternoon on a stunning day in January. There was lovely view along the coast, seeing the different breaks close to the shore and further out. Waves were around a metre so nothing huge. Pretty rough for swimming though. Would love to see when waves were larger. We caught the sunset at sunset and it was l beautiful like so many other places in Oahu.

Came here 3 years ago to watch the sunset on a number of occasions . It is truly a beautiful beach to sit and watch the sun go down
However going back for an afternoon on the beach today , we were subjected to ear splitting bass music/noise from a car parked up on the front , a group of youths playing a loud rapping music and a family with music on their iPhone
This a such a lovely beach but we were driven away by the thoughtless actions of the locals
The beach was clean , there is no shade however so the sand gets very hot
There is a sharp slope into the water and the bottoms drops away very quickly to deep water . The tide is quite strong so not available for weak swimmers as you out of your depth about 8 feet from where the waves break
Plenty of parking both in the front and in a parking lot on the other side of the road . Toilets with a small changing area - not particularly clean but better than some . Showers ( very cold water ) available next to the washrooms outside
Take plenty of sunscreen , flip flops for the hot sand and an umbrella for shade
Also if you're there at a weekend , suggest some earplugs to block out the noise !

Watched a surfing competition in mid-February. Traffic was heavy but we found a parking spot fairly quickly. Beautiful sand and water colors. Spent a relaxing afternoon in the shade watching the surfers.

Best to take care as the surf is quite rough. Would not recommend venturing into the water too deep unless you are a very strong swimmer.

Sunset Beach is an extraordinary beach, probably the most beautiful in Oah'u. Monster waves crash in the Winter while the Summer is more gentle. In any case, swimming should be avoided and surfing is reserved to the World elite. Don't miss it, this is the place where you might meet Kely Slater and friends having fun in the Ocean.

The sand is soft and it wasn't too crowded on a Tuesday afternoon. Not a ton of shade however. While most of the beaches have decent sunset views, this one is really good.

At this time of year the only thing to do at sunset beach is watch the beautiful scenery or watch a surf competition. We were fortunate to be able to catch one. The waves were huge so it added some extra excitement to the experience. There is a washroom in the parking lot across the street so that is a convenience.

Great beach for relaxing and just floating around the surf. Excellent view of the sunset, of course. Extra parking, and showers across the highway.

Very scenic, peaceful and relaxing. Steeply shelving beach and a lot of 'swell' which was great to watch roll in but need to keep a watchful eye on the smaller kids. Very 'Hawaii'. Loved it! Would definitely return.

Definitely plan to visit this beach whether you go for the day, a few hours, or for sunset. It is a beautiful spot that you will truly enjoy!!!

Here is a great place to spend the day at the beach. The kids will have fun and the surfing is one of the best places on the island. You will see professional Photographers everywhere on the high surf days getting some of the best photos of surfing ever.

Stopped by on drive along North Shore. Stunning coast line but a steeply sloping water entry but this is a surf beach.

Hence the reason it has "sunset" in the name. Best sunset pictures we took were here. Absolutely loved this place. Came back multiple times.

I'm in love with this place....

I wish I could live the rest of my life there...

So pure so blue so wild and so so so beautiful...

Amazing place with great swimming but get here early as it fills up quickly as it a hike from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu- driving takes an hour or more depending on traffic

This is a nice spot not only for the beach, but also to watch the surfers who are out there on a daily basis.

It’s in the name, this is the place to watch the sunset on O’ahu. There is plenty of powdery soft sand for the largest of crowds to sprawl out on and not encroach on one another. The waves crashing and palm tree scattered around made it the most picturesque location, not to mention the free entertainment provided by the surfers. Only negative about this location is the slope of the beach, it can be difficult to walk around for those less able-bodied.

We spent several hours sitting and watching both the surfers roping it up and the lifeguards hearing kids & parents alike back from the water, or close enough to it. Good for watching, unless you are an expert surfer 🏄🏽‍♂️🏄🏼‍♀️😎 beautiful beach!

This is a great beach to watch the surfers or take a swim if you're experienced. There are lots of break shore currents and high waves so it's definitely not for the beginner and intermediate swimmers or surfer. But, if you want to spend a day at the beach enjoying the view of the high waves and surfers, this is one of the best places on the island.

Hard to get a spot to park, but it's worth it if the surfs up . Yon can lay on the beach and watch the surfers, but it's not a place to swim in the winter months.

Just spent a beautiful morning at this beach. There is some lovely shade to be had or tons of sun if your liking. The water was great to be in and bounce up and down with the waves. We got there before 9 am and it was very quite. Even when we left at 1 it wasn’t too crowded, a Thursday.

We arrived at about 6:50 for a 7:18 sunset. Plenty of parking was available. The sunset was beautiful, and the beach wasn't that crowded.

We visited Oahu 5 years ago and now we went back again in 2017 and noticed a big change - the homeless and abandon cars that are used by the homeless for their homes are out of control. There must be at least 3-4 cars on each beach we went to on the North Shore. The homeless had their tents set up and taking showers on the beach. Hawaii should be ashamed of themselves for letting them take over their beautiful beaches and destroying the allure of the island. They do have laws on the books and even have signs all over saying no camping or staying on the beach past 10pm but it appears their law enforcement is not able to handle it. We finally found one beach in Laie (Hukilua), waimea (parking issues to begin with) and turtle bay that did not have any homeless. Since every attraction we went to stated that tourism is their number 1 economic force for the island - I hope they clean up their act and get these people some help, shelter, work and to make hawaii what it once was, but with the marijuana laws being legal, they will have a long road ahead just like colorado and their homeless issues.

Small parking area off the road but always able to find a spot. Hope over the low wall to some beautiful sand overlooking the north shore. Public bathroom is nearby. If you are there for sunset, this is the place to see Mother Nature at her best! Lifeguards on duty too at times of the day.

Was very safe to swim in. The middle of the beach did not have big waves. There were better body surfing and surfing waves a short walk down. Be prepared with surf gear, there aren’t any rental shacks on or near the beach. Plenty of parking and plenty of space to sit and relax.

Really just a great place to spend a couple hours doing nothing. White sand, easy parking and easy access and - of course - beautiful sunsets.

We took a drive to the north shore to see the surfing in February. We noted at our hotel that there was a surfing competition going on, but when we asked about it, were told that for the one day we were there, the competition wasn't on. We drove down to Sunset Beach to see the waves and hopefully see some surfers. The weather was unusually windy and the waves were massive. We only saw three guys attempt to surf and they didn't stay out long - battling those waves was a lot of work. Very cool to see what I did see- seeing the competition would have been amazing.

Great beache, typical North shore, but be carefull,...sometimes in winter are beache oficialy "closed" for extremely big waves and strong current.

Sunset Beach definitely lives up to its name!!! We stopped passing through this part of Oahu, and view an amazing sunset for sure!!! There was maybe one other couple present when we stopped so we had the place to ourselves!!! Lovely spot to take photos and just enjoy the view.

Gorgeous.

This was a great beach to visit. Especially, as obviously stated, to catch a great sunset. Also saw tons of awesome sealife!

The days we went the beach wasn't crowded. One day the waves were a bit high but the snorkelling was still fine. The other day was calmer so the snorkelling was a bit clearer. Well worth a visit

Had passed this beach on one of our drives and came back to spend the day. Tough to find parking, but there is a lot across the street. Huge surfer beach and not being a surfer, it was neat to watch them. Tons of locals and surfers, but not real crowded. There are facilities there but no food so bring lunch. You can swim there, but there are huge waves, so you should be an experienced swimmer. Not great for families with small children, but a great beach with fantastic views.

When I was younger, much younger, I watched the Wide World of Sports, and was always amazed at the surfers. This is the beach where the intro was filmed-at least according to a tour guide. We stopped here on a day-long tour of Oahu and came back for a full day later in the week. It's beautiful. Great sand, blue water. In the summer, plenty of waves, but not too strong. There's a parking lot with restrooms and changing facilities just across the street.

Enjoyed doing our yoga and Tai Chi on the beach this morning. A little different than the last time, when I was on the North Shore for Pipemaster’s.

Another beautiful beach park! We just stopped by for a quick visit but this is a gorgeous spot for sure! I'd like to come back and spend more time here someday.

Beautiful beach without all the crowds. Great waves to play in! While we were there, there was a wave surge that brought out a lot more surfers. So much fun to watch all those surfers out there!

There’s no public facilities and parking is just along the Kamehameha Hwy. Pretty wild waves when we visited. Stayed for a couple of hours and watched the surfers do their tricks. There was a big monk seal on the beach and then we watched it go back to the ocean. A really neat experience!

Lovely soft sand beach on the north shore. Enjoyed the hours we spent there. Decent parking and changing area across the highway

This beach parallels the Kam Highway. Be aware of the surf advisories, as a rip tide and high surf is not uncommon. Also, with the mosy of parking on the other side of the road, be careful of the traffic.

Sunset Beach is well known among surfers and one should stop to watch the many locals and visitors catching the outside break. One can also swim or boogie board here but careful of the rocks.

What an amazing place to see particularly in the winter months. The surf is just pounding and as the pipeline turns the colors of the water are totally awesome. When we were there they were not competing that day but there were many surfers in the water and it is captivating and I could have spent the entire day watching each wave as it developed! We also snagged a few inexpensive T shirts for the kids that had the tournament logos etc. on them! This is definitely worth a trip to the North Shore to see!

Came here to watch the surfers. The waves were huge, even in May. Kind of a cloudy day, so very few people around. We walked to the Bonzai Pipeline for more surfers. Much to rough to swim in, but a great spectator sport. Only an hour drive from Waikiki. Worth the trip.

We came here an hour before sunset. It started to fill up along the way but it was honestly the most beautiful sunset I’ve seen. The colours were amazing. Should definitely stop by if in the area.

Sunset beach is beautiful with soft sand and sunshine. The ocean waves are big and great for the experienced surfer. The water depth drops quickly so it isn't great if you're looking to go wading. The surf can be a powerful force so be cautious.

One of our favourite beaches to go to on the north shore, or anywhere on Oahu for that matter.

Change rooms, bathrooms, food trucks, everything you need. Parking can be a challenge as it gets busy.

Pick a day where they are forecasting big waves, you will see pro surfers do Ng their thing.

Be careful of the water as it has strong undertow, pay attention to the lifeguards instructions.

Lots of sand and room, bring your own towel, beach chair, umbrella, as there is no one there to rent it to you.

Very popular beach to visit with crazy waves and lots of space for people watching and enjoying the scenery. Perfect stop for photo opportunities as well. This place is the definition of a great beach. Beautiful, scenic, with great waves and a ton of space. Spend the day or just a few minutes to park and take some pictures. Free parking is available right up to the wall that borders the sandy beach. Just one or two vendors on this beach, but it is kept clean and super well-maintained.

Amazing surfing, although I am not a surfer. Great little place to snorkel and observe tropical fish. Very safe for children and families to snorkel, but out in the open beach it could be risky if you are not a surfer or inexperienced in the water.

This is not a well known hike, but it is well worth the trek. It is about a 3 mile round-trip hike to 2 World War pill boxes. It overlooks the Sunset and Pipeline beaches that takes you through some dense vegetation on a well manicured trail (about halfway up there is a fork in the trail-go left to see the pill boxes.

A nice beach in Haleiwa area. Lots of tourists, some big waves from time to time. A nice setting. Many people go there for sunset, I found other places that i enjoyed more, China Walls near example.

Some local food trucks were fun also.

Sunset Beach was a brief stop on our day trip of Oahu. The waves were an incredible sight to behold! I've watched several movies about the famed waves of the North Shore and I am so happy to have finally seen them in person. Wish we could have stayed a little longer and enjoyed the sun & sand. Even with the waves crashing in you could see the beautiful colors of the ocean!

My first trip to Hawaii involved a bit of rain and clouds at sunset on the Waikiki side of Oahu, so was a challenge to capture awesome sunset pics. I decided after extending my stay a few days to take a public bus (1.00 each way as a senior with a Medicare card) to Sunset Beach Park from my Waikiki hotel where I heard wonderful sunset pics could be found. It was about two hours each way, but scenic ride throughout the island during daylight leg. Very scenic spot along the Kamehameha Hwy with multi public beach stops along the North Shore. Weather did not cooperate, but was still a great spot to visit with high surf. By the way, The Bus mass transit system is great with helpful customer service by phone to help plan a trip or advice on how long to wait for a bus at a certain stop. Drivers were friendly and went out of their way to accommodate the tourist.

This area has parking and bathrooms. Best times are sunrise and sunset if you want to watch the surfers. It gets crowded but it seems that a parking spot opens up pretty quickly.

This is another popular beach on the North Shore popular for surfers....though not as crowded as the Pipeline area. Lovely beach area though still crowded and parking was difficult here as well.

The view of the sunset from this beach was outstanding. The beach was not overly crowded, and the sand was soft and free of rocks.

nice sandy beach on a hill. we enjoyed watching all the surfers while the sun went down. bring your camera!

The entire island of Oahu is absolutely gorgeous! Went to many famous beaches - Waikiki, all the North Shore beaches, East side, Pipeline, etc…
But I really loved the off-the-tourist trap areas where the locals have their wares. Think small beach town vibe, and lots of local color from artists to food trucks, the best time to be had was in the less traveled areas. Go. Do. Enjoy. Repeat !

I love this beach. It is quintessential Hawaii - long stretches of sand, palm tress, great for spotting whales in a winter, turtles and monk seals. I saw it all in one day! The surf is big there in a winter and so is the current so it might not be accessible for swimming or snorkeling. However the rest of the year (March/April - Nov) it's calm. There is a lifeguard and showers with bathrooms too. The road in the North Shore can have very heavy traffic right after the sunset when everybody is leaving towards Honolulu. So leave either before the Sun goes down or wait extra 40 min (I usually have a dinner in one of the food trucks by Foodland and wait it out).

Very nice Beach, lots of parking, used by locals and tourists. they have facilities and there was a food truck in parking lot, We stayed around one hour and went exploring further up the road

We went during January, school was still out part of the trip and most beaches were too busy except this one and it was perfect. When school started back up for the locals traffic got heavier but places became less crowded

A decent amount of parking especially when it's flat like today. Great sand, great water good for swimming when it's flat.
Obviously very popular for watching sunsets. North Shore is the best!!!!

After taking some advice from our surf instructor we went to the WSL surf event at Sunset beach. There were wind warnings that day so the waves were huge. This was my first surf event that I've ever seen and it was super cool. Although the waves weren't as big as the pipeline or Waimea bay they are still pretty amazing. I highly recommend checking out a surf event.

This was beautiful but if you are going in December, wear a life jacket unless u are an amazing swimmer and surfer, it's great to watch but water goers, beware!

Beautiful place for watching the sunset and surfers. NOT a place to really get in the water unless you are surfing - maybe it is calmer in the summer. The sand here will have you sinking a bit as you walk around, so get ready for some exercise if you plan on doing that. Parking is along the road in most access places, I am not sure if we missed an actual parking lot, but plan ahead for spotty parking.

We got dinner after this nearby at Seven Brothers Burgers, but it would have been extra nice to have takeout on the beach itself during the sunset.

We rented a house on Sunset Beach and the beach itself is spectacular and only sparsely populated on any given day. A fantastic place to watch sunsets and ride the waves. Great for kids of all ages.

We have lived here for almost a year and enjoy coming to the north shore all the time and watching surfers at Sunset Beach, it's a true appreciation of nature to watch these waves especially in the winter. Don't be fooled this beach is not a place to swim if you are novice between the current and coral you could seriously get hurt if you aren't paying attention. If you come here leave swimming and surfing to the professionals and just enjoy the view!

Pro: much quieter than Waikiki beach, sand is much coarser and shells much bigger, bathroom across the street

Con: none

Would definitely return

Nice place to take a moment and soak in the sun on a nice beach. The current was strong in early June so be carful with small children. Lots of beaches in this area so take your time and enjoy them all. I like this one but there were better in my opinion just up the street at Waimea Bay, Turtle Bay Resort and by the Banyan Tree.

Be sure to hike up to the Sunset Beach pillbox, enjoy the Hawaiian coastline views and watch the sun set.

Sunset Beach Park is one of many fantastic beaches on the North Shore of Oahu. We made a quick stop to walk around and see the crooked palm tree but it would be a great place to spend the day. There is parking along both sides of the road and a bathroom area across the street.

The sand is soft, the water is blue, and so clear! In the winter, the waves are big, but you can still enjoy the water, or just work on your tan. For being a popular being, it doesn't feel overly crowded either.

Nice, not too busy beach. Parking was no problem for us.
Wide beach, no too high waves and clear water.
The sunset was a bit spoiled by clouds but the magnificent sky colors made our day complete.

Beautiful place to watch surfers, the sunset and watch the giant waves. We visited in February so not a swim beach for people who aren't used to the big waves, but very nice to visit.

There is currently construction happening in this area roadside and parking is a little sketchy but this is Sunset Beach and you have to at least stop and take it in. Lots of places to eat in the area and great surf most of the time.

All of Oahu's beaches are great and this is no exception. I highly recommend it! You can enjoy a great relaxing day here!

I believe most of the photos where you see the sun sinking into the ocean were taken here; the layout of this beach makes it ideal to watch a sunset. The day we were here, there were clouds on the horizon so there was no "sun sinking into the ocean" view; however, that did not diminish the experience. If you truly want to experience a Hawaiian sunset, this is the place to do it.

This is the place to go for sunsets!
Gorgeous, large sandy beaches, lots of surfers, just so beautiful!

My favorite beach!!! Love the water here for boogie boarding! Love watching the surfers. The sunsets are spectacular. I usually don't have much of a problem with finding a parking spot along the road. BE CAREFUL to watch the signs and DON'T park in the No Parking areas!

Very large beach, so plenty of room to spread out. The sand is soft and clean. And it's not called Sunset Beach for nothing - gorgeous sunsets here!

Iconic big wave beach so I had to visit in winter. Unfortunately I missed the big wave surf comp by a couple of days. Still saw some surfers. Didn't plan on swimming as I knew the conditions would be difficult at that time of year. There is more sand at the southern end of the beach and it was a lovely relaxing few hours. Easy to get to by bus. Bus stop is right there. Bring food and water.

We didn't spend alot of time at this beach because each time we were there, there were alot of other people there too. But it is nice, lots of sun, not much shade at all.

We visited Sunset Beach during our Circle Island Tour with Oahu Nature Tours.

This is a beautiful wide sandy beach with great surfing waves. This is also the site of some world famous surfing competetions.

Great views, rough surf. Swim at your own risk if at all. Great food trucks across the street. Parking is a little iffy at times as it seems to be all over Hawaii. Definitely one of our favorite spots.

This aptly named beach and park was beautiful. You have a great view of the evenings sunset and the beach is quite long. I imagine in peak times it is very busy. Parking can be a bit difficult, as it is at many beaches. I don't think we went to any beach in Hawaii that was not spotless. There was not a piece of rubbish to be seen. The ocean was calm on the days we were there in September and were great for swimming. There are also some food trucks across the road.

Not being a surfer, it's a great place to watch surfers and hang out on the sand. Limited parking is frustrating.

Best place to see the sunset, hence the name. Usually it's not too busy and there's parking on the side of the road not far away.

Absolutely gorgeous view and the surfing lived up to expectation. Looking forward to watching the CT event here soon!!!

Like its neighbouring beaches Sunset is a must stop for any visitor taking the time to drive to this part of Oahu.

This place is so unique. When you are on a North Shore, watching a sunset here is a must. The hawaiian surfing vibe like nowhere else.

Beautiful beach, nice surf and great views. Will defo go back here. It was easy for our kids and last but not least very clean.

This was our last stop on our North Shore adventure from Waikiki. We hoped to make it to the beach by sunset, but we were only able to catch the tail end. Regardless, it was a great beach!

It's funny...if you go early and sit on the beach before sunset you will literally see dozens of people, of all ages, locals and tourists alike, coming out to watch the sun as it falls off the horizon. The beach itself is great for long walks, watching surfers and photography.

Plenty of parking despite this being one of the prime tourist spots on the north shore. Really chill atmosphere, with good mix of friends, families and couples enjoying the beautiful sunsets. Plus, you can get cold, fresh coconuts from a local vendor right on the beach. Definitely worth a visit.

As its name says try to be there before sunset. Imo, this is by far the best beach on north Oahu shore. Parking in front of the beach, as well across the road where're the restrooms. During our visit sea was mostly calm, but be aware it can be very rough.

Traffic and crowds are a north shore phenomenon that isn't likely to go away anytime soon, but at least Sunset Beach is relatively uncrowded. Because it's not readily visible from the main road and parking is in small lots along a mile or so of road it never seems to be too crowded.

Loved the time we spent on this beach, not crowded at all. Relaxing and amazing views from this beach. Enjoy the Island and get away from Waikiki...this place is the paradise you came here for!!

do not surf this place if you don't know what your doing! its better to watch then get cleaned up or die in this beautiful but treacherous surfing spot Paumalu!

Ample parking in lot, and bathroom facilities available. If you're there for the sunset you'll have one of the best views of it on Oahu!

Don't miss the sunset at Sunset!! :-)
Great place for surfing and to hang out at the beach with the family!

Went there for a full day. The beach was beautiful, and not crowded at all. We had to watch the youngest kid a bit due to the waves but it was only fun.

Food was availible 5 minutes away at Teds bakery.

I enjoyed watching the surfers, but I do not surf myself. Our four-year-old daughter built sand castles. I am glad we went, but we did not stay long.

This beach can get rough even when it's considered, "calm." But the water is so beautiful, you see surfers way out, kids boogie boarding, we floated a rounded and lounged on the beach... It was peaceful and relaxing. Very hard to walk away from!

This place is magical. Little tiny crabs just cruise around in the water but there are not enough of them to be an annoyance. The water is incredibly blue. The waves were big enough to surf but far enough out that it was calm swimming on the shoreline.

Beautiful Spot to stop and take pictures or enjoy the view. We were not there during surf season- and are not surfers- but we enjoyed the scenic drive and the amazing weather

Spent 4 days on the North Shore to see the the Vans Triple Crown. Unfortunately while we were there the conditions were not favourable for big surf so the the comp was off for those days. Was still some low to medium waves but not what we hoped to see. As a non surfer not really a lot to do there when the weather and waves are not co-operating.

Is a nice beach but not very wide. Apparently storms in October affected the beach. If no big waves other beaches are better if you are a non surfer. Not much parking.
A shame we missed the sunset there.

We stopped on the way back to where we were staying. Place was very busy near sunset. We were lucky to get a parking spot. Surfers were still out surfing. The sunset was not that great as the sun was setting behind the mountain I heard it is better in the spring and summer setting over the ocean. I was standing taking pictures and this surfer came around me and stopped kneeled down and prayed then head up looked at the surf and ran in. I loved seeing this experience!
Worth a stop, son in law had fun with his daughter in the waves too.

Sunset Beach is one of our top five beaches on the island of Oahu. Vans World Cup surfing was going on when we visited Sunset in late November (2018). Seeing a big waves surfing contest is a memorable experience. However, in the off-surf season times, Sunset is a beautiful beach with stunning sunsets. Parking is not a problem with plenty of shoulder parking and a good parking lot nearby.

Had come in part to see the WSL qualifiers in the Vans event only to find it had been postponed because the winter wave action was deemed too dangerous. This made for good sea viewing even though it was disappointing not to have seen the surfers

We love north shore. There are beautiful beaches, bays. Great for taking pictures and for surfing. Do not miss it. Recommended !

This beach is always a must stop on the North Shore. Its family friendly and a great place to swim and relax. Definitely add this beach to your next visit to the area!

Beautiful beach with a lot of space and plenty of sand for everyone. The water was perfect to play in. This was one of our favorite beaches of the several we stopped at.

We went on a weekday, the weather was beautiful and the beach was not crowded. The waves were nice, not too big. We had an enjoyable afternoon there.

We stopped by here was we just had a need to get wet. We glad we did as the water here was clean and when the sun was out, the water took on a brilliant turquoise color. The sand was nice and the water got deceivingly deep quickly. I regret not taking a photo of the crooked palm trees.

Park along the highway. Restrooms and shower were across the street where you can rinse off the salt water and change your clothes.

This is a great beach for tanning, swimming and playing in the waves. It is a popular beach so it can get crowded. We got there around 9AM and had no trouble parking. We traveled in June.
The waves were lots of fun, and we didn't have any issues with currents, but conditions can change.
This beach has lifeguards.
A fun morning in Hawaii!

Despite the traffic to get there, this beach was absolutely awesome. We always found parking in the lot across from the main beach and there is a shower to clean off afterwards. The water is bad for snorkeling due to the lack of reef, but it's crystal clear and gets deep quickly, so if you enjoy floating in calm clear water this is the beach for you. The sand is large and soft to relax on, and the view from the beach is breathtaking. Honestly, after visiting 3 times during the middle of week days on our trip, I can say I never felt crowded or bothered by other people - plenty of space for fellow beach bums.

Made a quick stop here one day to check out beach and waves. Was rainy so very brief. Would be beautiful in the sun

We visited this beach in the hope of watching the Hawaiian Pro. Unfortunately, the Pro was called of that day due to poor surf conditions. Nevertheless, we stayed around for well over an hour watching the surfers who were out braving the conditions and it was still mesmerising. We also walked down towards the Banzai Pipeline and there was another break closer to shore that was made for even better viewing. We wouldn't recommend swimming here though as the seas were very rough.
We were still here at sunset and it is a beautiful place to watch the sunset over the water.

The North Shore of Oahu is truly one of the best stretches of beach on earth and probably is home to the best waves. The waves were truly the best I've ever seen. The signs strongly advised not swimming due to the waters power but I feel this is debatable and depends on the weather conditions of the day at hand. I saw dozens of surfers along the 7-mile miracle and I'd say Sunset beach was the best spot on this stretch. Depending on your interest levels one could pop into the beach for 15 minutes to soak up the views and take some pictures or make a whole day of the experience. I would recommend this area to anyone who loves water, beaches, ocean views, surfing, surf culture and most importantly WAVES! Surfs up

Depending on the month, this beach can be calm and beautiful, or wild and furious. Spending an evening watching the sunset is very romantic.

The beach is super gorgeous and at the north shore area. The entire region is so worthwhile to visit and of course palm trees always mean vacations! It is easy to find on your drive going north.

It is a very wonderful beach. Waves is calm in the summer. Many big waves flocks in winter. It is comfortable to relax in a beach, but is suitable for surfing.You should go this beach.

Very pretty, view of the sunset! Small parking lot, not too many people on the beach to view the sunset, quiet peaceful, romantic

This is a good location for experienced body boarding, not as demanding as Pounders but still somewhat technical with plenty of reef to be aware of. To the right of the parking area is where the locals body board over top a rather shallow reef but just to the left you can catch an occasional wave without the threat of the reef below you.

This beach is ideal for boogie boarding and surfing. It is also great for swimming but has very strong currents and you need to be an accomplished swimmer and not go out too far. Great temperature in the water

We made a short stop here on aRound the Island tour. It’s a pretty little beach with golden sand and huge waves. It’s awesome just watching the surf crashing onto the shore.

Visited here a few times and is always lovely. I come for sunset and also to see the sea turtles that come up onto the beach to warm themselves.
There always seems to be a couple of turtles up on the beach. Just be sure not to disturb the turtles! This is a must see area!

Parking a little tough with competition going on. But found a spot. Really cool to watch surfers, the waves are crazy! Nice beach, cloudy that day so didnt get a great sunset., but would def recommend going there! Surprised how deep you sink into sand here..

Great place for the family to get into the water. We made sure that we stayed around until sunset and took in the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen.

Beautiful beach and park area. This is a great place to come watch some of the best surf the island has to offer. This is not a place to learn to surf and the area beaches may be posted to warn off any one but the most expert surfers. There are several big events hosted here during premium season.

This is a beautiful clean wide beach that runs forever, and the size of the waves rolling in makes it an ideal area for surfers. The roar of the waves coming in is mezmerizing, but be carefu. Giant waves can develop at any moment reaching way up onto the beach bringing with them considerable undertow. This rumored to be President Obama's favorite beach, and it is easy to see why. If in Honolulu, it is well worth your time to break away from Waikiki and explore the north shore!

Could not believe how much plastic trash is all along the beach!! They should clean up the beach along this side! I wonder if they every have beach clean up, I would rather go to a beach without all the trash !

Even on a cloudy day, one can see the beauty of this beach. The waves are mesmerizing. Wish we were here in the evening to see the sunset.

On our last day of our trip we went to Sunset beach park where we flew our drone around and got awesome footage! The beach is super clean and less packed compared to Waikiki! We were able to enjoy the sunset and relax! To top it off a bunch of food trucks are across the street from the beach! If you go to Oahu make sure this is a beach you stop at!

Came for the sunset and was not disappointed. Others also stay for the sunset but it wasn't crowded in early September. We also found parking in the parking lot. Romantic and relaxing!

Sunset Beach Park was beautiful. Wish we had gone up that way more often. It beautiful and well worth the drive

If you are looking for a sandy beach where you can see one of the triple crowns of surfing contests in the winter months and beautiful sunsets, be sure to stop at Sunset Beach near the Banzai Pipeline. During the winter months, swells can be up to 30 feet. This beach is considered “one of the best of Oahu” and is worth your time to drive to the north shore. It has a wide sandy beach that is a great place to enjoy its calmness during the summer months.

Beautiful beach, amazing surfers, and great people watching. Lots of tour buses stop here for a 10-20 minute picture stop and so this is a great people watching opportunity when you're waiting for the surfers to catch a wave. We stopped at Sunset Beach on three separate occasions - early am, noonish, and late afternoon. Definitely different vibes based on the time but can always enjoy watching the surfers. We were able also to watch wind surfers on our third stop. Beach is beautiful and quite large, never felt cramped.

We saw some reviews around this beach and how amazing the sunset was there, so we decided to head there for the end of our day to catch some sunshine, and I’m really glad we did! The beach is called sunset for a reason! Amazing view from the sun setting in the ocean and amazing vibe all around.

fantastic view! It was great to watch the world surfing competition but a real bummer to get a parking ticket even though I was parked among the many other cars that didn’t get a ticket -seemed like they enjoyed giving me every violation they
could think of in the back corner of the parking lot ): so watch for hidden parking signs!

One of the famous surfers locations on the north shore. Parking was easy, great sand beach, and lots of surfers to watch, makes for an exciting day.

Worth a visit for the iconic crooked palm-tree alone! Stunning beach, whatever the time of day, great waves - everything you'd want in Hawaii.
Ironically, less crowded that the beaches outside hotels, exactly why you need to get out and explore!

Love the beauty and just the relaxing and peaceful vibe at this place! it is in MHO a MUST stop when on the Island of Oahu. Yes there are MANY great beaches on the island, but this was is special in it's ULTIMATE relaxation vibe!

The epitome of Hawaii when one thinks of ocean beaches, complete with palm trees and light breezes. What a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

This is our second favourite beach in Oahu (Favourite is Lanaki - Beautiful & great for Kayaking) Sunset beach is also known as Bonsai Pipeline (a top surf spot). As we went in January the waves were 12 meters high with professional surfers out in the water. The beach was crowded with people observing a surfing competition or those brave enough to enter the water. Tip: Anyone in the water had wetsuits on I assume for floatation, for warmth and to protect against scrapes from the coral. This would not be good place for kids to go swimming due to the size of the waves. There is a lifeguard station and it was impressive watching them go out on seadoo’s to rescue surfers who had their boards broken (twice we saw that happen). We were fortunate to stay for a Sunset as some local musicians played for us (It was epic). Tips: Theres usually traffic and it’s hard to find parking here. We wanted to stay for a Sunset so it’s better to drive a car up here than returning on a motorcycle after dark. I suggest visiting Giovanni’s shrimp truck (expect big lines), Green world coffee (I’m a coffee Lover), Mosumoto’s shave ice (“Island Snow” with the “natural” flavours was better I thought). When you return take the shore-line drive back to Waikiki (if you return during the day for great scenic views).

Stopped by to see the beach on our way around the north shore. It was beautiful. I wish we would have had more time to spend there.

A really nice beach that invites you to linger. It is wide, offers some shade - think better of the equipment - however, the current can be very strong. The surf is always a bit stronger, so surfers love the beach. A lifeguard is there on-duty. Toilets are also available and some parking spaces. Not suitable for swimming for very young children. Maybe even better at sunset than during the day.

We loved this beach, decent enough to park close by, awesome sand, not too busy when we were there.A great spot !

I am not a surfer, but love watching others. We went there to see the waves ... on this day they were 12-17 ft, not huge but great to see people surf.

This is a must see beach for people who are seeing the Island. Just be patient if it is busy and take the first parking spot you see.

We came back to watch the sunset and swim after a long day enjoying Oahu. We had a fun hour swimming and watching the sunset even though there were clouds it was still beautiful!

Beautiful beach ,nice soft sand and gorgeous water ..stopped for a hour and enjoyed a lot ..Had some gorgeous pictures here .

This is a nice beach but the parking is very limited and I do not think it is worth the trouble to find a spot if there is not one already available when you get there.

There are plenty of small beaches along the road where you could just park on the side of the road and go enjoy the sunset over the ocean.

It was very hard to visualize thirty foot waves , it was calm as a mill pond! But it’s a nice enough sandy beach

If you wand to relas in the sun and watch waves ans surfers, this is th eplace for you. Great photo op too!

Well, the beaches were closed to swimming and surfing due to high/dangerous tides, however they could not close the views. We had stopped in at the art gallery in Haleiwa and noticed that most of the landscapes were painted at Sunset Beach, so there we went! Since no one could swim, we had the beach mostly to ourselves. The views were amazing and the solitude priceless...what more could I say?

With a high surf advisory in place it was fun to watch the waves crashing in the surf. There is a bit of sand to walk on but not a good place to get in the water, at least in the winter. It looks like it would be a great spot for a sunset if the conditions for one are good.

Made a quick stop on our way home from Shark's Cove to get a glimpse of the beautiful view. Gorgeous place, very clean.

We stayed in Waikiki & the beach there was very crowded & did not appeal at all. We decided to rent a car & go to sunset beach as a friend from Oahu recommended we go. What an amazingg place! So beautiful & peaceful where you only hear the waves in the ocean & birds in the trees. That to me is what in envisioned Hawaii to be! Wish I could have spent all my beach time here! The water was fresh with no debris. The beach was clean & practically deserted except for packs of wild chickens in the shade of a copse of trees. There were facilities across the street. My family & I swam in the wavy water & had an amazing time!

it is a nice place with free parking it is the first beach i think when coming up on the north side less waves than the beaches after that

Don't miss a sunset here while you're in Hawaii. It's perfection! If you want to swim, just go out a little bit- near the shore the waves come in and drag you around, find the sweet spot and you're good to go,

Good proximity to parking, right on the road and a short walk. Steep drop-off seemed to create bigger waves; I wouldn't recommend for kids or weak swimmers.

This used to be our favorite beach to lay out on and spend time in the water but most of the beach is gone and the rest is covered in debris. We asked a local what happened to have changed this beach so dramatically since our last visit. Apparently they had 40 ft waves here about 3 weeks ago and it's wiped out the beach. It's a good beach for sunsets and to watch surfers. It gets super crowed with tourists. Not great for laying out or getting away from people.

It was nice watching the surf guys. The sea is beautiful and it was not very crowded and it can be during the surf competitions.

Took a drive up to north shore and stopped here at Sunset Beach Park. Beautiful at sunset. Waves later in the day are closer to the shore so if you want to see surfing the morning is best.

Of all the beaches in the immediate area, this is by far my favourite beach.

The potential for photos were outstanding. There is an obvious reason for it being called "Sunset." Beautiful. It's a much longer walk from Backpackers Hostel than the other beaches but definitely worth it.

The variety of colours in the sky that the sunset produced had me taking more photos than I could have ever possibly imagined. Plus, the high waves complimented the photos very well.

Repeat visit a must.

Another beautiful beach along North Shore, great for surfers and watching them on the waves. We were there in December when surf and current was too great for swimming or boarding. Life guards on duty, very observant of people on the beach and warn you of not going too close to water edge. A bit of a concern if you have young children.

We had the opportunity to enjoy the waves of the north shore at sunset. The park is beautiful and the view could not have been better.

This is a nice beach but qutie rocky in the water. Great for watching the sun rise but not for swimming.

I had picked particular beaches to visit on my trip to Oahu (I wasn't interested in Waikiki or mass amounts of crowds.) Sunset Beach was incredibly beautiful and a taste of the real Hawaiian life. The water is a little bit rough (even during the "calm season") but worth it. You see surfers in the distance and spear fisherman catching up fish for the local restaurants, and again, in peace without tourists everywhere. There's food trucks along the beach with fantastic treats, definitely a "must see" if in Oahu. The drive to the North Shore was stunning and it just was a wonderful place to spend the day!

This was a great beach to snorkel . The waves did not significantly affect the lagoon . You will need water shoes as the beach is filled with rocks . There are restrooms and a shower with free parking . There were lots of fish to see . There are sea urchins Everywhere so be careful . There are shallow areas safe for kids with a sandy beach .

Beautiful sand and water! Great place to swim and surf. However, bring some sort of umbrella for refuge from sun. There's life guard station nearby.

This is a very fun spot, we loved lying on this amazing beach watching the waves just a gorgeous beach and park. The park is also beautiful.

Very nice sunset, just a good beach to sit relax and watch the professional surfers since it is not allowed to swim; currant too strong!

Best sunset on Oahu. Came back next day for boogie boarding and lounging. Large sandy beach that wasn't busy on a Friday.

This is a great stop for watching the sunset. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to scope out a good photography location on the beach. I use a sun position app on my phone to help plan where the sub will be at certain times. Wear water shoes to make walking around a little easier. There was a food truck selling fresh smoothies and coconuts when we visited. A bathroom was available next to the parking lot.

We visited in the afternoon. If you are seeking shade there is not much of it but the beach is long and there is plenty of space for visitors. We enjoyed the sun surf and sand with Orr 6-year old daughter.

This is a place to enjoy the huge waves and talented surfers. One of the most famous beaches in the world for surfing.

This is a beautiful spot close to the most coveted surf beaches in the world. On a good day you can catch pro surfers ripping the waves while you bathe in the sun and enjoy a picnic.

I love this beach for a few reasons. It's a long stretch of sand with a lot of parking. You can sit in your car or in the bed of your truck and have a great view of the surfing or just watching the waves. Lots of people discreetly (sometimes not so discreetly) have beers and maybe lunch from the lunch trucks down the street while hanging out on the beach. It's not legal to drink on the beaches but it's like a part of Hawaii life. I probably wouldn't do it right in front of the lifeguard stand. Don't leave trash!!! The traffic really slows down in front of this beach especially when the surf is good, during surf competitions and at sunset. It's kind of a mess everyday at sunset so plan accordingly.

First visited in January 2011. The waves weren't that big this time, but I enjoyed walking along the beautiful sandy beach. I took the city bus here from Waikiki beach. The next times in December 2013 and 2014 we came to watch the Pipemasters Surfing competition. You could barely find a place to park each time. Enjoyed setting our ABC beach chairs on the sand and watching Kelly Slater and JJ Florence compete on some really big waves. In February 2016, the waves reached 60 feet tall on the North Shore. I never went to the competition for Vans, but I went cage diving up that way and we had to reschedule because the waves were so large.

Great spot to sit and watch those talented enough to take on the surf. We didn't stay for sunset but I am guessing by the name it would be an amazing spot.

In my opinion the most beautiful beach on the North Shore of Ohau. Very large has stretches with rough sea and stretches with calm sea ideal for bathing. Also nn there is no parking problem.

Want to take colorful pictures and enjoy water sports? Sunset Beach is a paradise. Intense blue color combined with white sand beach and a few palm trees... Best in the morning.

We passed Sunset Beach on our last day in Hawaii and I'm so glad we did because it was the most amazing sunset in my life. You get so actually look right at the sun and watch as it slowly disappears beyond the sea. This is a MUST SEE at least once in your life.

We came for a swim. It was a windy day... very sandy. Yet... the water was so clear n warm. It is a divine sensation. Please be aware that it gets deep after few steps in, as well as the current can be really pulling in. Overall a great experience. The views are stunning

This beach has a very laid back and locals and transplant beach bum(I dont mean that as a negative) feel. Very casual and fun. It gets a little busier right before sunset and it is worth seeing.

Our kids played in the surf for hours. Lifeguard came around on an atv to tell us when the surf wasn’t ideal for our little ones so we knew to move when the waves got out of control. Go here once before you die. The big waves of the north shore are the coolest thing to witness.

This place was awesome! We were blown away by the size of the waves. Apparently the day before the surf was flat! We had came on a day with 20-15 ft waves! I couldn't image playing in those killer waves. Certainly it a spot to swim with the family. Rest room facilities available as were some food trucks across the road. A must see place if you want to see phenomenal waves like no other

Whilst we were in Oahu we hired snorkeling equipment from Snorkel Bobs and one of the locations they recommended for snorkeling was Sunset Beach. The morning we went from what I could find online there was a strong rip. And at this location they have a lifeguard on duty during the day (9am to 5pm). I went and checked with him first about snorkeling conditions which I'm glad I did as he said the visibility that morning wasn't great for snorkeling. Instead he said go to Sharks Cove (terrific recommendation) which I was really grateful for. But the beach itself is beautiful and the next time we are in Oahu I hope to go there again, and attempt snorkeling then.

Absolutely one of the most beautiful, if not iconic, beaches in the world! It lives up to every story I have ever heard about it. The views are spectacular and the vibe very relaxed. It is a busy spot especially if there are surfing contests in the area however don't let that deter you. The culture is welcoming and warm.

Very nice park with tables and bathrooms. Great beach, but might not be best for small kids due to size of surf and current. Very beautiful

Sunset has to be included as one of the better surfing areas. It also has and fantastic beach for just relaxing and enjoying the water and sceanery. I took some sunset photos but got some better at Haleiwa. Just a wrong time and place. But is is worth the wait to capture it sinking into the Pacific.

One of my favorite beaches on Oahu. Sunset Beach is just one of those places that you stand, awestruck, marveling at the beauty surrounding you. You can sit in the sand and watch the surfers. I saw people swimming, but the waves were pretty high the day I was there, so I'm not sure if I'd chance it, personally.

I liked the view at Shark Cove better and the waves at pipeline, but this would probably be the better beach front on the North Shore. Very limited parking.

The water at sunset beach was very blue and clear. This beach is pretty quiet and so beautiful. We had a nice time swimming and relaxing on this beach. Amazing views all around.

Big white sandy beach with big waves. The current was very strong close to the shore. There are a lot of surfers there and fun to watch.

We didn’t swim here at all, but there were lots is sea turtles up close and a beautiful scenery for pictures! Make sure you stay at least 10ft away from the sea turtles or you can be fined, but very cool to watch.

We loved this beach, the sand is amazing. I've never seen sand like it anywhere else. The waves were also the perfect size for some really great body surfing.

The Waves...oh my god! They were so big that there was caution tape around so no one could go. One guy kayaked the waves though and that was a view. There are food trucks right across the street from here so you can go for sunset, eat dinner, watch the waves and enjoy the sunset! HIGHLY recommend even if its just to drop in for 30mins to watch the waves.

This is one of many wonderful beaches to watch surfers. And, a wonderful place to walk the beach and find peace.

Fresh air, beautiful beach, perfect waves, several tribes, structure (parking, full bathrooms, drinking fountains, restaurants, shops, etc.)

Beautiful beach but unfortunately due to the weather we didn't see any form of sunset! Ample parking and facilities available.

The day we visited there were signs posted preventing everyone from entering the water due to the high surf. However, just watching the beautiful water and waves was enough to make it worth or while. Just gorgeous!

We stayed nearby for a week in the hope that a good swell would turn up and were fortunate enough to see rounds of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on two of the days, including swells of 12 to 18 foot on one of the days. The beach is aptly named and watching the sunset over Kaenu Point (western tip of Oahu) is a must see. The beach shoreline is a little too steep for inexperienced swimmers during low swell conditions and a no-go area when the swell is up. Don't miss a visit to Sunset Beach.

We stopped here on a tour. I wish we had had more time to spend watching the waves and the surfers. The waves were only 3-4 feet that day, but I imagine it is spectacular when the waves are larger.

Great place to view sunsets. Beautiful beach with all the amenities. Can be crowded, even at sunset. Great for suntans as well and surfer viewing with appropriate surf conditions.

Sunset Beach is stunning and beautiful
Spend a moment watching the surfers and drive on 5 minutes to Pipeline - all the beaches on the North shore well worth seeing

A huge winter swell had hit the week we were here which made for some epic waves! Lovely beach to sit on and have a beer in the late afternoon sun and watch the waves and the surfers!

Sunset Beach is on the North Shore of Oahuin Hawaii and known for big wave surfingduring the winter season. The original Hawaiian name for this place is Paumalū. It was home to the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational surfing competition until 1985. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in honor of Eddie Aikau started at Sunset Beach in 1984. Today Sunset Beach is home to the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which is part of the World Cup of Surfing. It also holds contests such as the Pipe Masters and a stop on the WSL Championship Tour.

Like many beaches on Oahu's North Shore, Sunset Beach is considered dangerous for inexperienced surfers, due to extensive coralformations near the surface that present the risk of serious injury. Conditions for swimming change depending on the particular location and season. Generally speaking, the water is flat as a lake in the summers and has waves in the winters. All the surfing contests take place in the winter around December and January, that being the time of the largest and best waves for surfing. Swimming conditions change from spot to spot along the beach. There is usually a place to swim somewhere, except during stormy weather.

Really pretty beach. I happened by while a pro surf competition was going on, and enjoyed watching the little stick figures in the distance as they zoomed down big waves. I repeat, BIG waves. I wouldn't swim or surf here without knowing the local waters well.

Also caught a sunset here - I can see how it got its name!

Sunset Beach is famous for its surfing near Waimea Valley. Great place to watch the surfers and this is a really beautiful place to come. Really fantastic beach and very picturesque.

The entire North Shore of Oahu is a site for sore eyes. If you love beaches, open oceans and big waves you need to check it out.

Though we didn't witness the sunset, it was a nice beach. There are other great beaches in the area.

I flew to Hawaii in June of 2009 for the very first time. After we landed and grabbed a rental car we made the 30 minute drive to our hotel in Waikiki Beach. We were exhausted from the 5 hour time difference. The next morning we decided to drive to the famus North Shore. Our destination was a place called Giovanni's Shrimp truck. We had read about it being a favorite of the stars of Lost. We were amazed by the scenery along the way. My wife said lets stop at one of the beaches. As we travelled we saw a sign for Sunset Beach. I remember hearing about this beach famous for its sunsets. We pulled in and were beside ourselves at the natural beauty of this beach. In my opinions its one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu. We sawm for 2 hours and have been back to that beach at least 6 or 7 more times in all of my 3 trips to Oahu. The Sunset is the namesake of this beach for a reason. It is the most beautiful sunset you will ever lay your eyes on. This is truely one of the most important events to see on Oahu. I would put it second to Pearl Harbor. The last trip there in 2013 I lost my wedding ring there...LOL If you see it let me know. My wife and I have a running joke that we left it in the most beautiful place on earth..There are showers and changing rooms across the street. Swimming is a blast there in the summer. In the winter its very dangerous there..

This park offers great snorkelling and some wicked views at sunset. Directly across the hwy are numerous food trucks and even snorkelling equipment renal places. Its worth it to spend some time here

The sand is clean and soft, the beach long, the water beautiful, but oh, do plan to be there for the sunsets. They are spectacular here.

This is the quintessential North Shore beach experience. You cannot leave Oahu without taking in this beach. The beach sand is perfect and the surf is so amazing you are almost certain to see some experienced surfers riding waves.

There was no swimming as the beach was closed when we visited. Only able to take photos and get my feet wet.

A beautiful beach to catch some incredible surfing and a sunset! Parking is tight, but we found a place pretty easily in the late afternoon. In time for prime viewing!

We love this beach. Took our adult kids and spent several hours. Beautiful water and sand, not crowded, easy parking. Do it!

Sunset beach is a North Shore famous stop. Even is you are on a timeline you must stop at this beach. If you don't believe me just count all the tourist busses with passengers from around the world that make Sunset Beach a stop. You won't be disappointed. If you have the day to lay out and enjoy, even better. Mahalo

We drove by on a cloudy day. Spectacular view and you see a lot of people surfing. Really impressive. It's about 1 hour drive from Waikiki.

This is the beach where the Triple Crowd surfing competition is being held yearly. We were there day after the big wind storm . The beach was closed for surfing and swimming , as the waves still dangerous ( 40 ft). The sand is soft , thevview is spectacular , the waves and wind really teach one to respect the power of the nature

Long stretch of beach, parking and public bathroom (including shower and changing room) nearby.

Multiple warning signs not to go swimming (or otherwisebe careful). No swimmers when we were there, some challenging the breaking waves at the shoreline. Verry limited shade options.

5 surfers far out catching the waves.

I took the family here near sunset. There is a reason they call it sunset beach it is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. There are not restrooms in the area make sure you don't need one before going.

The sunset in this beach was one of the best that I saw in this island.

There will not be any difference if you see the sunset in other beach like pippeline or anyone near there...

Sunset Beach lives up to its name with some of the most breathtaking sunsets on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The wide stretch of sand, gentle waves in summer, and iconic surf breaks in winter make it a year-round favorite. We found it peaceful and uncrowded during golden hour, with locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the sky light up in shades of orange and pink. There aren’t many amenities nearby, so it’s best to come prepared with water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen. Whether you’re here to surf, stroll, or simply sit and soak in the view, Sunset Beach is a must-stop for anyone exploring the island.

A great big long beach with lovely golden sand, fun crashing waves and some great surf action. Some beautiful properties in the beachfront - oh, to have one of those properties - let me win the lottery please!

Came here to see the sunset but also to swim.
Had a great time, water was clear and warm! Very limited shady spots so bring an umbrella!
Sunset was gorgeous would highly recommend

This was our go to beach hang out. Went here a total of about 6 times during our 2 week trip. life guards, showers, rest rooms, changing rooms. But best of all they have Food Trucks!! Tried a different one each day, all were excellent. Surf can be rough in some areas when the tides change so be careful where you set up for the day and pay attention to the life guard announcements and flags. Our resident host told us the locals call this "breakneck beach", but don't be scared, just aware and careful!

Easy to access right on the highway. We only swam here once during our stay as was a bit too rough for my young kids to swim in (8 and 4.5 years), instead opting for the calm of Sharks Cove. Always lots of people here, especially at sunset. Definitely lives up to its name as we watched a stellar sunset on our last night on the North Shore.

They were preparing for a big wave contest the next day at Sunset Beach. The waves were extremely impressive. The waves were approximately 15 feet in height. When we looked down at the Bonzi Pipeline the waves appeared to be even higher. The next day they were supposed to be 25 feet for the contest.

Great place to watch big wave surfers. The entertainment value is beyond expected. Pretty beach to spend a day.

Stopping along the North Shore and seeing the beautiful beaches and the big waves they are famous for is a must see if you are on Oahu. Truly spectacular views of the ocean, and so fun to watch people surf on the big waves. You can spend 15 minutes, or hours just watching the surf.

Parking is limited but you can see spots along road and walk in. This area is very busy on weekends and when the surf is real high.

This is a really beautiful beach. It could use a little more shade, but it has decent restrooms. Definitely a great place to spend the day!

We only stopped here briefly, to view the famous surfer's paradise. We stopped at where the pipeline wave happens. Not being surfers, any of us, this was just an aesthetic experience, to marvel at the beautiful beach and water, and the lovely waves, even if it was not the right time of year for the really spectacular ones. It was just a beautiful sight, fully deserving of the description: awesome.

What dreams are made of. Actually all bees in Oahu were like that. Very clean, not overly crowded. There are change rooms

Sunset is a beautiful beach to watch the sun goes down. Soft sand, but the wave can be a little rough. Parking is a bit difficult at times. The water is clear and less crowded. Crossing the highway for the bathroom is a bit tricky for kids. It is a long drive from Honolulu ( 1 hour), but it is so much better than at Waikiki beaches. It's worth the trip to Sunset beach if you have time.

We were so fortunate to see some big swell pump in on an afternoon session with a crowd of people on the beach and watch some amazing surfers. Just cool to be apart of it.

You haven’t lived until you’ve been to sunset beach. It’s on of those places that will permanently spoil your outlook on all other beaches. The sunsets...... the tranquility as our closest star falls below the horizon...... go here, put your phone down, and find your way in the thunderous crashing of the waves

Our private tour guide brought us to this area and told us some detailed info about Sunset Beach Park and this area. Sunset Beach spans from Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) to Sunset Point, encompassing a dozen different reef breaks. This two-mile stretch of sand is considered one of the longest rideable surf spots in the world, and it’s also a venue for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November-December). Ehukai Beach is really nice. The sand is very soft, and the beach is big. The water can be a little rough. Watching the sunset here is one of the most exquisite places to do so as it sets over the beautiful mountain range to the west.

Beautiful beach located on the Northshore. Lovt clear water for a swim and plenty of parking. Bring water and food with you.

We sat on this beach and absorbed the wonderful sunshine and wind. It was really quit beautiful. It was a rather windly day, very, very few swimmers as some larger waves. But we did get to see a few surfers try their luck.

Sunset Beach was recommended to us by a local when we asked which beaches were the best. They have a decent amount of parking and the beach is deep and wide. Also a surfing hotspot.

In the 3 weeks we were staying on the North Shore of Oahu we witnessed Mother Nature erode the sand by 3 metres.

After dinner, our family just needed a gorgeous, not-too-crowded beach to watch the sunset from. So, Sunset Beach seemed to be the natural choice. It was absolutely perfect.

Beautiful beach and fun waves. We spent the afternoon and came back for sunset. Not far from food trucks, bring drinks etc if you want to stay for a while.

Up to watch the big waves and the surfers at Sunset...the waves were very broken up and the wind was howling but it's still the North shore and it was great...parking is always an issue but luck prevails and we got parking up front...definitely would return. Been there a couple times before a few years back...

Big waves only swim here in the summer. Another This where there is surfing. Also the beach is very Clean. Lastly, these a cool waves.

We stopped here for lunch at the bunch of food trucks across the road. There is plenty of parking and a good selection of food from the trucks. North Shore Shrimp was particularly good.

On the beach, there is a beach pool enclosed by rocks. When we visited early in the day, the waves were coming over the wall and it was too rough for snorkelling or swimming. At low tide, it was calmer and people were in there enjoying themselves but as the tide turned the waves started coming over the wall again.

On a practical but very necessary note, the toilets at the beach here were some of the cleanest I've seen at any beachside

It's a clean and beautiful beach park. In winter the waves are too big to go swimming but it's perfect to go surfing when you are a pro.

Known for great place to surf the beach is beautiful with big waves, great for a swim or just enjoy the beach and watch the surfers. Definitely recommend for anybody who loves beaches.

We stayed in a vacation rental on the North Shore and even though this beach park was only a couple houses down the beach, the water was more calm than directly in front of the house.The waves on the North Shore are calmer in the summer. The beach sand along this area is soft but deep, making it hard to walk in. At Sunset Beach Park itself, there's not much of an incline from water to beach, but in both directions from the beach park, the incline is steep. BEAUTIFUL beach all the way around. Now showers nor toilets.

Great for sunsets and family time. Do not go on weekends if you can avoid it as it very busy and parking is hard to find.

Great little park with Huge Waves~! No Parking though. It was a great recommendation. We got there the day after the Volcom invitational and were able to pick up some surf shirts. There were a lot of surfers hitting the waves and we had a good time watching for a little while.

Recently spent the day at Sunset Beach and LOVED every minute! Soft sand, gorgeous water, beautiful coastline, casual surfers, and perfect weather with a blend of clouds/sun. Pack a picnic, umbrella, and boogie board and you're good to go!

Such an awesome experience! We just played along the shore. And watched the pros during the paddleboard competition! Would love to revisit during the summer when it would be safer for amateurs!

Great surf and a beautiful sunset is what you’ll find here on the north shore. Soft sand with a sea turtle resting is a bonus

Out of all the beaches we visited in Oahu, Sunset Beach was our favorite. Spectacular views, clean soft sand and ample parking made this beach a true Hawaiian gem.

The beach at Sunset Beach Park is pretty nice. There was a large number of people surfing (wind and kite) which was very cool to watch. They were catching some decently sized waves and getting pretty high in the air. The sand reminds me of the Gulfd of Mexico.

We went to Sunset beach to enjoy to Sun,Sand and Surf
Very Nice beach and not crowded , enjoyed watching the surfers and the Beautiful sunshine.

In the winter, the surf is up. Lovely beach, but not for swimming. Rather take a walk and watch the experienced surfers catch a wave.

The place is relatively small compare to Waimea beach and is very crowded in the evening time. People come to watch sunset.

January is Hawaii's winter and the surf if very rough and high big waves during this time. Surfing championships often are taking place during this time. The beach has roar and spray but heed the signs to stay out of the water, as it can be dangerous as well as beautiful.

If your looking to get a good view of the pipeline stop by sunset during a good swell. Lots of parking and easy access to beach!!

Best sunset views and beautiful water. I was staying across the street so I was here a lot. I arrived when it was no waves and left when the currents and waves were up. Beautiful beach ....

This is the palce for those famous Hawaiian sunsets you've seen on post cards. Absolutely magical. The beach itself has a ton of very clean soft sand. There's lot of parking nearby. Even during Vans Triple Crown of Surfing we found parking pretty easily. This is a very popular spot for surfers in the winter for very good reason: there are swells of 3' and upwards here. It's not the best swimming beach, if that's what you're looking for. You can, however, wade in, and the surf will crash you well enough to get your whole body wet which is, actually, more fun than just swimming in the ocean anyway!

We spent a couple of afternoons here, watching the sun go down as the children played. It was truly amazing.

Absolutely beautiful and charming. My camera could not capture all of its beauty. It was hot but not humid

We happened on this beach by accident as we drove by we stopped since the huge tide pools drew us in.

It was the warmest and best snorkeling we did. We saw huge eels and many turtles. We also say many fish

Bring water shoes and even water gloves as the rocks here are brutally sharp lava . A sun shirt is also nice as the waves just outside the tide pools can push you on to the lava

There are really amazing fish to see as well and the water in the tide pools was far warmer than any where else we swam . Due to the poor water circulation in the tide pools and all the products people wear, the tide pool water was just slightly less clear but still very good

This was our favorite beach on all of Oahu. The entire North Shore remains a special place on the overly developed island. It's like stepping back in time. The whole North Shore is an incredible world class surfing area during the winter months. We were there is March when the waves aren't as spectacular. Sunset Beach was beautiful with powdery white sand and clear warm waters. The surf was up on the day we visited in March which made for some good fun in the water, but it required some caution. We stayed all afternoon until sunset which offered beautiful views. There is moderate amount of parking available along the road and across the street in a lot. There are facilities including bathrooms, showers and changing rooms across the street from the beach in the lot. If you get hungry, the nearby Sunrise Shack was excellent. There are no lounge chairs or umbrellas to rent. If you are staying on Oahu for more than a few days and will be headed to the beach often, it would be worthwhile to stop by a local Walmart or Target and pick up a couple inexpensive beach chairs and a cooler to use while here which is what we did.

Beautiful beach clean open big and amazing view of the Sunset very romantic and relaxing. Side watch Your first step there a quick drop and strong current but everything else was great.

We had 4 days in the area on the north shore just after NY's. While it was pretty busy on day 1 it quite difficult down during the week. We watched some awesome surfers at Pipeline and nearby breaks. And found some good spots to swim. Beautiful water, warm and crystal clear.

The view is gorgeous, and the sense of the oceans power is very clear. This is a must see location. The surf and tide here is SCARY. Be careful and have fun.

We were there in January which is part of the big-wave surfing season, so many of the beaches were closed to swimming. But you could watch the surfers. Summer is the swimming season evidently.

There was a sign at Sunset Beach saying “no swimming”, but of course people were swimming and surfing. My kids stayed at the edge and were hit by a few big waves. It’s all fun and they had a great time. There is a small parking area, but cars seem to be leaving regularly.

Another iconic Hawaiian beach; with magnificent sunsets and surf, crashing waves, and surfers complimenting the experience.
Parking can be tight, especially on the weekend during high waves; but still it's worth the effort to immerse oneself in the North Shore of Oahu experience.

We toured and tried out several beaches in the northeast part of Oahu, and this was my favorite. Clean sandy beach, clear aqua-colored water, minimal rocks, gentle waves, and good expanse of beach, reasonable amount of parking, made this one most enjoyable for me. Those who like beaches with big waves will probably prefer a different one, but this beautiful one was my favorite!

We stopped here and ate the lunch we packed on the green grass area. The beach had nice sand and a beautiful place to relax. Lots of people enjoying the shallow water and snorkelers too.

This is the type of beach where you should stay to admire the awesome colors and the sunset. We were able to park just on the top of the beach.

It’s never that crowded. In the summer you can float and swim. The water feels great. And you must stay for the sunset.

There are food trucks all over. And also Teds bakery just up the road.

Have fun

Spent a couple of hours here enjoying the beautiful sandy beach, and the calm, gentle waves of the water. A nice drop off just a few yards off the beach puts you in over the head water pretty quickly, but it was so enjoyable. Can’t comment on the “Sunset” part of it though, we left before that.

This beach is the opposite of Waikiki, which I also enjoyed. But if you are looking for untouched quiet non-commercial, then make the trek up to the North Shore. I'll let my photos speak for themselves about the beauty. Also nice, public parking and public bathrooms too.

We picked up dinner at the food trucks a little ways past and brought it to sunset beach. We enjoyed watching the surfers surf the big waves and watch the sunset. Perfect way to end a day.

We came to Sunset Beach to see the surfing. The waves were too tame when we were there but plenty of cars with surf racks and signs for local surfer John John made it cool anyway. Go to the food trucks on Hale'ewa for lunch and then Hale'ewa general store for shave ice and good conversation.

If youre visiting Oahu, dont miss a stop here to see the beautiful scenery and watch a few brave souls on the waves while you soak up some sun.

Our Airbnb was located on this beach so I recommend it highly! My favorite time was low tide exploring all the tide pools w my daughters. So many sea urchins, crabs and wildlife that you normally only see when snorkeling, is all in view at low tide. I only had one day that I was able to do this so I plan to return and do this a few more days! So relaxing and educational. One day an endangered Monk Seal rested on this beach and local volunteers came and roped a space for her to rest. The volunteer even knew her name, It was Apu 🌺 I recommend Sunset Beach for watching Surfers too!!! 🏄🏼‍♀️ 🏄 🌊 Some of the best in the World surf here!!

The park is more of a bathroom, and parking stop. Or if you are into Pokemon, you can collect balls at the sign..... The beach across the street is the main attraction. Easy walk to water, and there are some waves in the summer, and massive waves in the winter. Do not miss Sunset Beach

A little hard to find parking .... but once there - pretty mellow waves. Kids were in the water and we kicked back with our cooler. Arrive after 2 and it’s sparsely populated. Clean 👍🏽

This beach is beautiful! Clear water but not good for snorkeling. The sand in the water is easy on your feet. I felt the current was very strong. My confident 8 year old swimmer got pulled under a few times only a few feet from the shore line.

The beach was taped off and closed by life guards and the competition was postponed. People had set themselves up all along the tape on towels and chairs so it was interesting when a larger than usual wave hit the beach and took several people by surprise and swallowed several pieces of footwear. Warning - Never stop watching the waves!

Sunset Beach must be the most sunset accessible beach in Oaho. Stellar views and fun beach with good surf.

Another stunning beach on this island. It was very quiet and peacful and the water was so clear and blue.

We went here one day when the waves and currents in front of our house were just too much and we wanted to be able to take our grandson into the water. It was an OK park compared to the rest of the beaches in Hawaii...but a good park compared to others out of state.

Really nice beach. Hic-pro surf competition was on when we were here so there were people everywhere and very difficult to get a park. Can imagine it is amazing during a sunset...

went there today since the waves were expected to be 15+ feet ... and they were quite high. parking is difficult to find, but if you do find a spot, this can be a wonderful place to watch the waves come in

Has some great waves. Another beautiful spot on the North Shore. Beach goes on for a very long distance. A wonderful place to catch some rays, seas can be a bit rough to go in but still worth checking out.

Beautiful beach on the North Shore! Especially in the evening for the sunsets. Great for photos! The beach can get busy so come early! Parking is across the street from the beach and has restrooms and spots to rinse off.