pronounced SUN-set
Long open north-shore beach — wide summer-calm sand, winter big-surf venue, dramatic sunsets.
NWS forecast for this exact lat/lon — forecasts can change, re-check before you go.
We hand-author beach details from on-the-ground sources. The city dataset (Sunset Beach Park) is an official inventory that can lag reality. Worth a cross-check on arrival.
Outdoor showers vary in working order. Don't count on them for a real rinse.
We list lifeguards here. City inventory may be stale — verify with posted tower hours on arrival.
Drinking-water flags vary across datasets and the fountains themselves can be out of service. Refill bottles before you leave home if it matters.
59-100 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712
Sunset Beach is wide and dramatic. In summer, the water can be calm enough for older kids to wade and swim under supervision — but the open ocean still carries currents you don't get at the sheltered south-shore beaches. In winter, this is a famous big-wave venue, not for swimming. Honest take: come for the view and the sunset, swim only in confirmed calm-water conditions.
Best as a sunset stop after a north-shore food-truck dinner (Kahuku shrimp, Sunset Beach food trucks). For an actual swim with kids, drive back to Haleʻiwa Beach Park.
Always check the lifeguard flag. Even on calm summer days the currents can surprise you. Adults stay between kids and the open ocean.
This beach sits in the Tsunami Evacuation Zone per Hawai‘i Statewide GIS. If sirens sound or shaking is felt, move inland and uphill immediately. Hawai‘i Emergency Management →
Free along the highway and at the park lot. Fills on big-surf days and sunset.
Public restrooms at the park section.
Limited — ironwood trees behind the beach.
Sunset, year-round. Summer mornings for calmer water, but never assume safe.
Accessibility: Paved access from parking; sand has gradient down to water.
Sheltered north-shore beach park next to Haleʻiwa Harbor — calm even in winter, when most north-shore beaches are unswimmable.
Pipeline. Watch in winter, swim only on summer's gentlest days — not a primary family pick.
Iconic north shore bay — a glassy family swim spot in summer, a closed-out big-wave arena in winter.