Chun's reef in North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Sunset Beach - Paumalu

North Shore, Oahu

This beach is wild and wonderful, with azure-colored waters near shore that expand out to meet deep-blue ocean horizon. It is home to one of the most legendary stretches of surf in the Hawaiian islands, as well as one of the most dangerous during the northern swells. Sunset beach hosts multiple surf breaks that barely show themselves in the summer, yet they swell so immense in the winter that the beach can often be closed to all but the most experienced surfers for safety reasons. Long wide stretch of white sand, locals surfing and bodyboarding, and amazing sunsets all comprise a quintessential picture of the North Shore lifestyle at its best.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: A gorgeous world class beach and bay, with excellent winter surf watching. In summer, it is placid and has excellent snorkeling opportunities amongst the very same reef that produces the mighty surf.
ACTIVITIES: Summer swimming, and snorkeling, winter surf watching, and ultimate beach lounging.
LIFEGUARD:YES, 7 days a week 9am to 5:30 pm
WARNINGS!: Lots of reef and underwater topography so make your entry and exit carefully. During high surf, currents make this beach dangerous for swimming. If in doubt, always speak with the lifeguards.
AMENITIES: Restrooms, parking, pay phone, picnic tables, and barbeques are all part of the Sunset Beach Support park to the north of the beach.

This beach is the northern end of a 7-mile stretch of sand, known to the surf world as a "7-mile miracle" because of the multitude of surf breaks stretching along one of the most beautiful coastline areas in Hawaii. Also, as the name implies, the sunset views are spectacular all year round, with sun setting into the ocean.

Sunset beach stretches along Kamehameha highway between the mile markers 8 and 9, and has lots of roadside parking. Of all the north shore beach parks this one is closest to and easily visible from the road. At the easternmost end of the beach there is an additional parking area at the support park across the road. It is also where you will find all the amenities . This end of the beach can be popular with larger tour groups stopping in by the van load. To lose the crowds, simply walk 100 yards in either direction and you will feel the spaciousness of this beach.

A long paved walking and biking pathway separates the road from the beach and stretches all the way southwest to Waimea Bay. It is popular amongst the locals, and is a great find for vacationing runners who prefer to have a jog before hitting the beach. If you prefer beach walking, head south down the beach and walk a mile to the famous "Banzai Pipeline", or head right and walk just under a mile around Sunset Point to Kaunala Beach.

*Lifeguards do not recommend leaving valuables unattended here, either visible in your unoccupied car or on the beach when out swimming. Even in paradise thievery is possible, and you should take steps to hide your valuables out of view.

Ocean safety Sunset beach link:
http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/?bch=sunset&shid=1&i=oahu

Closest town: Waimea

Directions:
Kamehameha Highway east 83 between mile marker 8 and 9

Laniakea Beach

North Shore, Oahu

Also known as Turtle Beach, Laniakea is an essential stop-off point for tourists traveling along Oahu's North Shore. The green sea turtles that frequent this section of the coast have made it a favorite, and year-round you'll find throngs of people surrounding the popular and protected turtles as they bask in the sun.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Although most popular for turtle viewing, Laniakea Beach is a beautiful destination for other beach activities and enjoyment as well. The beach is huge and features a wide stretch of soft sand, with rocky areas at either end. Depending on the time of year, you may see swimmers, surfers, or snorkelers in the water.

ACTIVITIES: Turtle viewing and photographing, picnics, sunning, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling (depending on the time of year. The water can be dangerous!)

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: There is a lifeguard farther down the beach to the left, but not here. The shoreline is rocky in most areas and there are strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak. Use extreme caution if you decide to enter the water, particularly during the winter months. Don't touch the turtles!

AMENITIES: Parking along the side of the road. No restrooms or shower.

The Hawaiian Honu (turtle) is a beautiful sight to see. These magnificent creatures can weigh up to 700 pounds and live 80-100 years. They are fiercely protected in Hawaii, and there are almost always volunteers out on the beach to keep people at a safe distance from the turtles that come up on to the sand. The volunteers "rope off" the turtles and are on hand to answer questions, provide information, and keep over-enthusiastic tourists from getting too close.

The fine for touching sea turtles in Hawaii ranges from $10-25,000 and can include jail time, so be sure to enjoy them from a distance and stay on the safe side of the red line!

Closest town: Haleiwa

Directions: Laniakea Beach is located off of Kamehameha Highway, about halfway in-between Waimea Bay and Haleiwa. From Haleiwa, drive 1.5 miles and you'll see a large number of cars pulled off into a dirt area to the right (before Pohaku Loa Way). The beach is on the left. Use caution when crossing the highway, as traffic can be very heavy here.

Log Cabins

North Shore, Oahu

Oahu is known for having some of the best and biggest waves in the world, and during the winter months countless pro surfers, photographers, and observers descend on the several mile long strip of coast that is the mecca of the surfing world to bear witness. The Pipeline is probably the best-known wave, but there are several other big breaks on either side. Located to the left of Rock Piles, Log Cabins has been a favorite among advanced surfers for decades.

AT A GLANCE:

HIGHLIGHTS: This right reef break is fairly consistent all winter, drawing expert surfers looking for a thrill. The waves can be deadly to those who don't know what they're doing, and it is not a beach for swimming or other water activities. Occasionally during the summer months when the currents are a bit calmer, you will see local kids out body boarding, but unless you're strong in the water and familiar with the reef here, it is better to stay on shore and enjoy the wide, beautiful beach and the tide pools that are present at most time of year.

ACTIVITIES: Sunning, surfing, bodyboarding, watching and photographing big wave surfing

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: A dangerous shorebreak, strong currents, and waves that can reach upwards of 30' make this beach and the surrounding areas extremely hazardous. There is no lifeguard at this break.

AMENITIES: There is a lifeguard a short distance down the beach by Rock Piles. People park along the side of the road. The nearest restrooms and showers are at Ehukai Beach Park, which is down the beach to the right.

This break got its name in the '60s, when the only landmark it could be located by was a log cabin on the shore directly in front of it. The log cabin is no longer there, but the name remains.

The waves form first at Outer Log Cabins, which is farther out in the ocean, and can be as big as 86'. They then reform at Log Cabins. Although both spots are surfed, the outer break is even more challenging and dangerous.

If you're not a surfer, there is still plenty to do at this beach. If it is winter, join the crowd and snap a few pictures of what may likely be the biggest waves you've ever seen. During the summer months, the water is a bit calmer and the beaches less crowded. The tide pools up and down this stretch of coast are popular with children and adults alike.

Closest town: Haleiwa

Directions: Log Cabins is located just off of Kamehameha Highway. If you're headed toward Haleiwa, the break will be to the right, beyond Ehukai Beach Park. You can either park there and walk down, or park further down along Ke Waena Road closer to the break. Ke Waena Road runs along Kamehameha Highway and there are several beach access points located along it. Log Cabins is near access 278A.

Velzyland

North Shore, Oahu

Although it is part of the strip of famous North Shore surf breaks, Velzyland is set apart from the rest and off of the main road, so seems more secluded. The land running up to the sand is wooded, which adds to the "private" feel and provides plenty of shade.

AT A GLANCE:

HIGHLIGHTS: Velzyland has both right and left breaks, and is a crowded surf spot all winter long. Surfers still flock to it when there is a swell during the summer, and it is also a popular spot for surf lessons.

ACTIVITIES: Surfing, sunning, picnics, fishing, photographing and watching big-wave surfing

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: Parking is alongside the road, which can't be seen from the beach, and cars have been known to be stolen on occasion. Be sure not to leave any valuables in your car. The reef here is some of the sharpest in the North Shore. Also, the currents can be very strong here and the waves massive. It is best to stay out of the water unless you are an experienced surfer.

AMENITIES: Parking along the side of the road.

Velzyland got its name in 1957, when filmmaker Bruce Brown was in the north shore shooting Slippery when Wet. He saw the break from Sunset Point, and decided to include it in one of the scenes. He named it "Velzyland" to give credit to the film sponsor (and surfboard manufacturer) Dale Velzy, a Californian. Since then, the break has appeared in several movies.

The reef at Velzyland is extremely sharp, and surfers often leave a session with battle scars. Be aware of this if you decide to paddle out.

Closest town: Haleiwa

Directions: Heading toward Haleiwa, Velzyland is one of the first surf breaks beyond Turtle Bay. It is before Pipeline and Sunset Beach, right next to the gated Sunset Beach Colony. You'll see a gated off parking area; it is only for emergency vehicles. You can park along the side of the road and walk down that path to the beach.

Rocky Point

North Shore, Oahu

Another one of North Shore's famous reef breaks, Rocky Point attracts throngs of pro surfers and fans all winter long. As the name implies, you can find this break by the lava rocks scattered on the beach in front of it.

AT A GLANCE:

HIGHLIGHTS: Both rights and lefts, consistent swells during the winter months and off and on throughout the summer. This is a great place to watch the big wave surfers fight over the waves during the winter months or to enjoy the calmer, quiet beach during the summer months.

ACTIVITIES: Surfing, sunning, picnics, tide pools, watching and photographing big wave surfers

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: Don't leave valuables in your vehicle. It is safer to park off of Kamehameha Highway rather than along one of the side streets, as they tend to have more break-ins. The beach is lined by shallow reef and there is a very strong shorebreak, so it is best to stay out of the water unless you are an experienced surfer. There is no lifeguard at this break.

AMENITIES: Parking along the street. No restrooms or showers. Ehukai Beach Park is the main beach park around here with amenities, and is farther along the coast toward Haleiwa.

Massive, barreling waves are the trademark of this spot, but the break is not the only attraction here. The beach fronting it is huge and, aside from the rocky area that gives the break its name, full of soft sand. There are often tide pools in the area, and they offer a safe place for children to splash and play without getting too close to the pounding shorebreak.

Closest town: Haleiwa

Directions: Rocky Point is located just off of Kamehameha Highway. If you're headed toward Haleiwa, the break will be to the right, before Ehukai Beach Park and Pipeline. There are several beach access points along here; once on the beach, you can find Rocky Point by looking for the lava rocks that form a "point" on land, and the crowd of surfers beyond them (during winter).

Chun's reef

Description

Chun's reef

Sunset Beach - Paumalu

Laniakea Beach

Log Cabins

Velzyland

Rocky Point

Chun's reef