Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is one of surfing's most revered and challenging waves—a football-field-sized playing field of shifting peaks and deep-water power. West Peak is the classic heavy right, but the wave can break across multiple takeoff zones depending on swell direction. The lineup is deceptive and the currents are strong.
Sunset Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 340°
- Size range
- 2.4m - 6.1m
- Ideal size
- 4.1m - 5.2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Offshore range
- 120° - 200°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
9m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
7/10
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach access. Large parking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Sunset Beach?
The Sunset Beach profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Sunset Beach?
The Sunset Beach profile uses wind from SSE (160°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 120° to 200°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Sunset Beach?
The Sunset Beach scoring profile favors swell from NW (300° to 340°), a swell-height range of 2.4m to 6.1m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Sunset Beach?
The main season at Sunset Beach is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Nov-Feb peak. Best at 8-20ft. West Peak is the classic heavy right.
How do I get to Sunset Beach?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. Beach access. Large parking area.
What kind of wave is Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Nov-Feb peak. Best at 8-20ft. West Peak is the classic heavy right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended
Rocky Point
📸 Photographer magnet • High performance • Shifty peaks
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Plan a trip around Sunset Beach
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.