How do I read the surf forecast for Sunset Beach?

Our forecast shows wave height in feet, swell period in seconds (longer = more powerful), swell direction, wind speed/direction, and tide times. Look for longer periods (10+ seconds) and offshore winds for the best conditions.

Hawaii • North Shore • Buoy: 51201

Sunset Beach

Q: What is the surf like at Sunset Beach today?

Sunset Beach currently has waves around 4-6. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

Epic

Wave Height

4-6

Swell

~6s

ENE

Wind

9mph

Offshore (ESE)

Water

76°

Boardshorts

Falling• Low in 40m

Updated: 3/9/2026, 5:42:13 AM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean

Fair

Choppy

Flat

Tide Forecast

Recent History

No recent history available

About Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is the North Shore's big-wave proving ground, a wide, powerful peak that breaks across a massive reef shelf a quarter mile from shore. When the swell gets overhead, Sunset transforms into a shifting, heaving monster that demands elite open-ocean skills. The currents are vicious, the drops are steep, and the wave can shut down the channel in an instant. Sunset has hosted professional surfing events since the 1960s and remains one of the most respected big-wave spots in the world.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Sunset Beach?

The current water temperature at Sunset Beach is 76°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Sunset Beach today?

Sunset Beach currently has waves around 4-6ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Sunset Beach?

Today's high tide at Sunset Beach is at 2:12 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Sunset Beach?

Today's low tide at Sunset Beach is at 9:22 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Sunset Beach?

Sunset Beach works best with swells from the N, NW, NNW, WNW and S, SE, E winds (offshore). The ideal tide is all tides.

Is Sunset Beach good for beginners?

Sunset Beach is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Thursday morning looks prime with 6-7ft faces, offshore winds cleaning it up, and the high tide around 10am should fill in the inside sections nicely. Friday could be solid too but those stronger south winds might get a bit gusty and texture things up.

Updated 3/9/2026, 6:24:15 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeReef Break

BottomCoral Reef

Skill LevelExpert

CrowdHeavy

Best TideAll Tides

Best SwellN, NW, NNW, WNW

Best WindS, SE, E

ParkingSunset Beach Park lot, roadside along Kamehameha Hwy

Local Tip

The paddle out is long and the current will push you. Line up carefully—the peak shifts constantly.