🏄 137 SPOTS. 7-DAY FORECASTS. 100% FREE — EXPLORE NOW

Hawaii • North ShoreBuoy: 51201

Sunset Beach

Good

Wave Height

4-6

ft

Swell

~5s

NNE

Wind

12mph

Sideshore (E)

Water

77°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 5h 22m

Updated: 5/12/2026, 5:42:10 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H11:34pm1.5ft
Tomorrow
L5:31am0.4ft
H10:55am1.2ft
L5:14pm-0.2ft
Thu, May 14
H12:12am1.8ft
L6:36am0.3ft
H11:40am1.1ft
L5:42pm-0.3ft
Fri, May 15
H12:52am2.1ft
L7:37am0.2ft
H12:25pm0.9ft
L6:14pm-0.4ft

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 77°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 6:10 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 12:19 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

Friday's looking prime with solid 5-6ft waves and that longer 9-second period, especially afternoon when the wind backs off to 8mph. Hit it around mid-day when the tide's filling in after the morning low - that's your window.

Updated 5/12/2026, 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.