Hawaii • North ShoreBuoy: 51201

Sunset Beach

Junky

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~7s

S

Wind

13mph

Sideshore (ENE)

Water

80°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 2h 1m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:42:20 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H2:22am2.1ft
L8:56am0.2ft
H2:47pm1.5ft
L8:30pm0.3ft
Tomorrow
H2:50am1.9ft
L9:19am0.2ft
H3:29pm1.6ft
L9:20pm0.5ft
Mon, Aug 31
H3:17am1.7ft
L9:42am0.1ft
H4:17pm1.7ft
L10:21pm0.6ft

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 80°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Sunset Beach today?

Sunset Beach currently has waves around 3-5ft. 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 10:22 PM 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 4:56 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

Monday morning looks cleanest with 4-5ft waves on 7-second intervals and lighter 14mph cross-shore winds right around the low tide at 9:42 AM. Sunday's also firing with similar size and period, but Monday edges it out for slightly better conditions.

Updated 8/28/2026, 6:26:14 PM

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.