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Sandy Beach Park is a wonderful place to visit on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It's great for the kids and there is a lifeguard on duty but it can get dangerous when the big surf arrives. Some of the big, beautiful barrels of surf are breathtaking to behold. Unfortunately when we were there it was relatively calm with only the occasional fully formed barrel. This place is definitely worth a visit, highly recommended!
Sandy's is breathtaking, but I wouldn't go swimming in it. The waves break close to the shore and have known to cause spinal cord injuries. It's great for body boarders though. We just took in the view. We were showing my uncle from out town around. They had this food truck. We bought smoothies on this hot day. It was pricey for $9 a cup, but you're not going to find food anywhere else nearby.
When in Oahu, this is our go-to Sunrise beach, Sandy Beach. There is lifeguard station but not when you're watching the sunrise before 7am. So serene, peaceful, not crowded. Gorgeous, gorgeous.
Seems to be the place where all the kids hang out and I can see why... the mesmerizing barrel waves! Apparently, this area is known for bodyboarding and general frolicking in the sand. Parking was easy to find, but I did notice some circling around waiting for a spot to open up. This is definitely worth stopping by and checking out. If you're traveling south, I recommend Halona Blowhole which is one of those natural phenomenons where water is forced through a hole and creates a jet spray.
Sandy Beach, aka Sandy's or its Hawaiian name, Wawamalu, is on the south central shores of Oahu. It has excellent body boarding and body surfing due to its peaky shore breaks. It is also infamously known for many spinal cord injuries occurring during high surf, when powerful waves break over shallow sand and slabs of underwater lava rocks and hence, aka Break Neck Beach. Located half way between Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Makapuu Lookout, Sandy's is a beautiful white sandy beach that is great for watching early sunrise from the east and body boarding/surfing activities. Yes, former President Barack Obama declared it as one of his favorite beaches, and although there was a move to rename the beach to President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park, public opposition did not allow the new name. As we live about a mile away from this beach, it was always a popular hang-out spot for our kids (who are now adults and have their own families) and their friends. Yes, this is where they learned how to body board and body surf and certainly not a good beach to learn how to swim due to its high surf, strong shore breaks, and powerful currents. And no, they were not allowed to be at the beach as long as it was a school day. With the annual Kaiser High School's Project Grad, the graduating seniors would leave by bus at the end of Friday evening's graduation ceremony for varied surprised activities in promoting safe, adult supervised drug-alcohol free environment. After the all-night agenda, their last stop on Saturday morning would be at Sandy's to watch the sunrise. Parents would congregate there to pick them up for their Saturday sleep-in at home. As you drive into the parking lot, prime parking is on the left side where the vast sandy beach lies. It is common on a weekend or a holiday that there is a lack of available parking. However, as you drive further along in the park, parking spaces become available due to the rockiness of the shoreline. It is common to see tour bus drivers drop off their bus loads of people at the far end of the park, where they will gladly walk past the grassy area of the park and over the rocky shoreline to explore what's in the shallow waters. Sandy's was also the place to take our kids kite flying due to the lack of electrical poles/wires in the park. And it was a convenient place to just watch the waves rolling in with body surfers just having fun. Restrooms, showers, and lifeguards available on site. Sandy Beach will always be a part of the sweet memories that our family grew up with. And it's a beach park that never changes, but families do. Sandy's will be the joy to the next family with the same memories for years to come!
Love the beach here. The waves were really strong but look so beautiful. People are body surfing, regular surfing, and swimming in the water. You definitely need to be a strong swimmer if you want to go deep in the water. My husband enjoyed swimming with the strong waves but I enjoyed the relaxing on the sand. There's a food truck nearby also that had delicious food for cheap and fruits.
My husband and I decided to have our 2nd location wedding photo shoot at one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii, otherwise known as "Broke Neck Beach." This beach is actually very popular among experienced bodyboarders and surfers. My poor husband did have quite the tumble, but I'm proud of him for getting right back up and continue posing for our photographer! The photos came out amazing and we're looking forward to returning to explore more of this beautiful beach! Happy 1 year anniversary to my best friend Sanghoo P! SYOY! :)
Lots of parking. Super clean beach, locals and surfers enjoying the beauty of the waves, blue water. To be one with the ocean, and center your soul as you lay on the sand and the water comes up to you. Outdoor showers to rinse off the sand. Everyone friendly
Big waves, sand is soft and photo opp. is endless Bathroom is close by; you can also change in here for women You can shower or rinse
It's been ages since I visited Sandy beach. This trip home, I really wanted to walk on the beach and get my feet wet. Sandy beach is a gorgeous local beach. It's the kind of beach that's better suited for strong swimmers and locals that are familiar with the surf conditions in the area because the waves here can get gnarly. At this beach, it's not wise to turn your back to the ocean. Small kid time, we loved going to Sandys. Equipped with our own boogie boards and fins, we had a blast catching waves. Yes, many times the waves pounded us. And luckily no one got hurt. This beach has a mean under-tow current so be forewarned. The beach has nicely kept sand and as long as you stay far back the big waves shouldn't be an issue. Just know that during the winter, waves get much bigger. Nowadays, in my older age, I just like to cruise on the beach, watch the waves, and check out the surfers. I wish we had more time to just hang out and get more sun. Visiting Sandy beach was relaxing and the weather was perfect. The waves weren't too big (most of the time) so most of the surfers were hanging out in the parking lot. Parking is plentiful on most days. The asphalt has seen better days but at least it's free. But of course on big wave days parking can get crowded. This is a no frills beach so plan accordingly (bring cold drinks, towels, etc). Sandy beach is iconic and a great place to get in the sand and relax watching the waves. LOCATION: 5/5 AMBIANCE: 5/5 PET FRIENDLY: yes, I think so CLEANLINESS: 4/5 PARKING: 4/5
After an unfortunate encounter with the closed botanical garden nearby, my friend and I walked here. Keep in mind that most people drive here because it's fairly east and right next to the highway. I would say that you can go to this beach for admiring the natural aesthetic. There's plenty of sand (as the name suggests) and some really cool dark rocks lined up all across the shore. Therefore, I'd suggest that you take kids or pets to a different beach so that there's less likelihood of them getting hurt by the rocks. There was a food truck that we ordered lunch from: For the smoothies, you can choose to drink from a normal cup (around $7) or straight from a pineapple (around $13.) I chose to put my mango smoothie in a cup because I wanted to save money (lol) and I think it would've been messier to drink from a pineapple because it was so windy. The mango smoothie was nothing out of the ordinary- it tasted just like blended mango. Wouldn't it be amazing if I carried a tiny bottle of chamoy to spice it up? The fish and chips meal was so cute, it had a slice of pineapple and a lovely flower decorating the corner of the tray. Both the fish and chips seemed to be seasoned with mostly salt, there were a couple flakes of pepper that speckled the fried fish but it overall tasted pretty salty. For sauces, it automatically comes with tartar sauce and you can request ketchup. I really wish it would've had some red cocktail sauce too; I'm not a fan of tartar. I'd say the meal was okay because I was so hungry, but it definitely could've used some additional flavors (spice or seasoning.)
One memorable place during hanabata days, getting pounded by the waves at Sandy Beach, and boy, is it sandy, getting it all over, a chunk inside my swimsuit, in my hair, ears, etc. Very fine sand, and a place both locals and tourists soak the sun. However, the waves, although may look like any other waves at any other beach, can be strong and toss/pound you into the sand. Love the scenery, cruising past Hanauma bay, blow hole and other scenic spots. I hardly swim here anymore because I'm not as strong as a swimmer I used to be, nor young enough to get tossed around, but I do stop by to relax while watching the beautiful blue waves, black rocks, clean fine sand and people swimming, surfing or boogie boarding in the waves. Great place to visit while driving towards the east side of the island and feel my feet on the mound of soft hot sand on a sunny day.
Nice place to stop off for a bathroom break. Otherwise, best for people who CAN SWIM VERY WELL!! Do NOT attempt to swim if you are a bad swimmer or even O.K. swimmer!! This beach has a really high strong current the MOMENT you step into the whitewash. Then... there's a DROP! And if you don't know what a drop means... I suggest you STAY OUT! I'm a good swimmer & even I have a hard time sometimes. Highly recommended to stay only in the whitewash area if you cannot tread water for more than 30 seconds. LOL! But this is a nice place to hang loose at. Granted if no more too much of the locals here. Otherwise, they'll be pissed at you for being "IN THE WAY". These guys like to body board... so when there's someone who doesn't swim well in these waters... it pisses them off because they have to be careful of "pedestrian floats", so I advise to just stay out of the way. Hehehe...
2 months ago
2 months ago
There is decent parking here. Showers outside of course for post ocean washing. There are several warning signs due to the strong currents that frequent this beach. Nonetheless, many kids and adults were seen surfing. There is a lifeguard on duty. read more
Sandy Beach Park is a wonderful place to visit on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It's great for the kids and there is a lifeguard on duty but it can get dangerous when the big surf arrives. Some of the big, beautiful barrels of surf are breathtaking to behold. Unfortunately when we were there it was relatively calm with only the occasional fully formed barrel. This place is definitely worth a visit, highly recommended! read more
Sandy's is breathtaking, but I wouldn't go swimming in it. The waves break close to the shore and have known to cause spinal cord injuries. It's great for body boarders though. We just took in the view. We were showing my uncle from out town around. They had this food truck. We bought smoothies on this hot day. It was pricey for $9 a cup, but you're not going to find food anywhere else nearby. read more
Seems to be the place where all the kids hang out and I can see why... the mesmerizing barrel waves! Apparently, this area is known for bodyboarding and general frolicking in the sand. Parking was easy to find, but I did notice some circling around waiting for a spot to open up. This is definitely worth stopping by and checking out. If you're traveling south, I recommend Halona Blowhole which is one of those natural phenomenons where water is forced through a hole and creates a jet spray. read more
Sandy Beach, aka Sandy's or its Hawaiian name, Wawamalu, is on the south central shores of Oahu. It has excellent body boarding and body surfing due to its peaky shore breaks. It is also infamously known for many spinal cord injuries occurring during high surf, when powerful waves break over shallow sand and slabs of underwater lava rocks and hence, aka Break Neck Beach. Located half way between Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Makapuu Lookout, Sandy's is a beautiful white sandy beach that is great for watching early sunrise from the east and body boarding/surfing activities. Yes, former President Barack Obama declared it as one of his favorite beaches, and although there was a move to rename the beach to President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park, public opposition did not allow the new name. As we live about a mile away from this beach, it was always a popular hang-out spot for our kids (who are now adults and have their own families) and their friends. Yes, this is where they learned how to body board and body surf and certainly not a good beach to learn how to swim due to its high surf, strong shore breaks, and powerful currents. And no, they were not allowed to be at the beach as long as it was a school day. With the annual Kaiser High School's Project Grad, the graduating seniors would leave by bus at the end of Friday evening's graduation ceremony for varied surprised activities in promoting safe, adult supervised drug-alcohol free environment. After the all-night agenda, their last stop on Saturday morning would be at Sandy's to watch the sunrise. Parents would congregate there to pick them up for their Saturday sleep-in at home. As you drive into the parking lot, prime parking is on the left side where the vast sandy beach lies. It is common on a weekend or a holiday that there is a lack of available parking. However, as you drive further along in the park, parking spaces become available due to the rockiness of the shoreline. It is common to see tour bus drivers drop off their bus loads of people at the far end of the park, where they will gladly walk past the grassy area of the park and over the rocky shoreline to explore what's in the shallow waters. Sandy's was also the place to take our kids kite flying due to the lack of electrical poles/wires in the park. And it was a convenient place to just watch the waves rolling in with body surfers just having fun. Restrooms, showers, and lifeguards available on site. Sandy Beach will always be a part of the sweet memories that our family grew up with. And it's a beach park that never changes, but families do. Sandy's will be the joy to the next family with the same memories for years to come! read more
2 years ago
Love the beach here. The waves were really strong but look so beautiful. People are body surfing, regular surfing, and swimming in the water. You definitely need to be a strong swimmer if you want to go deep in the water. My husband enjoyed swimming with the strong waves but I enjoyed the relaxing on the sand. There's a food truck nearby also that had delicious food for cheap and fruits. read more
3 years ago
My husband and I decided to have our 2nd location wedding photo shoot at one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii, otherwise known as "Broke Neck Beach." This beach is actually very popular among experienced bodyboarders and surfers. My poor husband did have quite the tumble, but I'm proud of him for getting right back up and continue posing for our photographer! The photos came out amazing and we're looking forward to returning to explore more of this beautiful beach! Happy 1 year anniversary to my best friend Sanghoo P! SYOY! :) read more
9 months ago
Lots of parking. Super clean beach, locals and surfers enjoying the beauty of the waves, blue water. To be one with the ocean, and center your soul as you lay on the sand and the water comes up to you. Outdoor showers to rinse off the sand. Everyone friendly read more
2 years ago
Big waves, sand is soft and photo opp. is endless Bathroom is close by; you can also change in here for women You can shower or rinse read more
It's been ages since I visited Sandy beach. This trip home, I really wanted to walk on the beach and get my feet wet. Sandy beach is a gorgeous local beach. It's the kind of beach that's better suited for strong swimmers and locals that are familiar with the surf conditions in the area because the waves here can get gnarly. At this beach, it's not wise to turn your back to the ocean. Small kid time, we loved going to Sandys. Equipped with our own boogie boards and fins, we had a blast catching waves. Yes, many times the waves pounded us. And luckily no one got hurt. This beach has a mean under-tow current so be forewarned. The beach has nicely kept sand and as long as you stay far back the big waves shouldn't be an issue. Just know that during the winter, waves get much bigger. Nowadays, in my older age, I just like to cruise on the beach, watch the waves, and check out the surfers. I wish we had more time to just hang out and get more sun. Visiting Sandy beach was relaxing and the weather was perfect. The waves weren't too big (most of the time) so most of the surfers were hanging out in the parking lot. Parking is plentiful on most days. The asphalt has seen better days but at least it's free. But of course on big wave days parking can get crowded. This is a no frills beach so plan accordingly (bring cold drinks, towels, etc). Sandy beach is iconic and a great place to get in the sand and relax watching the waves. LOCATION: 5/5 AMBIANCE: 5/5 PET FRIENDLY: yes, I think so CLEANLINESS: 4/5 PARKING: 4/5 read more
4 years ago
After an unfortunate encounter with the closed botanical garden nearby, my friend and I walked here. Keep in mind that most people drive here because it's fairly east and right next to the highway. I would say that you can go to this beach for admiring the natural aesthetic. There's plenty of sand (as the name suggests) and some really cool dark rocks lined up all across the shore. Therefore, I'd suggest that you take kids or pets to a different beach so that there's less likelihood of them getting hurt by the rocks. There was a food truck that we ordered lunch from: For the smoothies, you can choose to drink from a normal cup (around $7) or straight from a pineapple (around $13.) I chose to put my mango smoothie in a cup because I wanted to save money (lol) and I think it would've been messier to drink from a pineapple because it was so windy. The mango smoothie was nothing out of the ordinary- it tasted just like blended mango. Wouldn't it be amazing if I carried a tiny bottle of chamoy to spice it up? The fish and chips meal was so cute, it had a slice of pineapple and a lovely flower decorating the corner of the tray. Both the fish and chips seemed to be seasoned with mostly salt, there were a couple flakes of pepper that speckled the fried fish but it overall tasted pretty salty. For sauces, it automatically comes with tartar sauce and you can request ketchup. I really wish it would've had some red cocktail sauce too; I'm not a fan of tartar. I'd say the meal was okay because I was so hungry, but it definitely could've used some additional flavors (spice or seasoning.) read more
One memorable place during hanabata days, getting pounded by the waves at Sandy Beach, and boy, is it sandy, getting it all over, a chunk inside my swimsuit, in my hair, ears, etc. Very fine sand, and a place both locals and tourists soak the sun. However, the waves, although may look like any other waves at any other beach, can be strong and toss/pound you into the sand. Love the scenery, cruising past Hanauma bay, blow hole and other scenic spots. I hardly swim here anymore because I'm not as strong as a swimmer I used to be, nor young enough to get tossed around, but I do stop by to relax while watching the beautiful blue waves, black rocks, clean fine sand and people swimming, surfing or boogie boarding in the waves. Great place to visit while driving towards the east side of the island and feel my feet on the mound of soft hot sand on a sunny day. read more
Nice place to stop off for a bathroom break. Otherwise, best for people who CAN SWIM VERY WELL!! Do NOT attempt to swim if you are a bad swimmer or even O.K. swimmer!! This beach has a really high strong current the MOMENT you step into the whitewash. Then... there's a DROP! And if you don't know what a drop means... I suggest you STAY OUT! I'm a good swimmer & even I have a hard time sometimes. Highly recommended to stay only in the whitewash area if you cannot tread water for more than 30 seconds. LOL! But this is a nice place to hang loose at. Granted if no more too much of the locals here. Otherwise, they'll be pissed at you for being "IN THE WAY". These guys like to body board... so when there's someone who doesn't swim well in these waters... it pisses them off because they have to be careful of "pedestrian floats", so I advise to just stay out of the way. Hehehe... read more
4 years ago
Came here on recommendation of a friend, since obviously the last beach I want to go to is Waikiki Beach. It's not really that far from Waikiki, yet it's a whole different world. This place is absolutely majestic! The beach itself is huge, the sand is smooth, and the waves are pretty ferocious. Koko Head is in the background, so you get some beautiful scenery all around. Also, there's absolutely zero shade, so make sure you bring your sunscreen. There are public restrooms and showers, but nothing more than standard beach-level amenities. Definitely come prepared. Parking is plentiful as well. Of all the beaches I've been to so far in Honolulu, Sandy Beach is definitely my favorite. There's just something about the place that is so magical that I can't get out of my head! read more
2 years ago
Beautiful beach but waves were way too big for us to get in so we just got views and tan :) read more
Easily one of the most stunning beaches I have ever seen. The waters are a clear, beautiful blue -- the kind that looks photoshopped -- and the mountains nearby were a bright green. I deducted a star because while the beach itself was clean, and offered stunning views -- it was the most rocky beach on the island that I visited. Unfortunately for me, the day I visited had super high winds (and so the sand felt like an attack as the wind kept picking it up -- truth be told, it hurt). The bathrooms nearby were not clean, and there was only one food truck nearby (which I thought was odd, given it was a Friday afternoon). read more
This is a beach on the East shore of Oahu which is known for the awesome shore breaks. Don't take the beauty of this beach lightly because her waves crippled a lot of bodies. A lot of local bodyboarders and body surfers challenge their skills on huge shore breaks that pounds on the sand. If you're not an experienced surfer I would recommend watching from the sand. It's also has a nice grassy area where you can fly your kites. Lots of parking and a restroom. If you enjoy fishing, further down at the second restroom there is a good fishing spot. Respect the ocean and Malama the aina!! read more
4 years ago
Approaching kupunahood in 3, 2, 1 ... couldn't stay up till midnight in New Year's, we left it to the kids to enjoy, first year ever. Thought, well ok, we just go watch the first sunrise. First time doing it since we usually stay up for the fireworks. Thought it was such a clever idea. On the way to Sandy's on the back road through Kalama Valley, we saw so many people walking in the dark. "Good for them, getting a start on their new year's resolution," I thought. Then we got to the beach parking lot - choke cars, choke folks! Went down to Irma's where we could find parking and took our spot among the crowd. Despite the lolos standing at water's edge and blocking the view of everyone patiently waiting and sitting on the beach, we were able to jostle a spot when the sun came up. Fiery orange rays lit up the underside of the gray clouds above Molokai and Maui, it was pretty spectacular. Someone started to clap, but the crowd wasn't vibin'. Packed up and drove back to rainy and overcast Hawaii Kai. So glad we caught the beautiful sunrise. Happy New Year, Yelp ohana! read more
2 years ago
Always a grand here. Fam enjoy this beach very much. Huge waves so be careful. Restrooms and showers are pretty clean. The black rocks have many sea life living there. read more
Interesting Fact: Sandy Beach was not accessible by automobile until October 1931. Legend Alert: Pele the goddess of the volcano, one of her sisters attempted to attract Kamapua'a, a handsome demigod, by throwing her v*gin* to Koko Crater or Kohelepelepe. Kohelepelepe means labia minor. Sandy Beach Park is glaringly known for two things base on my observation ~ fine beach sand & a vagrant waters. I remember the first time I came in this beach park, the waves scared me to da max! Inside, I got panic attack coz I remember the painful situation of my Mama Beth. And thank goodness we were only at the seashore staring the surfers enjoying the wave while munching my taco. This is the very first place I got taco in the island~ from a taco food truck. Anyhow, this beauteous stretch of sand lays beyond the popular Halona Blowhole. This is one of the favorite surfer spots for surfing. With its roaring waves & strong wind, be cautious as always when taking a dip. This ain't a place for boaters & kayakers in my opinion. This might not be my to-go beach to take a quick dip, but Sandy Beach will be one of my perfect place to do fun-shoot if given a chance. And a place to sit back & just feast my eyes on people who come & go. LoL. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow yelpers! read more
This review is for the food truck at parking lot. Açaí bowl $12, pretty enough for photo shoot and it tastes great too. We didn't buy the one with pineapple bowl, it's $4 more which I don't think worthwhile, as you can't eat the pineapple bowl. read more
2 years ago
The day was exquisite! Enjoyed ourselves and have the sunburn to prove it lol! Definitely going to be back in the near future read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
8 years ago
Come on, is there really any beach in Hawaii that is not 5 star? Sandy beach is the place to come to watch or photograph the sunrise on Oahu. The beach is about a 30 minute drive from Waikiki and is popular for photographers. There is parking but it fills early. We arrived about 6:10 in the morning to set up for photos. The beach has beautiful outcrops of lava rock along with a sandy beach. Gentle waves crash up against the rocks. The morning light reflects in the pools of water on the rocks. There is a sandy beach area with fossilized coral that washes up. There are interesting species of birds and foliage around the beach. Behind the beach are lovely volcanic mountain ridges. I recommend a visit. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
4 years ago
Best sunrise beach. Lots of people seem do want to do the hike or light house but that makes no sense when this is the best view w/ textures. read more
7 years ago
Review #043 - 2020 After our quick stop at Halona Blowhole Lookout, we decided to drive over to Sandy Beach so my daughter could play in the sand. Sadly, because the tides were so high & strong, we were informed to keep the young ones from getting near the water. The water is absolutely beautiful! It's such a nice shade of blue. I was tempted to walk closer so we went to the area where the tides weren't so scary. The sand is nice and soft, and it glistens like millions of tiny diamonds as the sun shines brightly down upon it. We even witnessed a cute seal lying around bathing in the sun, trying to get his tan on. We only stayed around for half an hour since we couldn't really do much with the tides being so dangerously high. I can definitely see myself wasting the day away here... read more
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8801 Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96825
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(808) 373-8013
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http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/sandy-beach-park.php
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