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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...
17 years ago
Great sand, awesome waves, epic view, and hot bods... One of the best beaches on Oahu ... hands down. A great place to surf, boogie, or body board. It's also a great beach just to get away and relax. I sometimes take my kids to the far side (Allen Davis bathroom side) by the lava rocks. They can play along the shore without getting pounded by the waves. When the waves are pounding and there's a big shore break you better have some experience if you're thinking of going in. You can get hurt pretty bad at Sandys. read more
13 years ago
I wouldn't consider myself a strong swimmer so I stayed out of the water. Like other reviews say, it's not a beach where everyone can swim. The boys went body surfing and had fun and its definitely fun water/people watching. The life guards were asking children to stay away from the water. It wasn't overly crowed or toursity on a Friday afternoon. Well what do I know I was visiting so technically a tourist, but we went with friends who live there so I didn't feel like one. We picked up some poke and beers beforehand - first poke during my Hawaii trip and I fell in love. We got three different kinds, I didn't even know there are selections. Poke is the best beach snack. The views are beautiful and there are lots of little seashells, saw one with a natural heart in it that will always remind me of Hawaii and Sandy's beach. Overall great experience. read more
7 years ago
Beautiful! Current too strong for me but it is a breathtaking view! Watched some folks body board. Great beach to body board! No warnings of man of war on this beach. read more
11 years ago
12 years ago
Get here before late morning/ noon if you want close parking, but even if you have to walk all the way from the other side of the stalls it doesn't suck because you've got the view of Sandys. You can see surfers and boogie boarders and body surfers and a whole clusterbutt of people with go pros trying to put in as much effort as then can into their instagram videos. I am a CHILD and WILL NEVER try to catch a wave on a day over 2 ft. Because my body is heavy enough to lug around without it being slammed into the sand. It's really cool to see other people attempt to catch a wave though, beautiful body pounding art. You could stay on shore at get really really really cool action shots of people in mini barrels or just flying in the air. You could wait till the sets take a break & jump in past the shore break or you could just join in if you're up for it and know you can handle it. Don't be fooled by little kids going at it of you've never swan in a real active ocean before dude! Those kids know what's up & how the Sandys shore break works. I usually go to the other end toward the rocks to take pictures if I'm not with anyone that gets a thrill out of 3 second wave rides. Or I just play in the shore! There's something addicting about getting pulled in during high surf days that make me look like a huge baby idiot, but I like it. It's such a uniquely fun beach that gets locals coming back even with bus loads of tourists. Be careful I guess? Just don't be dumb... Like with anything in life. And have a sweet time!!! read more
Sandy's was one of my fave beaches while I lived here, and it sure had maintained as a mostly local beach. The waves are ideal for those who want to surf close, and it's just a really cool beach to check out if you're in the area. read more
12 years ago
This not so big beach park seems to be an awesome place for surfers. I visited here on an overcasted day, but I saw a lot of surfers. It did not make me to jump in anyway. Maybe because of weather. It is pretty and worth stopping by. read more
11 years ago
Purely from the point of view of someone who likes to wade in the water and relax on inflatable rafts. Sandy's is a FANTASTIC beach if you like to body surf of body boarding... Sandy's is not such a great beach if you want to splash around in the water and relax. I've gotten pummeled so many times thinking, "Oh, let me just get past the shore break". I'm pretty sure the real athletes and lifeguards are both happy when people like me just stay on the beach. That being said, there is still a lot to do at the beach. It's perfect for people-watching, laying out and enjoying the sun, BBQing with friends. read more
7 years ago
Beach is nice water is beautiful but not a good place for swimming the current and waves are strong its mainly for surfers. read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
Great place to body surf and on a day like today 8-10 foot sets boogie boarding only that requires fins! Strong currents. I prefer Makapuu. read more
19 years ago
Sandy Beach is located on the Southeastern shore of Oahu that is known for it's devastating shorebreak and consistent surf that are generated by the tradewinds. While the primary surf zone is the shorebreak that primarily belong to the bodysurfers and bodyboarders, there are some spots within Sandy's that help surfers get through the long summer months. On the right day, Gas Chambers, Cobbles, Middles and Pipe Littles can provide some awesome summertime fun. However, please be careful, as the currents and riptides can get dangerous, especially on a large day. If you aren't comfortable in these rough conditions, it would be best to stay out of the water. Sandy Beach is notorious for spinal injuries. You can still have a fun time watching the experienced riders enjoy the waves. read more
Best beach ever. While vacationing in the Waikiki area, my fiancee and I wanted to find a more local beach to hang out at. We were actually on our way to Waimanalo beach when we passed this spot which had some action, but definitely not crowded. When we arrived at Waimanalo it wasn't how we imagined it. It was early afternoon and the sun was at an angle in such a way that shaded over most of the beach because it came from behind. The shade was due to the mountains on the other side of the highway and the trees backing onto the beach. We quickly got out of there and decided to head back to Sandy Beach. There was nothing obstructing the sun at Sandy Beach so it's a great place to get your tan on. The sand is pristine, the views are from a magazine, and the water was spectacular. By spectacular I mean that the waves are huge and the shore break will slam your body into the sand no matter how good a swimmer you are. I was literally finding sand everywhere on me when we got back to Waikiki for a shower. Everywhere. The best part about this place is that when you're tired of getting pummeled by the waves, it's great for people watching. Watch the surfers and boogie boarders do their thing. Some are better than others. Then there's the eye candy. The local girls here don't wear that much and are definitely nicer to look at than 98% of the beach-goers/tourists in Waikiki. We loved this beach so much that we had to come back a second time before our vacation ended. Next time we're in Oahu, this is on top of our list to go as it beats the over crowded beaches and crappy sand in Waikiki. read more
8 years ago
This is a beautiful beach. If you come to Oahu, this is a must see. Although, most of the time the waves are very big and dangerous. There is a reason the locals call this "breakneck beach"! There is a ton of sand. The beach is bigger than most! In the afternoons, food trucks line the perimeter. There is a ton of parking, which is a huge plus. It is also walking distance to the blowhole lookout and cockroach cove. Don't go in the water unless you are an experienced swimmer! read more
13 years ago
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12 years ago
Epic for boogie and body board athletes that heed the warnings of the life guards and local experts that navigate the sometimes huge rip tides and pounding waves that pound those frolicking next to shore. Great place to watch the action on and off the water! read more
This has always been one of my fave beaches since it always has violent waves and soft Sandy beaches. One of the best options is that it is only a 15 minute Uber from Waikiki . This place has bathroom, showers , parking and food trucks . read more
8 years ago
AMAZING sunrise. I'd recommend this place as the access is extremely easy and there is plenty of parking. You can even see the large blowhole close by, which is the previous scenic point. read more
9 years ago
8 years ago
10 years ago
I think Sandy Beach is less known than other beaches on Oahu so there are more locals than tourist. Parking is limited especially on weekends but people make the best of the grass areas to park when lots are full. When it is crowded (like weekends) the less popular side of the beach (the rock/sand area) is less intimidating but when it is less crowded (weekdays) it can be a little scary because there are hardly any people and there are dwellers so as a female, it was a little scary to lay down and tan by myself. If walking on this rock/sand, it feels wonderful and therapeutic even if it can be a bit painful. The popular part of the beach ( with the soft sand) is gorgeous. Lifeguards are around and they with the signs advise to not swim but people are out and about in the water so it really is at your own risk. Personally, my mom and I liked this beach so much we went 3 days in a row during our week long visit to Oahu. Water was clear and beautiful and was cooler than Waikiki. However, like most have mentioned the waves are strong and high. The last day we went it was very scary and in fact that was the morning a 6 year old girl and her father drowned. Horrible tragedy. So be careful. Overall, beautiful beach with clear and cool waters :) read more
Awesome day watching people get their heads pounded into the sand. Not a joke, the waves are big and break right on the shore. Experienced boarders with fins were out there getting tumbled around. Tourists with no experience were getting pounded. Life guards told every person not to go in the water without fins. We took their advice and laid on the beach and people watched. They have a restrooms and changing area plus showers. Parking is limited. There are a few food trucks there. We had a terrific, healthy lunch of chicken shawarma, pita and salad. Ate lunch on the beach and just relaxed! read more
8 years ago
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9 years ago
Lovely area, but sad to see all the beach erosion and even sadder to see all the tourist overrunning the beauty of the area and clogging the roads and parking. Be careful to lock your car and don't leave anything visible in the cabin as there is a high rate of car break-ins in places like this around the island. read more
This breach gets a lot of sun and is hot, so we tend to go here in winter when the other breaches are a bit too cold. A decent amount of parking, restrooms, food trucks if you get hungry, a beautiful place. What's not to love? read more
9 years ago
More info about Sandy Beach Park
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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