Sunset Beach is situated on the north coast of Oahu, the third largest island in Hawaii, and the most populated because the state capital, Honolulu, is on the south coast. In Hawaiian, it’s originally called Paumalū.
This beach is a hotspot for surfers because it hosts a stage of the World Cup of surfing. However, like many beaches on Oahu’s “North Shore,” Sunset Beach is known to be dangerous for those who aren’t experienced surfers, thanks to its extensive coral formations near the surface. The name Banzai Pipeline hints at the challenging nature of the waves here.
During December and January, the beach becomes a haven for surfers. However, in the summer, when the water is calm and smooth like a lake, it attracts many swimmers visiting Oahu. The northern part of the beach is adjacent to Velzyland, a small urban area named after Velzy, a renowned surfboard manufacturer.