Sandy Beach Park
Honolulu, HI
Sandy Beach Park sits on Oahu's southeast shore below Koko Head, known island wide for a punishing shorebreak that draws serious bodyboarders and bodysurfers and not many casual swimmers. The wide grass and sand stretch is a popular sunset and picnic spot even for people who have no intention of getting in the water.
A real local institution for expert bodyboarders and a great sunset spot for everyone else, but the shorebreak is genuinely dangerous, with one of the highest injury rates of any beach in the state.
How we score beachesWatch a few sets before you go in, even as a spectator. The shorebreak here has put more people in the hospital than almost any other beach in the state, and locals don't say that for effect.
A large free lot runs along Kalanianaole Highway right at the park, and it rarely fills completely since much of the crowd is there to watch rather than swim.
The lot sits right above the sand with no stairs, though the beach itself drops off steeply and isn't a place to wade in casually.
Summer swells are usually smaller and more forgiving here, while winter and spring can bring the biggest, most dangerous shorebreak of the year. Trade winds keep the grassy park comfortable most afternoons regardless of season.
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