Experienced Body Surfing & Boogie Boarding
Warning: Sandy’s can be treacherous and swimmers should be extremely wary when there’s surf present.
Sandy Beach, Oahu is a popular destination during the summer months. Facing the island of Molokai and the strong currents of the Molokai Channel, Sandy beach is dangerous when the surf is up.
Of course, that’s the reason that daring teens flock to the beach after school and during the weekends. The surf at Sandy’s breaks very near shore making it perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding. Shore break builds up quickly forming a tube that’s perfect for an adrenaline-boosting fast ride.
Sandy Beach is a popular leeward beach about 1,200 feet long and is great for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and laying out on the golden sands. A wide and expansive beach, Sandys is nice for swimming when the waves are very small, but most often there is a pounding shore break that creates very dangerous conditions for novices. Do not swim when the shore break looks dangerous because it is, and extreme injury may result.
Great For
Bodyboarding and body surfing for the experienced only! Sunbathing and Beach Walks. Kite-flying on the big grassy lawn fronting the beach. Swimming only when the water is calm.
Not looking to boogie board? On cloudy days it’s likely the sun will be shining at Sandy’s. That gives it a high rating for sunbathing and people watching. The trade winds keep it comfortable so make sure you apply plenty of sunblock. Typically a half-hour of bare skin exposure in Hawaii sunshine and you’re burned. On windier days sunbathers may get a little sandblasted. Bring a kite and join the kite flyers on Sandy’s grass apron.
Highlights
This lovely golden sand beach is great for relaxing and is very close to Waikiki. If the waves are large it is truly awesome to see the local experts at bodysurfing and bodyboarding as they navigate the often treacherous shore break waves.
Tip: Sandy’s is only twenty minutes from Waikiki but you’ll feel like you’re in the country.
Need to Know
Many people have been injured at Sandy Beach because they underestimated the power of the nearshore waves breaking on the steep shoreline. More lifeguard rescues occur here than any other beach. Only swim at Sandy Beach when the water is very calm. Just to the left of the restroom area there is often a rip current (even when you can’t see it), and the area directly in front of the restrooms can be very hazardous at low tide.
The best time to test your mettle at Sandy’s is when the waves are two to four feet. Higher than that and you’re advised to leave the water to those most experienced. We’re going to say it again…annually, Sandy’s wins in the most injuries category, so it’s smart to obey all posted warning signs.
Obey all posted warning signs. The lifeguards put them there for a reason!
Over the years Sandy’s has been host to numerous surfing, body surfing, boogie boarding, and skimboarding competitions. If you’re lucky enough to be around during one of these events you can pick up some pointers from the pros.
Lifeguard
Yes
Facilities
There are no shops or restaurants near so pack a picnic unless you want to take your chances with the local lunch wagon. There are public restrooms and cold water showers to rinse of the sand when you are pau (finished) for the day.
Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, phones, parking.
Access
Parking is free and usually plentiful. Be sure to lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
From Waikiki go east on the H-1, which then becomes Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72). Go past Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay, then past the Halona Blowhole. The next big golden sand beach you see is Sandy Beach.