Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is a wide white sand beach, approximately 1,200 feet long and 200 feet wide that lies at the base of Koko Crater, which, at 1,208 feet, is the highest crater on the shoreline of Oahu, Hawaii. Bordered on its west end by the famous Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach has a moderately steep, sloping foreshore and an ocean bottom that drops quickly to overhead depths. The quick change in depth creates steep, hard-breaking waves that form a pounding shorebreak. At the east end of the beach, waves also break on a rocky point and further offshore on an outer reef. Park facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a kite-flying area, and parking.
Sandy Beach is one of the best shorebreak body-surfing and bodyboarding sites in Hawaii, and its large, steep waves attract wave riders from all over the island. The surf breaks so close to shore that it affords excellent close-up viewing and picture taking opportunities. In addition, the steep foreshore at Sandy Beach provides one of Hawaii’s premier venues for skimboarding. Skimboard riders perform their spectacular sport by running after the trailing water of a receding wave with a small, thin board in hand. At just the right moment, they drop the board into the water, jump on it and surf across the sand at high speed, performing acrobatic maneuvers as they go. If you have never seen bodysurfing, bodyboarding, or skimboarding in action, be sure to walk down to the waters edge for a spectacular show of athletic ability. And don’t forget your camera.
A few of the many activities at Sandy Beach include beachcombing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, fishing, skimboarding, surfing, and swimming.
Sandy Beach is subject to high surf at all times of the year. While this is one of its attractions, it is also one of its constant dangers, especially for those who dare to challenge its waves. The pounding shorebreak takes its toll every year in the form of dislocations, broken bones, and near-drownings. This is not a swimming beach unless the ocean is absolutely flat. It is normally a wave-riding beach for the experiences only. Lifeguards are on duty daily. Check with them before going in the water.
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