Beaches / Coastlines, Oahu

Every year we lose a few tourists to the power of the ocean. Listen to lifeguards. Stay back from the edge of the ocean since waves can come out of nowhere and take you with them. Always swim with a buddy.

North Shore - Winter. Need I say more? Those "No Swimming" signs are for real. Waimea Bay is usually open for swimming and boogey boarding, but use your head. If the waves look scary - that's because they are dangerous. Ladies - leave your bikinis at home and opt for the local look - t-shirt and shorts. My bottoms were around my knees after my first wave. One swimmer had his forehead gashed open during my visit. Don't swim after the lifeguards leave at sunset. If you're not confident in your abilities - don't swim at all. Google Oahu surf reports on-line and forget hitting the waves if the swells are over 10 feet unless you're an int/adv surfer. If swells are 20 feet, check out the pipeline and bonzai surf areas to watch experts catch the big ones.

Sunset beach has crazy undertow and massive wave breaks in December and winter months. I would suggest only extremely strong swimmers and surfers only swim there....all others practice your sunbathing skills.

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Based on every year’s reports this is the beach where most injuries occur. Located on the Southeast Oahu, not so far from Hanauma Bay and the Blow Hole, this beach attracts some very daring surfers that are not afraid of the powerful waves.
Mostly occupied by locals Sandy Beach divides its visitors into two groups: Surfers that line up on the shore and wait for the perfect wave and locals that line up to watch these fearless surfers. Occasionally a third type of visitors can be spotted; these are tourists – the only ones that try to swim in the mighty ocean. Quite often they emerge out of the water with bleeding arms, legs, or foreheads being either hit by a surfboard and simply dragged and rolled by a wave.
Unless you’re really looking for a trouble, try to avoid swimming at the Sandy Beach area, just drive 5 minutes north, pay a few bucks and enjoy the most beautiful Hanauma Bay with its calm water and colorful sea life.

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everyone is famailiar with big waves and the pull from those waves when the receed back. What people don't realize is that you could be standing 10 yards from where the water has been ending, and here comes a wave that is bigger and washes up past you by another 10 yards and can pull you out. Be careful!!!

The water is clear and inviting in Hawaii but watch the currents. Know you ablilities before swimming or surfing and always ask the locals about any rips or dangers. If you see no one swimming or surfing, it's probably for a reason... Don't go out.

If you are visithing the North Shore Beaches of Qahu, it would be wise to look for and read the signs posted on the Beaches.
The waves in these areas can be enormous and swimming will not be allowed.

Take notice of the warnings at the beaches. A strong undertow could easily drag you offshore and get you into difficulties.
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