Oahu
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Sunset Beach, Oahu. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 3–4ft, 11s period, rated Fair - Good. Expect 3-4ft all day on ENE swell at 8s with 7mph E winds — nothing amazing but surfable.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 11s period, rated Poor - Fair. Morning kicks off with 2-3ft on NE swell at 8s.
Mon, May 18: 1–2ft, 10s period, rated Poor. Morning kicks off with 1-2ft on NNW swell at 9s. Expect 13mph ENE winds by the afternoon.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 14s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 1-2ft waves on NW swell at 11s and 14mph E winds. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
Wed, May 20: 2–3ft, 11s period, rated Poor. Early morning is your best window — 2-3ft waves on NNW swell at 10s with strong ENE wind at 15mph. Things get a bit scrappier as the day goes on.
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Sunset Beach is one of Oahu's most iconic and powerful winter breaks, located on the North Shore where consistent Pacific swells create world-class waves that can reach 20+ feet. The beach break offers a mix of playful smaller waves during calm periods and serious barreling peaks when swell is up, making it a premier destination for experienced surfers seeking challenging conditions. Known for its dramatic seasonal transformation and vibrant surf culture, Sunset attracts international competitors and dedicated locals who respect the ocean's raw power.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Sunset Beach is 3-4ft with a 11.6s swell period. Wind is E at 10mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Sunset Beach is 3-4ft, produced by a 2.6ft ENE primary swell at 8s, a 2.5ft NW secondary swell at 12s, a 1.4ft N tertiary swell at 7s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Sunset Beach is Saturday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 11.25s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Sunset Beach works best with a N swell and S winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Sunset Beach. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Sunset Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to advanced surfers. Sunset Beach is one of Oahu's most iconic and powerful winter breaks, located on the North Shore where consistent Pacific swells create world-class waves that can reach 20+ feet. The beach break offers a mix of playful smaller waves during calm periods and serious barreling peaks when swell is up, making it a premier destination for experienced surfers seeking challenging conditions. Known for its dramatic seasonal transformation and vibrant surf culture, Sunset attracts international competitors and dedicated locals who respect the ocean's raw power.
The prime season at Sunset Beach is winter, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Sunset Beach include strong currents, shallow sandbars, powerful shorebreak, localism, rip currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Sunset Beach forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
