Sunset Beach

Like its southern neighbor, Waimea, Sunset Beach's wintertime waves are too intense for amateur surfers. But this is a great place to go if you want to be a spectator. The summer tide is mellow enough for swimming, and there's usually a lifeguard around to better ensure your safety.

Sunset doesn't buzz with activity like Waimea, and the parking situation is far better. If you're looking to experience all that the North Shore is about, most agree this is the better beach of the two. And what's the best time of day to visit Sunset? Why, the end of the day, of course.

You'll find Sunset just up the road from Waimea, off Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa, Oahu.