By Crystal

Located on the southeast tip of Oahu, Sandy Beach has gained its following due to its notoriously large and hollow shore break. Because the wave breaks so close to shore, only experienced water people should enter the water when Sandy’s is breaking over 4 feet. Also beware of the strong rip current that sweeps out into the open sea [if you get caught in a rip current never swim against it, but allow it to carry you out until you are able to swim away from it, parallel to the shoreline, and then safely back in to land]. Though it is most popular amongst teens and young adults who body surf, boogie and skim board, Sandy’s is also frequented by sunbathers and those just looking to get wet.

A twenty minute drive out of Waikiki, Sandy’s is located in a much more rural area of Oahu (just past the multi million dollar homes of Portlock not as popular or well-known amongst visitors which means that you won’t encounter the same glitz and glamour of Waikiki. Pack a picnic basket and a cooler of beverages if you plan on staying long since there are no restaurants or eateries close by. At night, it’s a great location to park your car and watch for shooting stars against a backdrop of crashing waves. For specific surf spot location check out our Oahu surf maps.

Where to stay: The beach town of Kailua is just 10 minutes from Sandy beach heading east on Kalanianaole Hwy. Here you'll find quiet neighborhoods and mostly caucasian residents who take pride in their community. Kailua real estate is however, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Hawaii.

Crowd factor: All kine. It’s never a dull day at Sandy’s. Give respect to the locals [extremely large blahlah looking gentlemen]

Bottom: A little bit of everything [but remember, its name IS Sandy’s so you would assume …]

Ability level: Moderate. However, if you want to ere on the side of caution there are lifeguards on duty Monday through Friday from 8 am till 5 pm. Watch out for the ultra shallow shore break. Sandy's is the #1 surf spot in the world for broken necks...many experienced body boarders have been killed and paralyzed. This is no joke so take extreme caution before surfing there. For those of you that just jumped off the plane and have never surfed before, you might want to watch from the sand before the lifeguards yell at you.

Access: The parking looks directly onto the beach front however you want to make sure to lock the doors of your vehicle and to keep your valuables close at hand [which common sense would tell you to do anywhere you go].

What board to bring: If you're surfing the shore break, bring your boogie board, McDonald's tray, or just body surf. You'll see long boarders and shortboarders at Half and Full Point. The shorter the better at Half Point. This ain’t no hotdoggin’ longboardin’ wave.

Places to stay: If you want to stick it out on this side of the ‘aina [land] think about staying in a vacation rental. There are LOTS of locations that offer lovely [that’s an understatement, I’m talking breathtakingly GORGEOUS] ocean views in the Hawaii Kai/Portlock area.

Places to eat: If you’re hankering for some ono [delicious] burgers, ribs, sandwhiches, plate lunches, fish, steak, and pupus[appetizers], a rousing game of pool, an ice cold beer, and a round of darts all in a relaxing atmosphere, The Shack in Hawaii Kai is the place to be! If you’re feeling adventurous [and lucky] you can even [try and] catch your own meal aboard their very own Shack Attack sport fishing charter boat. After you land that Big One, the chefs will cook it up for you any which way your heart desires. This restaurant stays open till 2 am so even when you’re having a late-night steak n’ rib craving you can still pay the locals at The Shack a visit. ? (Ph) 808-396-1919

Surf shops in the area: It’s a far drive back to the civilization of Honolulu [where surf shops are more plentiful] but if you’re absolutely desperate check out Hawaiian Island Creations at Koko Marina Shopping Center [at the bottom of Haunama Bay]. They carry trendy local clothing as well as a large supply of innovative surfboards [and boogie boards!] that will have you ripping in no time. If you're on a budget, the Costco in Hawaii Kai [just a ten-minute drive away] also carries surfboards and sometimes boogie boards. You’re thinking, “Costco sells surfboards?!” but it’s true! And though these boards come no-frills they’re also reasonably priced [just around $400]. Grab a shortboard along with the fifty rolls of toilet paper and seventy cans of spam.

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