Sandy Beach is best known as one of the finest bodysurfing spots in Hawaii. Between two rocky outcroppings sits a sand-bottom zone about 250 yards wide that throws heavy, wedging, often hollow shorepound, frequently breaking right off the dry sand. That zone is for bodysurfing only, not for boards, and it is a common place for injuries, whether from the wave driving you into the shallow sand or from collisions with other people. Out front of the rocky outcropping on the eastern side of the beach, a somewhat fickle left reef break offers a more rideable option that can get fun when it lines up.
When It Works
The reef comes alive with the right swell, drawing from east-northeast through south to south-southwest (ENE-S-SSW). That exposure keeps it fed by summer's southerly swells and by the easterly tradeswell through the rest of the year, so surf stays consistent across every season. It is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. The left reef can be enjoyable, though nothing out of the ordinary.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind out of the northwest (NW), with a workable wind window running west through north to north-northeast (W-N-NNE). Mellow onshores are manageable here too. The break works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The reef suits intermediate and expert surfers on a shortboard, while the sand-bottom zone is the domain of bodyboards, skimboards, and bodysurfing. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works, with a generally reserved feel. Keep it humble and courteous, and take care not to fall on others when the shorepound is crowded.
Access
Getting in is easy. A paved road leads straight to Sandy Beach Park, where there is plenty of parking.
