Sunset Beach, North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

World famous Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most visited and most versatile beaches. It is approximately two miles long, boasting one of the most expansive white sand beach areas on the island. During the summer months, picturesque Sunset Beach draws residents and visitors alike to its inviting shores, to enjoy kayaking, standup
paddling, snorkeling, shelling, building sandcastles and of course sunbathing. The striking contrast between the crystal clear aqua blue waters and the smooth, sparkling, white sandy beach provide beachgoers with the best a beach has to offer. During the winter months, Sunset Beach transforms itself into a powerful surfing Mecca that is central to the premier worldwide surfing event, The Triple Crown of Surfing. With wave heights reaching 15 to 25 feet and a notorious riptide to contend with, even seasoned surfers approach the ocean’s edge with caution.

Oahu has two extinct volcanoes. In the west, Wai`anae, locally called Mount Ka`ala, is 4,025 feet above the sea. In the east Ko`olau peaks at 3,150 feet and is 30 miles long. Ko`olau is locally known as the Ko`olau Mountains.

Volcanoes can lay dormant for a million years before sputtering back awake near the shoreline. These eruptions are cone-shaped mountains of cemented ash called tuff. The sea water causes steam and pressure as it seeps into the underground magma eventually causing an explosion. This type of explosion is how Diamond Head, Koko Crater and Koko Head were formed.

Nature and time have sculpted elegant ridges on Oahu’s spectacular tropical mountains making Oahu an island of enchantment. Oahu also has some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and famous surfing areas in the world.

© 2009 Victoria McCormick