Red Sand Beach / Hawaii / United States

This is a good big wave spot that should only see experts out on it, or those with some sort of desire to be pounded and half-drowned.  For those who can manage it, it’s a great place to be and offers consistent conditions that are good for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers alike.

The beach is red sand (well, what did you expect?) and is moderate size so there is usually plenty of room for launching and landing kites.  It’s a quiet spot and the beach is clear of hazards, it’s only when you get onto the water that there are dangers.

The best time to be here is between May and October when the wind and the waves are at their most consistent, although to be fair the wind does blow all year round at 10-20 knots.  On the best days you’ll get much more that, when the wind can exceed 40 knots, so you’d better be able to handle yourself in strong winds.  The water is never flat or still here, the smallest you are going to see is waves between 1 and 3m, but you are just as likely to see big waves that can reach well over 3m. 

There is parking on Uakea Road, only a five minute walk from the beach.  Most of the structure round here are private houses so don’t go tramping through their grounds to reach the shore. 

Be sure you can handle big waves if you come out here or you’ll be pounded.  There are also shark sightings and you need to take the usual precautions to avoid attracting them.