Sunset / Hawaii / United States

In past decades, Sunset was known as a premier surfing destination. Unfortunately, its reputation has been diminished due to poor photograph opportunities, large waves being cut by long boarders, and major surfing events moving their venues to other areas. Although its name has become synonymous with Malibu, Sunset remains a water sport haven, as it creates great waves for surfers and serves up some good areas for wind and kite surfing.

Best season is the winter (December to February). Sunset consists of a very long curve that begins with the Kammieland reef on the west side, then turns into a deepwater channel in the middle, and ends in a straight line at Sunset Beach in the northeast. Made of a mixture of reef, sand, and lava rocks, the most notable geographic point are the lava fingers that appear further out to sea.

These fingers reflect the west swells, thus creating a great peak that can handle 12 to 15 ft waves, especially in the winter. Advanced wind and kite surfers take advantage of the channel, but generally avoid the Hawaiian fishing ponds, which are very shallow when the tide is low.

Sunset is home to a major condo and vacation rental community – if you can rally a large group of your buddies, you can usually find a place to rent for the season. The beach is equipped with its own parking lot and bathroom facilities. When not on the waves, check out the scenic parks, museums, and views that make up this quaint little city.

A word of safety to all three surfer types: the water is known to be littered with seaweed and coral that seriously impede your ride.