Sandy's Beach, more commonly known simply as Sandy's, is often considered one of Hawaii's deadliest beaches, and for good reason. Hosting some of the best shore break in the world, Sandy's will never get as big as the North Shore, but it crashes directly on the beach instead of out at sea. The brave locals who bodyboard and bodysurf this spot get some of the deepest pits on east O'ahu, but when out of place they get slammed on the shallow shore. No joke, the ambulances prefer to hang out in the parking lot so they don't waste time driving from the fire station. Most of the time the injured party is an unsuspecting tourist who doesn't realize how powerful these waves are and how far the water rushes up onto the shore.
Thanks to the stellar lifeguards on duty at this beach, the rates of injury are much lower than they could be. On particularly dangerous days, lifeguards warn swimmers with a loudspeaker before they enter the water that today is not the day to try out their newly purchased boogie boards. Those who do ride the waves wear a pair of short-billed fins on their feet to power themselves through the water.
Sandy's Beach has the highest rates of broken backs and necks of any beach in the U.S. The locals here make it look so easy, but they grew up doing this and are super aware and highly trained. Don't be fooled; this place is not for everyone. This is a spectator beach, a place where most everyone comes to watch the athletes perform. People do not stand-up surf here. Head east down the beach towards Allen Davis and Erma's to a few surfable spots. There are almost always waves at Sandy's, which gets wraparound swells from many directions.
Nearby attractions include Hanauma Bay, the Hālona Blowhole, Sea Life Park, Makapu'u, Waimanalo Beach, and a ton of other amazing places. Sandy's is a central meeting point for people all over this side of the island and even has several giant grass fields known for flying large kites. There are some trees around the park, but mostly Sandy's has no shade. It gets roasting hot out there on many days.
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