Sandy Beach – A Brief Introduction to One of Oahu’s Dangerous Beaches
Amazing sunrises that will take your breath away, oceanfront parks, shopping centers, and homes with nearby fun hikes to Koko Head, the Baboon’s Nose, Makapu’u Lighthouse, or more extreme journeys that will take you straight up the back of the Ko’olau Mountains that overlook Waimanalo Bay, Rabbit Island, Black Island, and the Mokulua Islands.
This is east side living at its finest – where you can wake up to your morning cup of coffee while watching humpback whales breach and Halona Point Blowhole spout geysers high above its rocky cliffs, snorkel or swim Hanauma Bay, or enjoy the many different surf breaks along this majestic coastline.
However, your first wave at Sandy Beach, unlike mine, should be a carefully planned out process; whereas mine was a sink or swim grasp for dear life by my father heaving me headlong into the treacherous shore break that is notorious for seriously life-threatening spinal injuries, thus the name “Broke Neck Beach.”
At first glance, it all seems too fun as you watch experienced and expert level bodysurfers and body boarders, old and young, charge waves that are generated both by wind and storms both near and far. Yet, make no mistake, Sandy Beach is one of the respected and dangerous beaches in the Hawaii islands!
Ask any City and County Ocean Safety Lifeguard or Honolulu Emergency Services Official and they will tell you. You can even check out several helpful websites for more in-depth information and ocean conditions. Here are a couple good ones:
If It’s Dangerous, Why Go?
Why then, you say, would anyone want to risk their life taking a chance at such a dangerous place?! Most find the thrill to be an adrenaline rush unlike any other; where it’s just you and this wave that at any moment could end your life as it has many others before, or even worse, could put you in a state of being where that could be a better option. Sandy Beach has cost many people careers, friends, family, and loved ones, yet for some of us, it has given us a freedom unlike any other.
Here you will find yourself waking at the crack of dawn, chomping at the bit, and racing down to catch a quick shorebreak session of an incoming North, South, or East wind swell that is bound to make you the happiest person in the world for just a few minutes before you put on your suit and tie that you’ve left in your car and drive or catch the bus to your amazing 9-5 that we all love so much.
From courtesy clerks, police officers, lawyers, to real estate agents such as myself, Sandy Beach has drawn us all together as one community, one “ohana” (family). From Waianae to Hawaii Kai, from Waimanalo to Haleiwa, from Honolulu to Quebec, Canada, everyone gathers at this little stomping pad for a death-defying retreat from reality. So, the next time you make your way down to Sandy Beach, remember to “look before you leap,” check with local lifeguards, who have been protecting this beach since the 70’s, to see if this beach is right for your skill level, or if they can recommend you to safer beaches up the road.
And above all, “If in doubt, don’t go out!”
I guess the same could be said about your first-time home purchase; it’s always best to seek a local professional who is knowledgeable to that area or areas to find the best possible location that will suit your needs. A person who will guide you through the pros and cons of each possible purchase and help you to weigh out if this is the right home for you.
Whether the purchase would benefit you or be in your best interest should be your agent’s top concern – and if it’s not, advise you as such so you may look elsewhere that is more suitable for your needs. Do not be afraid to let your agent know if you have any doubts, that way he or she may advise you in what could be the biggest investment into your future.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to know more about some of Hawaii’s beaches or real estate on Oahu, please contact me.
Heidi White
January 6, 2017
I enjoyed your blog and hope others keep it in mind! What a beautiful spot though!