Sandy Beach, also referred to as "Sandy's" and known to Hawaiians as Wāwāmalu, is a beach on the southeastern shore of Oahu in Hawaii. It is known for its excellent bodyboarding and bodysurfing opportunities due to its peaky shore break and consistent barrels. Consequently, Sandy Beach has one of the highest incidences of water related spinal cord injuries in Hawaii,[1] earning it the infamous nickname, "break-neck" beach.[2] The water is especially dangerous during high surf, when powerful waves break over shallow sand and slabs of underwater lava rock. In certain conditions, strong rip currents are also present. The beach park is located between Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to the west and Makapuu Point to the east along Kalanianaʻole Highway.[3]
Due to the geography of Sandy Beach, the surf zone spanning approximately 2,500 feet contains individual surf breaks. This makes Sandy Beach somewhat unique from other shore breaks on Oahu, such as Makapuʻu Beach Park and Waiamea Bay, where the waves largely do not break in consistent locations.
According to the legendary waterman, Mike Stewart, Sandy Beach is the birthplace of progressive bodyboarding.
In October 2014, Honolulu City Council member Stanley Chang proposed changing the name of Sandy Beach to "President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park." The plans were dropped due to opposition from the public.[4]