Riding the Waves: History of the Sunset Pro Tournament
The Sunset Pro has established itself as one of the premier events on the World Surf League Qualifying Series. Held annually at the iconic Sunset Beach on Oʻahu’s famed North Shore, this competition blends local flair with international talent. First launched in the early 2000s, the Sunset Pro has grown from a modest regional contest into a high-stakes qualifier, drawing surfers from all over the world. Over the years, the event has served as a proving ground for up-and-coming talent, offering crucial points toward WSL qualification, and has become a fixture of the winter surfing calendar as surfers chase big swells and fierce competition.
The North Shore’s Crown Jewel: Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a celebrated stretch of coastline located at the northernmost tip of Oʻahu. Known for its long, wide sandy shores and powerful reef breaks, the beach fluctuates dramatically between calm summer swells and towering winter waves that can exceed 15 feet. Amenities along the coastline include beachfront parking, public restrooms, and picnic tables tucked beneath shady trees. While cell service can be spotty, natural lifeguard towers dot the shoreline during competition season. Surrounding the beach, modest food trucks and surf shops cater to spectators and competitors alike. What makes Sunset Beach exceptional is its natural character: rolling highlands, jagged cliffs, and untamed oceanic power framing the horizon.
The wave conditions that make Sunset Beach ideal for the WSL are almost mythical: long, peeling reef breaks that produce both lefts and rights with formidable walls and barreling tubes. These conditions demand technical precision, powerful bottom turns, and fearless air maneuvers from athletes. Watching the surfers navigate such waves is akin to witnessing artistry in motion, as they seamlessly blend fluid lines with raw, athletic driver.
Champions on the Rise: Surfers at the Sunset Pro Today
This year’s Sunset Pro field is brimming with international talent. Among them is Jaeger Stone, a Hawaiʻi native whose powerful style and Revolution-tailored boards have earned him respect on tour. Stone’s big-wave prowess has seen him notch high finishes across challenging North Shore breaks. Also on deck is Caroline Marks, a Florida-born prodigy whose explosive airs and aggressive forehand make her a rider to watch, and Matt Banting, an Australian competitor known for his technical rail work and consistent heat wins at recent QS events.
On the women’s side, Tatiana Weston-Webb, hailing originally from Brazil but representing Hawaiʻi, brings both hometown pride and elite-level competition experience. With a top QS ranking already under her belt, she seeks to secure her QS qualification at her home break. Meanwhile, Filipe Toledo, a Brazilian phenom known for his bright airs and fearless barrel riding, returns to Sunset seeking redemption after placing just outside the finals last year. With his signature style and lightning-fast carves, he’ll be among the crowd favorites come contest time.
Surfing Royalty: Past Legends of Sunset Beach
Over the years, Sunset Pro has showcased some of the sport’s most beloved legends. Kelly Slater, the greatest surfer of all time, made occasional appearances early in his career, testing the reef break and pushing the boundaries of performance surfing. The iconic Andy Irons, Oʻahu native, brought intensity and raw commitment to every wave he caught, forever transforming the event’s atmosphere. Hawaiian legend Sunny Garcia once starred at the Sunset Pro, channeling the North Shore’s spiritual connection and local ethos. These big names—alongside other legends like Tom Curren and Mark Occhilupo—have left an indelible mark, shaping the Sunset Pro into a cultural touchstone.
Waves & Traditions: Surfing’s Roots on Oʻahu
Surfing has been an integral part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, originating around the 12th century when early Polynesians discovered the swell-rich waters of Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu, the North Shore has always been revered as a proving ground—a place where surfers test their mettle against massive winter surf, strong currents, and tricky reef systems. Surfing here was once deeply tied to royalty, ceremony, and social rank, and the legacy continues today with a culture that fuses respect, humility, and daring. Sunset Beach and other major North Shore breaks like Pipeline and Waimea Bay remain spiritual and technical battlegrounds where surfers seek both victory and personal growth.
Staying Close to the Action: Where to Stay Near Sunset Beach
To enjoy the Sunset Pro experience fully, staying nearby is ideal. Three accommodations stand out:
- The Turtle Bay Resort, situated at 57-091 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, is just five miles east of Sunset Beach. A luxury oceanfront property with spa services, multiple restaurants, and golf courses, it conveys an 808-number of (808) 293‑6000.
- Courtyard by Marriott Oʻahu North Shore, located at 59-500 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, provides comfortable, newly renovated rooms, a fitness center, and complimentary shuttle services to North Shore beaches. Reservations can be made via (808) 293‑3400.
- Mahina Beach Condominiums, at 65‑1260 Kamehameha Highway in Haleʻiwa, offers cozy beachfront condo-style studios and suites that feel like home. Facilities include full kitchens, BBQ areas, and sweeping ocean views. Call them at (808) 637‑4248.
Each of these properties ensures easy access to the contest venue and local spots like shrimp trucks, souvenir stands, and scenic coastal hiking trails.
Dolphins Await: Sea Life Park Adventure
No trip to Oʻahu is complete without a marine encounter, and Sea Life Park—situated on the southeastern shore of O‘ahu—offers just that. Dolphins are beloved for their intelligence and charm, and Sea Life Park has two main programs that offer visitors the chance to meet them up close.
The Dolphin Encounter is a waist-deep, non-swim program held on a submerged platform. Participants learn about dolphin biology, behavior, and conservation, while gently touching and interacting with the animals. The program is ideal for families and guests of all ages.
By contrast, the Dolphin Exploration is a deeper-water immersive session available to participants eight years and older. Guests wear life vests and enter the lagoon, guided by park staff, to perform hand signals and experience playful dolphin interactions. Both programs offer general park admission and access to other marine exhibits and shows.
Booking early for either dolphin program unlocks a 5% discount off the standard fee. Those who plan ahead not only save but also ensure a more relaxed, fully-booked experience in paradise.
Marine Marvels: Shows and Exhibits at Sea Life Park
Beyond dolphins, Sea Life Park invites guests to discover a world of marine life. The Sea Lion Presentation showcases the agility and cleverness of these charismatic pinnipeds, often featuring entertaining routines and close-contact demonstrations. In the park’s Penguin Habitat, visitors can observe gentoo and king penguins as they feed and socialize in specially designed environments. The Pāhili Cove Shark Exhibit immerses guests in the presence of reef sharks through a curved glass tunnel that evokes the sensation of being underwater alongside these sleek predators. Colorful coral reef aquariums and native fish displays round out the experience, all accessible with general admission alongside your dolphin program.
Combining Sun, Surf, and Dolphins
Sunset Beach and Sea Life Park are approximately a 45-minute drive apart via Kamehameha Highway and O‘ahu’s southeastern belt. It is entirely feasible to enjoy an early surf session or competition heat at the Sunset Pro, then head south for swimming with dolphins in Oahu in the afternoon. However, because the surfing event schedule—and swell conditions—can be unpredictable, many prefer to separate the experiences. Attending the Sunset Pro one day and reserving a second day for Sea Life Park ensures you have energy for both and can fully appreciate each.
Final Reflections: A Hawaiian Dual Adventure
The Sunset Pro brings together the best of ocean culture, athleticism, and natural beauty. At Sunset Beach, spectators witness surfers carving crisp lines on phenomenal reef waves, as they chase dreams of qualification and glory. Across the island, at Sea Life Park, visitors are reminded of the power, grace, and wonder of ocean life itself. When combined, these experiences offer a richly layered Oʻahu journey—one that blends adrenaline with serenity, heritage with spectacle. Whether you’re cheering on an emerging surf star or smiling at a dolphin’s splash, this Hawaiian pilgrimage promises memories that linger long after the swell has settled.
