Although sunset is among the most often visited times in Hawaii, morning could be the most holy. On the islands, during this period of immense peace and beauty, most people are still asleep. Sunrise is a fantastic chance to have a Hawaiian beach all to yourself and commune with the mana, or energy, of nature. Below is a list of our preferred locations—hikes, beaches, and special sites for every island—where one might see the dawn in Hawaii. Firstly, here are some tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii to make your experience more straightforward:
8 Tips for Seeing the Sunrise in Hawaii
Make the JET-LAG work for you!
If you come from the east (US mainland, Europe), this is excellent advice. Over the first few days of your trip, jet lag will make waking up early easy. My favorite time of day is early morning; if you choose to go out, you will find a rare peak of Hawaii free from many people. Get yourself a warm drink and watch nature gradually come alive. The sunrise is really beneficial!
You can still enjoy a sunrise without actually seeing the sun.
Most beaches and mountain paths facing east will obviously work; yet, a clear view to the east is not required to appreciate the sunrise. Relax if you are staying on the west side of an island! You could drive over to the windward side, though it is not required. Walking on a beach facing west at sunrise is still a fantastic experience, with numerous hues in the sky and those same serene, tranquil emotions.
Recognize that it will “light out” before the sun rises.
Know that the sun will rise regardless of the time your weather report indicates; know that it will start to get bright enough to go about your day without artificial light approximately 20 to 30 minutes before that time. Soft colors—blue, pink, purple, red, and orange—will show up in the sky as the sun rises nearer the horizon. We recommend arriving at your viewing point at the start of this phase, since the colors may be really magnificent and the atmosphere calm.
Bring a headlamp when hiking.
If you’re setting out on a hike and plan to watch the sunrise from the trail, bring a headlamp or flashlight to help you navigate.
Bring a coffee or hot drink to the beach.
If you’re watching the sunrise from the shore, bring a hot drink. In the morning, strolling the beach with a coffee in hand as the world starts to wake up may be rather soothing.
Plan for breakfast afterwards, and perhaps an afternoon nap.
Some people find it hard to wake up early, but most enjoy seeing the sunrise and realizing they have the whole day ahead. We recommend a few breakfast spots for you to enjoy later. Plan your afternoon carefully; you might want to pencil in a nap on a beach blanket.
Go big and experience sunrise and sunset on the same day.
How not? You most certainly don’t get to do this often in your daily life, and you can’t ask for a more lovely setting to start and finish a day. For ideas on sunset activities, check out our guide to the Best Places for Sunset in Hawaiʻi.
Timing is everything.
Sunrise in Hawaiʻi (Honolulu) varies between 05:48 (early June) and 07:11 (early January). One can find the precise sunrise time on the Time and Date web page.
Sunrise Spots on the Big Island
The Big Island offers a wide range of unusual dawn possibilities. The best tips for seeing the sunrise on the Big Island in Hawaii include knowing that the sun rises in the east; hence, all of these locations face the windward, eastern direction.
Hike (well, a small walk): The Rainbow Falls
Though it’s more of a stroll than a climb, this is one of the most useful and possibly breathtaking sunrise views on the windward side. Just minutes from downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows that show up in and around the falls when the morning rising sun strikes them. The shortest stairway leads to the top of the falls, but the best rainbow view is in front of them, between the sun and the falls.
Sunrise Hike #2: Pololu Valley
Seeing the dawn from the Pololū Valley viewpoint is another fantastic choice. From the overlook or a hike down under a headlamp, you can see the heavens illuminated.
Beach: Richardson Beach
You can witness the sunrise from numerous locations in Hilo, including the beach parks around Hilo Bay (Coconut Island is a fantastic one), but if you want a real beach, travel to Richardsons, a little black sand beach with patches of green sand. Wander around the rocky beachfront or set up a chair and sip coffee while you see the sun rise and the light bounce off Mauna Kea over the sea. Keep an eye out for marine turtles.
Uniquely Big Island: Steam Vents at Kīlauea
Are you looking for a spectacular sunrise? Before dawn, head to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and set up business close to the steam vents looking over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. This spot provides some of the best tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii.
If you arrive at night, you can see the lava “glow” and watch the volcano crater change colors as the sun rises. Looking behind you, you can see the island’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, lit by early light.
Breakfast: Ken’s House of Pancakes
One of our favorite eateries in Hilo, Ken’s House of Pancakes, is well-known for its generous sizes and local flair. It has been considered the best breakfast spot in Hilo since the late 1990s; we recommend it as a fantastic choice following a sunrise encounter.
Sunrise Spots on Oʻahu
The windward side of Oʻahu offers a few of our favorite sunrise spots in the entire state. Following these tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii on Oʻahu will enhance your experience.
Hike: Lanikai Pillbox
Accessible from the Lanikai neighborhood on Oʻahu’s windward side, the ridgeline features two bunkers, or pillboxes, previously used as lookouts during the world wars. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean and offshore islands as the sun rises directly in front of you. Start your climb in the dark—wear a headlamp—then schedule roughly twenty to thirty minutes to reach the peak. Once there, relax for one of the greatest dawn experiences of your life.
Good to know: Although on any given day there can be roughly 50 people up there, the Lanikai Pillbox may be the most often used dawn spot in all of Hawaiʻi; hence, avoid total solitude on any given day. Otherwise, there is plenty of room to disperse. Steer clear of the pillbox itself, and instead seize your own slice of heaven further up the ridge. Be careful where you sit and stand—many slopes are steep. Be mindful of any parking signs and limitations when parking in the Lanikai area.
Beach: Kailua Beach
If you’re not inclined toward hiking, just stroll to Kailua Beach. A morning walk would be ideal on the long, white-sand beach, with the sun rising just offshore and the waves normally calm. For an AM plunge, wear your bathing suit.
Uniquely Oʻahu: Diamond Head
Although many visitors to Oahu hike Diamond Head, most of them do not start around daybreak. Though not, there is still lots to see; the summit of Diamond Head offers panoramic views of the ocean, and seeing the city of Honolulu glitter in the early light is a lovely sight depending on the time of year. The sun really comes up from the southeast.
Breakfast: Kalapawai Market
Head into Kailua after sunrise and pick up breakfast at the Kalapawai Market. Another place is Kailua Beach Park, which has some seats but is more of a grab-and-go market; another is a conventional restaurant with tables and seating in Kailua town proper. In either case, savor the local breakfast and coffee delicacies.
Sunrise Spots on Kauaʻi
When thinking about tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii, don’t forget Kauaʻi. There are some fantastic sunrise spots.
Hike: Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Perfect for viewing the sunrise, this southeast-facing beach walk is lovely and level yet winds down the undeveloped coast just outside of Poʻipū. It will let you locate a quiet spot to sit for the sunrise and have the opportunity for later exploration. You can choose your own trip and hike as long as you’d like before reversing direction.
Beach: Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park, on Kauaʻi’s east coast, is an excellent choice for anyone lodging in Kapaʻa or Līhuʻe. It faces east and features a grassy space and playground for the children, along with white sand for walks. It’s important to plan ahead and pack beachwear for the morning. Lydgate is also a popular spot for novice snorkelers.
Waimea Canyon is unique in Kauaʻi.
A breathtaking dawn awaits those who make the effort, as the morning light illuminates the canyon walls and the shadows create incredible photo opportunities. Good to know: Think about tent camping in Kōkeʻe State Park or leasing a cabin—the Cabins at Kōkeʻe or Kōkeʻe Lodge—to simplify the trip. From there, your simple journey to the canyon rim for sunrise viewing will be easy.
Breakfast: Kountry Kitchen
Serving breakfast since 1975, this Kapaʻa institution has passed with excellent colors if you believe in the test of time. Fresh local juices, kalua pig omelets, and macadamia nut French toast are just at the beginning; loco mocos, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh baked goods complete the menu. Good to know: Riding or strolling the Kapaʻa Bike Path, which spans the coast for roughly 10 kilometers, works your belly after breakfast.
Sunrise Spots on Maui
Maui offers some of the most colorful sunrises in Hawaii. Here’s where to catch it, as well as why you should follow these tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii.
Hike: Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
A fantastic morning climb, the Waihe’s Ridge Trail provides panoramic views of the ocean and Maui’s rural northeast coast. Along with a vista of Makamakaole Falls, the path winds through fields and woodlands. Good to know: Though only 2.5 miles one way, the climb is severe, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. You most likely won’t reach the peak for sunrise unless you are truly strict and start quite early. Still, there are many spots along the path to gaze back over the sea. After choosing a suitable spot to sit along the road to watch the sun rise, keep climbing to complete the walk.
Beach: Baldwin Beach
Although Baldwin Beach on Maui lacks a view straight east, it’s still a wonderful site to start the day. For an early morning stroll, the silky white sand feels great; seeing the West Maui Mountains’ peaks illuminated by sunlight is quite beautiful. The serene atmosphere is a reliable indicator of tranquility. Good to know: Watching the sunrise at Baldwin will provide you with a head start on the throngs if you are traveling the Road to Hāna. See below for breakfast; then, cruise east toward Hna from Pāʻia. Enjoy the morning beach walk.
Uniquely Maui: Haleakalā
If you want the high effort/high reward option, plan on watching the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā, about 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, you are above the clouds, and it brings a whole new meaning to watching the world wake up. After that, you can hike the trails around the summit crater. The catch? Seeing the sunrise from the Haleakalā summit requires an early wakeup; from most hubs on Maui, it will take 1.5 hours to reach the summit by car.
Good to know: Watching the sunrise at Haleakalā has become so popular that it now requires you to get a reservation in advance. This is a beneficial thing in some ways, as it limits the number of people and prevents overcrowding. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as they tend to fill up. Bring food and drink, as there are no services at the summit. Alternatively, you could hop on a tour that takes you up to the sunrise, as many companies offer this experience.
Breakfast: Better Things Café
Searching for a decent brekkie? Serving a mix of local fruit, pastries, breads, and waffles, including acai bowls (from the previous Pāʻia Bowls) and, naturally, coffee, try the Better Things Café in Pāʻia.
By planning your activities around these tips for seeing the sunrise in Hawaii, you can maximize your sunrise experiences and make the most of your Hawaiian adventure.
