7 Tips for Seeing the Sunset in Hawaii
Here are some tips to help you make your Hawaii sunset experience even better and find the best sunset spots:
1. If you are watching from a restaurant or bar, get there early.
Tables with the best views or closest to the water will fill up first.
2. Don’t rush away.
Many people wait until the sun sets below the sea and then dash for the usual exits. We strongly advise against this! The hues in the sky are most spectacular once the sun sets, and before long, the stars start to show. Use this time, when most people have left, to savor the quiet end of the day.
3. Don’t Sleep on the East
On a shore facing west, you’ll be able to see the sun setting into the ocean. Still, sunsets from the east coast may be equally breathtaking, seeing the sun set behind the mountains and savoring the vivid sky changes.
4. Bring snacks.
Pick up some local food and drinks to enjoy at sunset.
5. Print out your own sunrise/sunset calendar, including your location and date.
For instance, the earliest sunsets in Honolulu on Oʻahu occur early in December at 5:48 p.m.; the later sunsets occur early in July at 7:17 p.m. That is a nearly 1.5-hour variation! Although there are several tools available to determine the precise time of the sunset, we like the following website because printing a tiny calendar from it is so simple: www.sunrisesunset.com.
6. Sometimes, it’s not where you are, but your state of mind.
Stated differently, if you are with wonderful company and/or in a thankful state of mind, anyplace in Hawaii can be an excellent place to see the change from day to night. The list of breathtaking locations in Hawaii is endless. Any sand, mountain, or shoreline will have a unique sunset if you are grounded and in sync with its mana (power).
7. Bring your camera.
Nobody has not heard the proverb, “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints!” We absolutely do, but we would like to emphasize that snapping pictures is also quite acceptable. Better still, sunset photos are always among the most prized ones; hence, if you wish to have a lifelong memory, do not forget to pack your camera. Most modern phones come with a sunset-specific setting, but for a more sophisticated approach, we recommend exploring this tutorial on sunset photography.
The Big Island of Hawaii boasts some of the best sunset spots.
The Big Island has a wide variety of unique sunset opportunities. Here are some of the best sunset spots in Hawaii:
I visited A-Bay Beach and Lava Lava Beach Club.
Despite popular belief, there are few places in Hawaii where you can eat and drink on the beach. One does, however, lie some 40 minutes north of Kona at A-Bay: The Lava Lava Beach Club. This is a lovely spot to relax for a sunset with live music and seashore chairs. Spend some time seeing the A-Bay area before settling in for drinks. Walk the undeveloped coastline to the south, keep your eyes out for sea turtles, take a little hike on the King’s Trail nearby, or just lounge on the beach and savor a cool swim. Don’t delay; it’s preferable to arrive early to grab a decent spot on the Lava Lava sand.
Kailua-Kona Waterfront
Along with a variety of parks and beaches facing west, Kailua-Kona is home to waterfront eateries, all with fantastic views of the sunset. From happy hour to twilight, Big Island has easily walkable grounds. Among the venerable sites to visit are Don the Beachcomber, the Kona Inn, and Huggo’s on the Rocks. Blow with the wind and try a few of the other excellent locations along Aliʻi Drive that provide sunset views over the course of your visit.
Volcano House at Kīlauea
Kīlauea Volcano will rank in our book as one of the top locations on Big Island to see a sunset whenever it is erupting in its summit crater (Halemaʻumaʻu). A popular experience is seeing the “glow” at night, but don’t miss the sunset! One of Hawaii’s most unusual experiences is seeing the sun set and the lava “come up,” or the glow start to show. Show up about an hour before sunset, set up shop along the crater rim in front of the Volcano House, and watch Mother Nature perform a magnificent show: the sun setting over the volcano, the colors in the sky shifting, and concurrently, the glow from the caldera becoming more and more present, lighting the trees and clouds above. Remember to pack some warm clothing; once the sun sets, it can get cold.
Mauna Kea Summit
Should you be seeking the “most epic” location to view the sunset, you might as well visit Mauna Kea’s top, slightly less than 14,000 feet. Usually above the clouds, the perspective point is alien as you stare down upon the sun as it sets. Reaching Mauna Kea’s summit calls for a four-wheel-drive car. Bring warm clothing—gloves, a jacket, a winter cap. Consider timing the sunset to coincide with a stargazing session at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center or jumping on a guided tour that covers the sunset.
The best sunset spots on Oahu
From city shorelines and rooftop restaurants to remote west-facing beaches, the places to catch a sunset on Oʻahu are diverse. Here are some of the best sunset spots in Hawaii on Oʻahu:
Queen’s Beach (Waikīkī)
Many pack Waikīkī Beach each evening for the sunset. Because it’s the main place guests stay, it has everything they need. The area exudes a traditional Hawaiian atmosphere, attracting beach lovers and surfers, offering restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean, and orienting towards the south-west. To avoid the throngs, walk east across from Queen Kapi’olani Park. From there, you will have a wonderful south-west vista with views of surfers and bodyboarders and more personal space than in the main Waikīkī location. Waikīkī is ideal for seeing the sun rise and sunset!
The Deck
Though there are several excellent locations in Waikīkī to get a drink and view the sunset, here is one area that many tourists ignore: The Deck. Though you won’t see the sun enter the water from here, the expansive rooftop deck provides unobstructed views of Diamond Head, which catches the light and sparkles beautifully at sunset. The drinks on the deck accentuate it even further. Arriving at least an hour in advance will help you secure a table, as you will want to sit outside during the sunset. Early in the day, hike to Diamond Head to enjoy an especially unique perspective.
Lanikai Pillbox
If you’re interested in combining your sunset with a climb, we recommend considering the Lanikai Pillbox. Residents primarily use the paths for exercise, but this popular hike draws guests not only for sunrise (the ridge it climbs faces east), but also for its stunning views and tranquility during the sunset hour. From the ridge in Kailua town, the colors vary across the ocean and the offshore islands. Pack a flashlight so you can descend at night. Then head into Kailua town for a drink at Lanikai Brewing or supper at Buzz’s beachside eatery for best sunset spots in Hawaii.
Waiʻanae Coast
Often referred to as the “West Side,” the Waiʻanae Coast boasts stunning beaches where the sunset on Oʻahu may be seen front-row. There is ample golden sand available nightly, from Nānākuli in the south to Mākaha and Yokohama in the north. We advise spending a day on the North Shore, Kailua, as the west side is somewhat far from Honolulu. Start in the north at Yokohama, walk the trail out to Kaʻena Point, watch the surfers at Mākaha, have some lunch in Waiʻanae, snorkel at Electric Beach (experienced snorkelers only), then catch the sunset in and around Nānākuli before heading back after dark. In the morning, head over and beach-hop your way through the day.
On the North Shore, enjoy a breathtaking horseback ride along the beach at sunset.
Though the North Shore beaches on Oʻahu are well-known for their large waves and surfing contests, did you know the North Shore is also among the few locations on Hawaii where one might go on a beach sunset horseback ride? Take a sunset horseback beach ride along Hawaii’s iconic North Shore! Suitable for guests who have never ridden a horse before and experts, this is an unforgettable experience for everybody who likes horseback riding.
The Best Sunset Spots on Kauaʻi
Here are a couple of ideas for enjoying the sunset on Kauaʻi and finding the best sunset spots in Hawaii:
Polihale State Park
Polihale, on Kauaʻi’s distant west coast, is a fantastic spot for sunsets because of its west-facing beach, gorgeous blue ocean, and views of the Nāpali Coast. It is usually somewhat local, with lots of space to disperse as it is a far drive from all the main centers. It is advised to have four-wheel drive, particularly following rain; the entry road to Polihale is unimproved (soil and sand). Some rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to drive to Polihale. If you go, pack a cooler, including beverages and snacks. We recommend stopping at the Ishihara Market in Waimea on your way to Polihale for supplies.
Keʻe Beach
Because of its northwest point of the island and, most importantly, its breathtaking views of the mountains and cliffs of the Nāpali Coast, Keʻe Beach is a perfect spot for the sunset. This is an amazing location for photographers who appreciate the mix of sunsets, craggy shorelines, and reflecting waves. To reach Keʻe Beach, new rules along Kauaʻi’s north shore call for a shuttle or parking reservation. Our comprehensive guide to Kaua’i provides additional details on this matter. Get drinks and munchies in Hanalei.
Hanalei Bay
In some years, Hanalei Bay offers views of the sunset to the northwest; other years, you may see it set behind the mountains from the comfort of your beach chair. Hanalei Bay is a scenic and laid-back spot, perfect for a sunset stroll, with its horseshoe-shaped harbor typically featuring quiet waves and a backdrop of huge, grand mountain ranges with seasonal waterfalls. The most convenient spot to view the sunset in this area is Hanalei Bay; shuttles and parking limits now control everything west of Hanalei along the north shore, yet it remains an excellent place to stay. It’s family-friendly; you may stroll to a nearby eatery later.
Poʻipū Coast
With a southwest orientation, the Poʻipū coast offers a view—or partial view—of the sunset all year long. Among the several beaches one may find are Poʻipū, Brenneckeʻs, Shipwreck, Lawaʻi, Spouting Horn Park, and Baby Beach. To get the correct viewing angle for your specific visit, precisely locate where the sun is setting. Poʻipū can be a crowded destination after sunset; thus, think about strolling a couple hundred yards out along the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail to locate a quiet area to sit and savor a more natural experience. Bring a torch for the evening stroll back.
The best sunset spots in Maui
Maui offers some of the most colorful sunsets in Hawaii. Here are some of the best sunset spots in Hawaii, specifically on Maui.
Kaʻanapali Beach
Kaʻanapali Beach presents a traditional Hawaiian beach sunset with about a mile of soft white sand and unhindered views to the west. Enjoy it from the comfort of your beach chair, or stroll the (usually peaceful) shoreline or paved beach walkway. The views of Lana’i and Moloka’i are truly breathtaking, reflecting a rainbow of hues off the lake. You can also find whales from November through March. The nightly sunset cliff dive and torch lighting ritual held in front of the Sheraton at Black Rock will delight families with small children. Arrive at Black Rock a few hours before sunset for an introduction to snorkeling, and then stay on to witness the ceremony and the sunset.
Lāhainā Waterfront
Go to the Lāhainā Waterfront if you wish beverages and food beside the sunset. At one of the few ocean-facing eateries along Front Street or Wharf Street, you may grab a table and sip a beer or mai tai while seeing the sun drop into the sea (Fleetwood’s, Lhain Fish Co., Kimo’s, Pioneer Inn, etc.). Alternatively, just relax on a seat or grassy spot near the Lāhainā harbor and see the boats arrive for the evening. Lāhainā is usually busy around supper time; hence, expect no solitude during the sunset. However, it’s an excellent location for those who wish to observe and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You will be pleased that you arrived early for the sunset and chose a table with a view.
Pāʻia Beaches
If you are staying in Kahului or somewhere along the north shore, don’t worry; the beaches in and around Pāʻia provide a quite magnificent sunset. Even if you don’t see the sun setting over the ocean, the sea’s amazing color change will engulf you. Most of the beaches in the West Maui Mountains, which mirror the sun and its changing hues, also provide vistas of them. Baldwin Beach is perfect for walking and enjoying the mountain vistas; Friday drum circles usually take place at sunset. It’s a wonderful spot to hang out and run into residents. Then head into Pāʻia town for dinner at one of the several nearby eateries.
Haleakalā
You certainly will see plenty of beach sunsets on Maui. One night, though, think about changing it to see the sunset from the high land, sometimes called Upcountry Maui. At 10,000 feet, Haleakalā’s summit offers several trekking paths to discover and an amazing aerial perspective of the island and the sunset off to the west. There is even more mystery since occasionally the summit is above the clouds. Think about pairing a stargazing trip with your sunset viewing from Haleakalā’s peak. For instance, this one from Maui Stargazing blends stargazing and sunset experiences. Bring warm clothing (jacket, warm hat, gloves) and, if at all possible, a thermos with a hot drink, whether you go alone or on a tour.
By following these tips and exploring the best sunset spots in Hawaii, you’ll experience unforgettable moments as you watch the sunset over the beautiful islands.