HAWAII SUNSETS | OVERVIEW
THE TOP 10 PLACES TO CATCH A SUNSET IN HAWAII
Sunsets in Hawaii – you’ve seen pictures, you’ve heard first-hand accounts that sound too good to be true, but now it’s time to see them for yourself. Yes, there are sunsets each day in every single place on Earth (apologies to our friends in the Arctic Circle), but there is something special about a Hawaii sunset. Maybe it’s the scenic charm of the Islands or the carefree attitude that you’ve embodied on your vacation.
There is some science to support the notion that Hawaiian sunsets are better - the volcanic dust from Hawaii’s volcanoes, combined with hot temperatures and uninterrupted sunlight due to the emptiness of the Pacific creates the perfect scenario for intense colors, so it’s not just a placebo effect. Thanks for the lesson, Bill Nye
There isn’t a bad place to watch a sunset in Hawaii, just like there isn't such a thing as a bad Hawaiian beach, but you deserve a view with a certain ‘wow’ factor. From the shores of Oahu to the beach bars of Kauai, and the volcanoes of Maui, we’ve gathered the best spots to see a sunset in Hawaii, organized by location for efficient and awe-inspiring travel.
Kalalua Lookout - Kauai
The view of Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast has been known to be the most stereotypical Hawaiian view you can find, but that's a good thing, there must be a reason it’s used in so many promotional materials for the islands.
The drive to get to the lookout point is long, winding, and narrow, and there’s no guarantee the weather will hold out when you get to the top, but if it does, you’ll reap the rewards of an incredible sunset experience.
With sweeping views across Honolulu, from Tantalus Lookout you can see as far as Pearl Harbor, also giving you a safe viewing distance of the action, in case the Japanese want to rehash the past or if someone else is looking to pick a fight (looking at you, China - no really, we can see you from the hotel says Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii’s Sarah Palin). You paid your dues in knowledge and made the effort to understand US and Hawaiian history and culture, so you’ve earned this sunset, with minimal hiking to reach it. Tantalus Lookout is without a doubt one of the best places to watch a sunset in Honolulu.
You wanted to catch a sunset from a beach, didn’t you? Well, be careful what you wish for because there are so many to choose from, that your head is going to explode… with tender feelings of joy and relaxation, especially around sundown. Kailua is consistently ranked as the #2 beach on Oahu, behind neighboring Lanikai, and proponents of game theory might argue you will have a much better shot at finding an unobstructed space to lie down here. Besides, Lanikai gets enough attention and will barely even notice you. Don’t get us wrong, Lanikai is fine during the day but at sunset, you want to come home to Kailua.
As far as views go, Nu’uanu Pali, with its incredibly easy access, is matched only by the sheer intensity of the wind, threatening to give you a much closer view of the distant grounds below. Sure, tourists abound but they hop on and off the bus like they have a 4 pm cruise ship to catch and miss out on the best part of the lookout, the hike to the “puka,” or cliff-hole. It’s likely for the best as those sort of people are prime candidates for hiking accidents, and there isn’t much room anyway on the narrow path to the top, between two sheer drop-offs. If you fall somewhere between extreme hiker and cowardly tourist, take the forest path, bypassing the scary ridge, and giving you a shortcut to the top. On the road to success, there are plenty of shortcuts, or something like that.
If you are still alive by sundown, you can enjoy a giant ball of fire (the sun) slowly set over the impressively steep cliffs of Pu‘ukeahiakahoe, Maunakapu, and Kaho'omoe 'ihikapulani. Unfortunately, you already missed one of the best sunsets in Hawaii if you stuck around and tried to pronounce those names phonetically.
Did you think we’d leave out Sunset Beach on a list of the best spots to see Hawaiian sunsets? Along with Waimea and Banzai, Sunset is partially known for being one of three legs in the Vans Triple Crown Surfing Contest but we’re here for one thing and one thing only - sunset porn, made possible by the beach’s particular vantage point. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, but you’ve probably been to a few beaches today already, making this suited for a final stop and sun-watch.
Lava Lava Beach Club - Kaua’i
We all know that the pinnacle of a beach vacation is sipping a Mai Tai with sand in your feet as you look out across the ocean at the setting sun. Located near Lae Nani Beach in Kauai, Lava Lava Beach Club makes this ideal vacation a reality. Surprisingly, a beach bar that is actually on the beach is difficult to find, but Lava Lava’s back patio is right on the sand, yards from the ocean. Enjoy dinner, a tropical drink, beach games, and live music while you wait for the sunset.
With little elevation and nary a soul in sight, there’s no excuse not to hike Ka’ena, its picturesque views, and tempting tide pools to yourself. The trail is known mostly for its “spirit leap” point, from where native Hawaiians believed their souls would jump to reach heaven. (If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t get any ideas.) There are two starting points (equal length) to Ka’ena Point. Just take care when walking near the water during high tide, or the waves may send your soul to heaven.
Ka’ena Point, the most western point on Oahu, is ideal for uninterrupted sunset watching, even the occasional seal will hang out on the beach to enjoy the view. Make it there before sundown so you can watch the coastal mountains get lit up by the fading sun. Pro tip: Bring a headlamp for the hike back if you stay for the sunset.
One of Maui’s signature beaches, Makena couldn’t possibly provide a more stark counterpoint to nearby Wailea. With no resorts or amenities in sight, you’ll be invigorated by this more natural beach-going experience. Sure, you may not be able to order pina coladas or run back to your hotel room because you forgot your child but nature will teach you and your child a valuable lesson.
The sun will set over the water, hopefully casting its orange and red spell on the clouds that float above the ocean. The best sunsets on Maui are just a small reason this may be the best overall beach in Hawaii.
“The house of the sun” is known primarily for its spectacular sunrise and sunset show, almost as if nature is just showing off here. Mark Twain once called the event “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed,” and though he is known for hyperbole, the description isn’t too far off. The dormant volcano is already impressive in itself - it’s the most prominent feature of the island and the drive up is breathtaking, as are the hiking opportunities, both figuratively and literally, as the altitude can incite a shortness of breath. But if you can handle a little acute suffocation, you’re in for an extreme workout and some of the best views in all of Maui.
Advanced reservations are required to park your car prior to sunrise and are extremely limited. If you miss it or don’t plan ahead, the sunset hike is equally stunning though getting in early affords you the assurance of having time to tackle the park’s main hike.
You won’t be able to make much use of the first astronomical observatory in Hawaii other than as a photograph backdrop, but from this high up, and after dark, you should have a nice view of the stars regardless, so keep your damn instruments to yourself, scientists; this is why you guys don’t have friends.
From 10,023 feet, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Maui. In fact, you’ll be able to see the Big Island, if the clouds permit. Even if they don’t, there’s something incredible about seeing a sunset from above the clouds, so it’s a win-win. Haleakala Observatory is one of the best sunset viewing points in Hawaii.