Travel Itinerary
Watching the sunset in Hawaii is a simple way to add more beauty to your trip. The islands glow with colors that shift from gold to violet as day fades.
Some places offer wide beaches, while others give high mountain views or calm bays. While the popular shores get plenty of attention, many other spots feel just as special.
This list shares eighteen sunset locations across the islands that deserve a spot on your travel plan.
1. Sunset Beach (O‘ahu)
On the North Shore, Sunset Beach has long waves and wide sand that stretch for miles. In winter, surfers ride towering swells, while summer evenings bring calmer seas.
The horizon often bursts into shades of orange and pink as the day ends. Watching the sun sink here feels timeless, with waves echoing against the shore long after twilight.
2. Magic Island At Ala Moana Beach Park (O‘ahu)
This man-made peninsula near Waikīkī offers a calm lagoon with city lights in the distance. Families gather with picnics and blankets as the sky deepens.
The water reflects warm colors as the sun dips behind Diamond Head. With both ocean and skyline views, it blends natural drama with urban glow.
3. Tantalus Lookout Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Wayside (O‘ahu)
High above Honolulu, this lookout offers a sweeping view of city, ocean, and mountains. The changing light paints the buildings and shoreline below.
As the sun sets, the sky behind the Wai‘anae Range glows in brilliant hues. Night slowly covers the city, and twinkling lights appear where the day had shone.
4. Ko Olina Lagoons (O‘ahu)
Four crescent-shaped lagoons line this resort area on O‘ahu’s western coast. Their calm waters frame the sun as it sinks beyond the horizon.
Families stroll the paths and watch the light play across the tide pools. The gentle setting makes each sunset feel serene and inviting.
5. Ka‘ena Point State Park Mokulē‘ia side (O‘ahu)
At the far western tip of O‘ahu, rugged cliffs meet crashing waves. Few roads reach this wild landscape, keeping it quiet at dusk.
The sun disappears over open ocean, leaving skies painted with fire. Evening often brings seabirds gliding above the coastline, adding to the untamed mood.
6. Haleakalā National Park Summit (Maui)
From more than 10,000 feet above sea level, the summit reveals a sunset above the clouds. The volcanic crater glows in shifting shadows.
As the light fades, clouds roll like oceans beneath you. The vastness creates a sense of stillness that feels close to the heavens.
7. Kāʻanapali Beach (Maui)
This long stretch of golden sand draws travelers for swimming, strolling, and sunset views. At dusk, the ocean mirrors the glowing horizon.
The daily cliff diving ceremony at Pu‘u Keka‘a adds a cultural touch. As torches flicker, the last rays of sun vanish behind the sea.
8. Kapalua Bay (Maui)
Palm trees frame this crescent bay with calm waters and soft sand. The evening sky often turns shades of rose and lavender.
Locals and visitors gather to watch the horizon fade. Reflections shimmer on the gentle surf, creating a calm end to the day.
9. Mākena State Park Big Beach (Maui)
This wide beach feels wild, with rolling surf and open skies. Its size gives space to find a quiet spot.
Sunset here fills the horizon with dramatic colors, often shifting from red to purple. Waves crash as the light fades, leaving only sound in the dusk.
10. Ho‘okipa Beach Park (Maui)
Known for its strong surf and wind, Ho‘okipa is a stage for skilled windsurfers and kiteboarders. The coastline feels alive with motion.
At sunset, the water glows as athletes carve across the waves. Sea turtles often rest on the sand, adding a calm presence as evening falls.
11. Maunakea Visitor Information Station, Hale Pōhaku (Hawai‘i Island)
Halfway up Maunakea, this station offers views above the clouds. The elevation gives sunsets a vast, sweeping canvas.
Orange light reflects against distant peaks as stars begin to emerge. Staying after dusk reveals one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
12. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area (Hawai‘i Island)
Hāpuna’s broad white sand and clear waters make it one of the island’s favorite beaches. Sunsets here are bright and open, with waves glowing gold.
Visitors watch from the shore or swim in calm waters until the last light fades. The simplicity of the setting makes each evening feel pure.
13. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Hawai‘i Island)
This sacred site once offered refuge in ancient Hawaiian law. Stone walls, coconut palms, and tide pools create a powerful setting.
Sunsets here feel layered with meaning, as orange skies meet historic land. Watching the light fade brings a quiet sense of respect and peace.
14. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (Hawai‘i Island)
Fishponds, lava rock, and coastal trails define this historic shoreline. The evening sun reflects on tidal pools and ancient structures.
Walking the paths at dusk connects the natural world with cultural heritage. Each sunset feels like a meeting of past and present.
15. Hanalei Bay Pier (Kaua‘i)
Green mountains rise steeply behind Hanalei Bay, framing the view with grandeur. The long pier stretches into the water, perfect for watching sunsets.
Clouds catch the last light and reflect in calm surf. As darkness falls, the mountains fade into shadow, leaving only glowing skies above.
16. Po‘ipū Beach Park (Kaua‘i)
Families gather on this south shore beach to watch day end. The waves lap gently against golden sand.
Hawaiian monk seals sometimes rest onshore, adding a rare sight. Sunsets here bring both natural beauty and lively community spirit.
17. Pāpōhaku Beach (Moloka‘i)
One of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches, Pāpōhaku stretches for miles. Its remote setting keeps it peaceful and often nearly empty.
As the sun sinks, the waves reflect shifting colors across vast sand. The solitude gives sunsets here a powerful sense of quiet wonder.
18. Pu‘u Pehe “Sweetheart Rock,” Hulope‘e Bay (Lāna‘i)
This sea stack rises from the water with a striking silhouette. Legends surround it, telling of love and loss.
Sunsets here turn the cliffs red as waves sparkle below. The dramatic rock against glowing sky creates a scene of beauty and myth.