Accommodation, Attractions, Deals, Flights, Tours

Where You Can Truly Enjoy a Sunset in Hawaii

 

If you’ve seen somebody’s vacation photos from Hawaii, chances are you’ll see a great picture of a magnificent sunset! Due to Hawaii’s remote geographic location (20 degrees north of the equator and 155 degrees west of the Prime Meridian), the views are truly unique. Here are a few terrific spots to view a spectacular sunset.

The Details:

  • Sunset occurs anywhere between 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the time of year.
  • Twilight is relatively short.
  • After the sun disappears below the horizon, there’s only 15 or fewer minutes of residual light.
  • If you see the sun near the horizon, it’ll disappear within half an hour.
  • View from paddleboard or canoe or kayak.
  • Sunset dinner.
  • Cocktail cruises; catamaran sunset cruises are popular and affordable ($25-35).
  • Helicopter tours ($150-$250) depending on duration.
  • Best views of the sunset are on the west side of the islands.
  • The famous green flash:
    • At the precise moment the sun disappears from view, there is a fleeting spot of intense emerald greenish/bluish light that can be seen in its wake.
    • Caused by the same phenomenon as rainbows.
    • Caused by dispersion whereby sunlight is bent at varying angles and intensities based on its hue.
    • Green is the hue that’s bent the most, allowing views of an intense green.
    • May also appear a moment before sunrise.
    • Best chance to view is on a cloudless day.
    • Flash is super quick (a flash).
    • Nearly impossible to catch on film.
    • Extremely rare.
  • Oahu
    • Pier near Honolulu yacht harbor.
      • Free access to pier.
      • South side of the island.
    • Keana Point State Park.
      • Keana point is the most westernmost point on the island.
      • Three-hour roundtrip hike on relatively flat road.
      • Can take an 4×4 SUV.
      • See monk seals, which are extremely rare.
      • See humpback whales in the winter season.
    • Ala Moana Beach Park.
      • South side of the island.
      • Local surfing beach.
      • Free parking.
      • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
      • Expansive stretch of beach.
    • Waikiki Beach.
      • South side of the island.
      • Can be crowded.
    • Magic Island beach park.
      • Small manmade peninsula in Honolulu.
      • Adjacent to Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.
      • Free parking.
      • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
    • Sunset Beach park.
      • North shore of the island.
      • Free parking.
      • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
      • Expansive stretch of beach.
    • Waianae beach park.
      • West shore of the island.
      • Free parking.
      • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
      • Expansive stretch of beach.
    • Makaha beach park.
      • West shore of the island.
      • Free parking.
      • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
      • Expansive stretch of beach.
    • Maui.
      • South Maui – Kihei, Wailea, Makena.
      • Upcountry Maui – Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, Ulupalakua, Keokea, Kaiku, Paia.
      • West Maui – Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua, Olowalu.
      • Summit at Haleakala.
        • Famous for its sunsets.
        • Sunset tours available.
      • Best time to view the sunset is usually around 5:45 p.m.
    • Kauai.
      • Spouting Horn Blowhole – mist from the blowhole makes it special.
        • South shore of Kauai.
      • At the Sheraton in Poipu.
        • South shore of Kauai.
      • Sunset dinner at the Beach House in Poipu just west of the Sheraton.
      • Hanalei Pier at Hanalei Bay.
        • Popular North Shore beach.
      • Princeville.
        • North side of Kauai.
        • Great sunsets behind the mountains to the west and south.
      • Polihale Beach – rugged beach on the west side.
        • State park.
        • Remote.
        • Waimea side (south side) of the island.
        • Free parking.
        • Basic beach park facilities (bathrooms and telephones).
      • Salt Pond Beach in Hanapepe.
        • Local favorite.
        • Waimea side (south side) of the island.
      • The Big Island.
        • Kailua-Kona Coast (west side of the island).
        • Anaehoomalu Bay.
          • Palm trees, white beach and black rocks.
          • Easy access.
          • Free public parking.
          • West side of the island.
          • Near Holoholokai beach park.
        • Puuhonau o Honaunau.
          • National historic park.
          • Kailua-Kona side of the island (west side of the island).
        • Sunset dinner at Pahuia Restaurant.
          • At the Four Seasons Haualalai.
          • Beachside location.
          • Kailua-Kona side of the island (west side of the island).
        • Summit of Mauna Kea.
          • Organized tours available.
          • Need a 4×4 SUV to drive the last few miles to the summit.
          • But if you can’t make it to the summit, don’t go for the sunset because the sunset is blocked from anywhere else.
        • Don’t view the sunset from the east side (windward) of the island because the two volcanoes block the view.

 

In Summary:

You’ll get a great sunset view no matter where you are on the Hawaiian Islands, but the best spots for a truly amazing view are usually on the west side of the islands. Ideally, you’d want to be near the ocean shore for a good viewpoint, but you can also dine outside, enjoy an adventure sport or go on a cruise to experience a wonderful sunset.