The best sunset spots on Oahu can be found in several areas on the island. While the west side of the island will almost always give you a great viewing spot some months are usually better than others. No matter what hotel you are staying at on Oahu there is a great sunset spot nearby.
Use this handy tool to mark where you will be and change the date, a great way to know exactly where the sun will be in the sky and where it will set.
Sunset Beach: The Prime Spot On The North Shore For An Oahu Sunset
As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is one of the best places on the island to see a sunset. A stretch of smooth white sand and a clear view of the setting sun provides you with breathtaking views of a tropical sunset.
Sunset beach, while beautiful, also has its dangers; stinging seaweed and strong riptides are common, so make sure you always keep an eye out. You can easily avoid a bad experience by sticking to the beach and refraining from entering dangerous water conditions, doing this will guarantee an amazing time.
To plan the best time to see the sunset from Sunset Beach, be sure to use the tool above, plug in your travel dates, and move the target to Sunset Beach.
Ala Moana Beach Park: Central Oahu’s Signature Sunset Spot
Looking over Waikiki Bay, Ala Moana Beach Park gives an uninterrupted view of the entire sunset, all while being right next to the calming crash of the waves. With the Oahu skyline in the near distance, Ala Moana Beach Park is a great option for watching a sunset if you don’t want the crowds and busyness of Waikiki Beach.
Waikiki Beach: Oahu’s Spectacular Sunset Next To Your Hotel
Being the most popular beach on the island with around 70,000 people visiting it every day, Waikiki Beach is the most common place to find tourists and locals enjoying a relaxing evening watching the sunset. Waikiki Beach is not just known for its sunsets, you can also find plenty of places to eat, and relax.
Even though Waikiki can be crowded, heading out to the left or right of the central area can provide a more relaxed and intimate experience away from the crowds. While many may strive to have a less crowded sunset experience, being around hundreds of people enjoying the same moment as you is something you rarely get.
One of my favorite Waikiki sunset spots is the House Without A Key at Halekulani Hotel. Enjoy live Hawaiian music while sipping on a cocktail and watching the sunset in the distance.
China Walls: Unique Lava Rock Sunset On Oahu
China Walls is a popular cliff-jumping spot on the island and also has one of the best sunset views you can get. With a small peninsula protruding outward, China Walls sets you up to see the perfect sunset without any distractions.
Made completely out of lava rocks, China Walls is a reminder that Oahu was once like the Big Island, with lava flowing everywhere. These lava rocks are not all plain black and grey, greenish lava rocks can also be found at China Walls (the greenish tint coming from the Olivine stone).
Tantalus Lookout: Panoramic Oahu Sunset Location
Tantalus Lookout is located on the South Shore of Oahu and is one of the more underrated spots on this list. Being accessible by car, Tantalus Lookout is a great option if you aren’t one for a long hike. Not only is it easy to access, but it also provides extremely panoramic views of the south side of the island; views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond.
Tantalus Lookout gives you views of the sunset year-round and does not disappoint whatsoever. It is highly recommended to bring a picnic blanket and spend an hour or two at Tantalus Lookout because of the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere that is hard to find in the more busy places like Waikiki.
Ko Olina Lagoons: Secluded Sunset Swim Spot on Oahu
While Ko Olina Resort is not free, every beach in Hawaii is accessible by the public, meaning that the 4 coves at Ko Olina are open to anyone who wants to get away from the busy Waikiki atmosphere. Ko Olina features 4 large lagoons that have calm and clear waters, perfect for families with children who are learning to swim or snorkel.
Whether you are staying at the resort or just visiting, Ko Olina is one of the best places to watch the sunset with little to no street noise or busy nightlife. From lagoons 1 to 4 is only 1.5 miles, meaning you can easily check out every lagoon in a single day without having to rush around.
Ka’ena Point: West Oahu’s Pristine Sunset Hike
Ka’ena Point is one of, if not the best hikes on the island to enjoy a sunset. Escaping to the very Western point of Oahu means that there are no buildings, cars, or people anywhere; this means that you are truly removed from the rest of the island. If you plan on going to the very tip, you can get an almost 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean and the amazing sunset.
While Ka’ena Point is an amazing hike that features a bird sanctuary at the end, it is around 6 miles, meaning it is fairly long; However, the majority of the trail is flat ground. The bird sanctuary at the end of the trail is named Ka’ena Point Bird Sanctuary and is home to the Laysan Albatross and wedge-tailed Shearwater birds.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike: Experience Oahu’s Elevated Sunset
Located on the north shore of Oahu, Ehukai Pillbox is named for the variety of WWI-era pillboxes that can be found throughout the trail. If you hike up to the second pillbox, that will ensure you the best views of a sunset, looking over Ehukai Beach and the Banzai pipeline area. This hike is ranked as moderately difficult because of the steep incline; while steep, it is only 1.5 miles round trip and will most likely be fairly easy for a seasoned hiker.
Ehukai Pillbox is also in close proximity to Sunset Beach, another one of our top picks, Ehukai Pillbox will give you an eagle-eye view of the beach below and a front-row seat to a beautiful Oahu sunset.
Waimea Bay: Relaxing Oceanfront Sunset Viewing On Oahu
Known for its large waves during the wintertime, Waimea Bay is a top choice for viewing the sunset on Oahu. While it may be popular for surfing in the winter, the summer months mean that the water is calm and favorable for swimmers. Waimea Bay is arguably the most popular beach on the North Shore and you can be sure to see surfers and rock jumping all day long.
If you plan on going for the sunset at Waimea Bay, make sure to bring a towel and some sunscreen because it can get pretty hot during the day. Waimea Bay is perfectly placed to give you an unforgettable view of the sunset from the shores. As previously mentioned, use this tool and plug in your travel dates and move the target to Waimea Bay.
If you want to make the day out of a North Shore visit that ends with this sunset you may want to consider some of the tours that take you out to this side of the island.
Koko Head Trail: Oahu’s Unbeatable Sunset Sights From Up High; Top Pick For Best Sunset Spots On Oahu
Koko Head Trail is one of the most famous hikes on the island and is one of the more difficult ones too. An almost vertically steep staircase leads you up towards the very top of Koko Head Crater, so be warned if you are not in proper physical condition. While difficult, once you get to the top, you will achieve one of the best views you can get. From the top, you can do a full turn and not have anything blocking your view, making for sights of everything on the southeastern side of the island.
It is highly recommended to stay at the top for the sunset because of the amazing views you can get on a clear day, it is truly an unbeatable sight. If you plan on staying for the sunset, make sure you are prepared to descend in the dim light, meaning you must be more careful and bring a flashlight. Koko Head is known to wear many people out so do not overestimate yourself and always come prepared with plenty of water and snacks.
Final Thoughts
Let us know if you have enjoyed a sunset from any of these spots or if you have one that is special to you. You can also share your photo with us on Instagram, and tag us @suitesandlobbies. If you need some additional travel apps to help with your vacations see our list of the best ones for Hawaii.
