Everyone who visits Hawaii hopes to catch an amazing sunset. If you are lucky enough to call Hawaii your home, you will have a seemingly endless number of opportunities to enjoy breathtaking sunsets throughout Oahu. If you are looking for a great place to catch these wonderful views, here are a few places to consider.
Sunset Beach
Also known as Shark’s Cove, Sunset Beach offers a very different experience depending on the time of year you visit. During the winter months, you can expect to enjoy powerful wave displays as the sun sets. During the summer season, on the other hand, the sunset will present over more serene waters.
Waikiki
Experience the “green flash,” which is a unique phenomenon where a part of the sun appears to suddenly and briefly change color, from Waikiki. You can make your sunset experience even more special by enjoying it from one of the many beach side resorts, bars or cafes. Three locations that are particularly popular include Halekulani Hotel, The House without a Key and Dukes at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel.
Lanikai Pillboxes
Located on the east side of Oahu, Lanikai Pillboxes can be reached by a fairly quick and easy high. A 20 to 30 minute hike will get you to the first bunker, while the second bunker is only 10 to 15 minutes further away. In either case, you will be able to enjoy views of the Kailua twin Islands, Kailua Bay and Chinaman’s Hat.
Tantalus Drive
Certain spots on Tantalus Mountain offer unique sunset views from an elevated position. Make a stop along one of the mountain road pull offs to enjoy a view of the sun setting into the ocean.
Puu Ualakaa State Park
Located on Mount Tantalus, Puu Ualakaa State Park boasts sweeping panoramic views of Honolulu with Diamond Head to the left and the sunset to the right. Enjoy a picnic on the small grassy area available within the park as you watch the sun disappear below the horizon.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Featuring a half mile beach strip of white sand, Ala Moana Beach Park offers numerous benches on which you can sit and watch the sun as it slips below the horizon. The spot with the best views is at the end of magic island.
China Walls
Located within the Hawaii Kai residential neighborhood, China Walls offers views of sunsets as well as opportunities to watch surfers and cliff jumpers. Reach this destination by heading to Koko Kai Mini Beach Park and then waling down the square tile path until you reach the cliffs.
Kakaako Waterfront Park
Located just down the street from Ala Moana, Kakaako Park is characterized by rolling grass hills and a long walkway leading out toward the water. Once a dumpsite, this waterfront park now offers perfect views of Hawaiian sunsets.
Kaena Point
The most western point of Oahu, Kaena Point takes some commitment to reach amid the afternoon traffic heading in the same direction. Once you arrive, however, the crowds are likely to be minimal while the views will have been worth the effort. Meanwhile, the tidepools and the lava shoreline provide additional natural beauty to enjoy.
