5 Must-See Places To Watch The Sunset on Oahu

One thing you'll learn about Moving to Hawaii is there's nothing like the Hawaiian Sun. Having lived on both the East and West shores of the island, I can tell you that I enjoy all phases Oahu's solar amenity but when it comes to the contested matter of Oahu Sunrises vs. Oahu Sunsets, it's settled for me... I'm Team Sunset all the way! 

Perhaps my fiending for coffee in the morning consumes by ability to thoroughly enjoy a sunrise. I've never found issue charging up in the morning... it's the winding down part that I struggle with and it's why I appeal to sunsets. One of my favorite parts about living in Hawaii is that even though I may miss the sunny day at the beach, I've always got a chance to catch sundown after work.

Thankfully Oahu is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and breathtaking sunsets. The island's warm, sunny weather and clear skies make it the ideal location to watch sky become an incredible array of hues as the sun dips below the horizon. The island's coastline insure numerous opportunities for unobstructed sunset viewings on 3 sides of Oahu. If you're visiting our islands and looking check out our guide below for the best tips, tricks, and picks on where to watch sunsets in Oahu!

1. Ko Olina in Kapolei, HI

The Ko Olina Beach Resort is among the top spots in Oahu to see the sun set. This lovely resort, which is situated on the island's western coast, has a number of excellent locations to watch the sun set, including the Ko Olina Lagoon and the Ko Olina Marina. The resort's serene environment and breathtaking ocean views make it the ideal place to unwind and watch the sun set. 

Parking is available in small lots near the Ko Olina Lagoons but your best bet is Lagoon 4, near the Ko Olina Marina. This is by far the largest parking lot open to the public and the lagoon area offers an expansive beach and green spaces to put down a blanket or towel and take in the last minutes of sunlight. 

2. Makaha Beach in Waianae, HI

Aside from being one of the best places to watch sunsets on Oahu, Makaha Beach is also one of the best beaches on Oahu.  This lovely park, which located on the island's westernmost tip, provides breathtaking views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the towering Waianae mountains behind. It's the ideal place to sit and watch the sun set over the horizon thanks to the park's expansive, sandy beach and quiet seas. There's ample parking along the beach, as well as a parking lot near the showers and bathrooms on the right side of Farrington Highway. Just know that traffic during rush hours is stiff when headed west so be sure to leave early so you don't miss the sunset!

3. Waimea Bay in Haleiwa, HI

Waimea Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Oahu and a top pick for tourists visiting the islands. The Waimea Bay Beach Park features a huge crescent shaped sandy beach around the bay and is known for the infamous Waimea Bay Rock Jump and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. You'll enjoy plenty of space to spread out with options to take in the North Shore Oahu sunset from your beach chair, atop the rock, or even from the road side parking perched above Waimea Bay. 

Parking can be tough during peak hours but should open up as the evening rolls in. First, try to park in the parking lot. You may need to wait on the side for a bit until you see someone approaching their car. The second option is to park on the street above Waimea Bay but you'll have a bit of a walk ahead of you from there. Third, there may be an option to pay for parking in the lot across the street, near the entrance to Waimea Falls. 

4. Sunset Beach in Haleiwa, HI

If you strike out for parking at Waimea; fear not. Just keep driving a few more miles until you reach Sunset Beach Park; the most obvious choice for catching a Sunset on Oahu. Sunset Beach is long, wide stretch of beach just past Banzai Pipiline, before you continue on to Turtle Bay. Home to some of the best surfing in the world and the Sunset Pro Surf Competition makes Sunset Beach Oahu an iconic playground for waterman from all around the globe. on North Shore is a fantastic place to catch the sunset. 

Enjoy expansive ocean views and copious amounts of course white sand between your toes as you wind down at sun down. If you're hungry, walk over the Ted's Bakery, one of the best places to eat in North Shore Hawaii, for a Hawaiian Plate Lunch and/or a slice of their famous Chocolate Haupia Pie!

Check out Sunset Surf Lesson with the North Shore Surf Girls if you're seeking for a more daring approach to enjoy the sunset. This two-hour class takes you out onto the North Shore's waters where you can practice surfing and take in the sunset while standing in the waves. The session is appropriate for all skill levels, making it a fun and interesting opportunity to take in the North Shore's natural splendor.

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, HI

 Waikiki Beach is one of the best spots in Waikiki to see the sunset. This famous beach, which is found along the neighborhood's southern shore, provides breathtaking views of the ocean and West Oahu in the distance. The beach is the ideal site to watch an Oahu sunset in Honolulu because of its spacious, sandy shore, and calm waves and endless dining options to enjoy before or after sundown!

Check out the Holokai Waikiki Sunset Cruise if you want to shake things up and view the sunset from sea. On this two-hour excursion, you'll be taken out onto Waikiki's waters where you can enjoy the sunset from the deck of a stunning catamaran. The trip comes with a free glass of champagne, making it the ideal way to toast the end of a wonderful day in paradise.

Every day that ends in Hawaii is a good day but every day that ends with a Hawaii Sunset is a better one! With 8 islands wrapped in coastline, catching a sunset in Hawaii can be as easy as pulling over to any of your favorite west facing beaches or hillsides to take in the cotton candy skies.