Best Sunsets in Kauai + Places to Watch Them

Here are some of the best sunsets in Kauai, the little island that has a big heart and some of the most incredible views. Kauai is located in the northwest corner of the Hawaiian Islands and is renown for its lush rain forests, rugged Na Pali coastline, and spectacular sunsets.

Most of the center of Kauai is home to thick forested mountains and deep canyons, so most of the places to watch the sunset in Kauai are along the coastal roads, beaches, and viewpoints. This little island really puts on a show when it comes to sunsets, so make sure to leave plenty of time to position yourself in these Kauai sunset spots and watch the amazing sky.

Kauai Sunsets Dinner Cruises

There are a lot of sunset dinner cruises in Kauai which are the most ideal way to catch the best Kauai sunsets.   Take a sunset dinner cruise and enjoy a beautiful sunset while dining on delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Kauai has some of the best views in the world, so why not enjoy them while dining on a boat? 

The best sunset dinner cruises in Kauai are the deluxe Na Pali Sunset Dinner Cruise and the Na Pali sunset catamaran (a bit cheaper).

Best Sunsets in Kauai from the Beach + Water

Because of the whole way the world works and everything, the west coast is the clear option in Kauai to see the sunset over the ocean. Some southern and northern bits face the right direction for the sunset as well.

Here are some ideas for Kauai sunsets from the beach, piers, and seaside parks. If you want to learn more about things to do in Kauai, check out the best Kauai adventures here. See also the best sunsets in Oahu if you travel onwards.

Hanalei Bay: Most Famous Kauai Sunset Spots

The sunsets over Hanalei Bay are some of the most photographed in the world. The best place to watch them is from the pier or from one of the restaurants or bars on the bay.

In summer try to settle on the east side of this big protected bay somewhere around the pier so ou can watch the sun go down directly across the Bay. Check out more Hanalei Bay sunset photos.

Poipu Beach Park: Kauai Resorts Sunset

Poipu is on the south coast but it juts out perfectly to face the sunset! Watch it on the beach just like these two fighting seals did. They should have sat back to enjoy the show! Poipu is home to some of the best resorts in Kauai an is therefore a more affluent Kauai destination.

Sunsets at Poipu Beach are often fiery and dramatic with the sun setting directly over the ocean no matter what time of year you are visiting. The best place to watch them is from the beach, from one of the restaurants or bars on the boardwalk, or from a picnic on the well-manicured grass of the park.

Polihale State Park

Polihale is located on the very western tip of Kauai and is one of the most remote and undeveloped areas on the island. The views here are simply incredible, especially during sunset when the sun sinks into the horizon and the sky turns a deep red and orange.

This beach is about as far as you can drive until the road ends and the jagged mountains of the Na Pali coast begin. However, the beach here is secluded and beautiful – take care if swimming though as seas can get rough.

Kekaha Beach

Kekaha is one of the westernmost towns on the island that you can reach from the south, and faces the sunset perfectly. This is also home to the longest white sand and longest black sand beaches in Hawaii! 

Kehaha Beach is known for its nice waves for surfing, and during sunset the colors reflect off the water and light up the sky. There’s not too much around here, so maybe bring a picnis for on pf the best beach sunsets in Kauai.

Ke’e Beach: The Best Na Pali Beach View Sunset

Ke’e Beach is where the Kalalau trail starts, which also faces due West to present a gorgeous sunset behind rolling waves. It’s the closest beach to the Na Pali Coast, so you can see amazing green cliffy views with jagged mountains dropping off into the sea at varying shades of yellow and orange at golden hour.

If you’d rather be watching the Kauai sunset from an easily accessible beach rather than from a lookout above or hiking trail, head down to Ke’e beach.

Waimea Pier + Beach: West Coast Kauai Sunset

Waimea Pier is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Located on the Central West Coast of Kauai, this pier will catch a perfect sunset view year-round no matter how much the sunset direction changes. If you’re looking for a scenic water-side spot to watch the sunset, Waimea Pier is a great option.

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels beach Kauai is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Shipwreck beach is located on the North Shore of Kauai, about halfway between Ke’e Beach and Hanalei Bay.

Tunnels Beach is abother nicely-shaped cove with a west-facing beach just waiting for sunset chasers to settle down for the evening Kauai sunset show.

Salt Pond Park: Kauai Tidepools Sunset

Salt Pond Park is a great place to watch some of the best Kauai sunsets. This little park juts out in the mid west-coast of Kauai with the beach facing perfectly West towards the sunset. 

Explore the Salt Ponds at Salt Pond Beach Park while the sun sets for some of the best reflections off the Pacific Ocean and calm tidepools. See what you can find in the rock pools and then make sure to check out some boat tours from Port Allen beforehand.

Shipwreck Beach: Poipu Beach Sunset

Shipwreck Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in the center of many of the fancy resorts of Poipu. The beach may get a bit crowded, but if you want a more secluded sunset in Poipu, try walking around the headlands of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. This is where the best sunset view will be from in the area.  

Best Sunsets in Kauai from Viewpoints

Here are the best Kauai sunsets that are NOT from a beach, and yes, there are a couple of them 😉

Kalalau Lookout: Sunset over the Na Pali Coast

Kalalau Lookout is located on the Na Pali Coast and provides some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring views on Kauai. From here you can see the entire Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coastline stretching out before you.

This is a great spot to watch the sun set, as the colors light up the sky and reflect off the Jurassic Park mountains. It’s definitely worth the hike (or drive) up to take in the views!

Waimea Canyon: Stunning Inland Canyon Kauai Sunset

Waimea Canyon is  a beautiful spot to watch the sun set over the crazk rock formations of Kauai’s Grand Canyon. The canyon is also a popular spot for hiking, so if you’re looking to combine a sunset watch with some exercise, this is the spot for you. Hike the Waimea Canyon Trail to enjoy golden hour over the top of the tall waterfall.

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That’s it for the top 12 best sunsets in Kauai – for now! Let me know what other places I should add on in the comments!

See also:

Unique Places to Stay in Maui