It’s hard to name the best sunsets in Oahu because it truly seems that the sunsets are incredible from every single place on this tiny island. But we have narrowed it down to the top 12, scattered around the island from the north shore to the south to sunset spots in Waikiki and Honolulu and even one Oahu sunset spot in the East.
No matter where you are on the island or how far you are willing to travel, I’m SURE we can find you the best place to watch sunset on Oahu for your tastes – whether that’s a picnic in the park or a 5-mile hike. See below the best sunset spots on Oahu from the beach and from different hikes and viewpoints too.
Best Sunsets in Oahu from the Beach
The following are some of the best sunset spots to see sunsets from the beach on Oahu. Make sure to know the best Oahu hidden gems and secret spots to visit while you plan your sunsets!
A lot of these beaches are wonderful to visit during the day for a picnic or swim, and stay to watch a spectacular sunset at night. Beaches are the best Oahua sunset spots if you have little ones with you, one of the top things to do in Oahu with kids!
Sunset Beach in Oahu: A North Shore Oahu Sunset Gem
Sunset Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Oahu. Sunset Beach has some of the best views on all of the island, and it’s not difficult getting there from anywhere on the North Shore.
In addition, this is one of those places where you will find local people enjoying their time relaxing at sunset after work with friends and family instead of tourists. The beach enjoys a great view of the Ko’olau mountain range, and if it’s a clear day you might be able to see all the way to Kauai.
The best time to visit Sunset Beach for a mesmerizing sunset is in the winter months from December through February when the sun sets behind the mountains. If you’re looking for good weather conditions during your visit, then aim for late January or early February as this is usually when Oahu enjoys its driest weather.
Ko Olina Lagoons 1-4: Tiny West-Facing Lagoons Perfect for Sunset Swims
The Ko Olina Lagoons are a series of 4 man-made lagoons flanked by large Oahu resorts. Each lagoon has a small bay completely protected with rocky jetties from any swells coming in, creating the perfect resort beach where guests can swim, paddleboard, snorkel, and kayak without fear.
It’s only 1.5 miles from the first to the last lagoon, so you can easily check them all out in a day or choose the one that’s least crowded. They are regularly awarded as some of the best beaches in Oahu as well. Whether you’re just catching one of the most perfect Oahu sunsets or staying at one of the resorts nearby. the Ko Olina Lagoons are a sight to behold.
Ala Moana Beach Park: Central Honolulu/Waikiki Sunset Spot on Oahu
Ala Moana Beach Park is an excellent place to watch the sunset over Honolulu on Waikiki Bay. The park offers plenty of space along with grassy areas and palm trees, which makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike who want to take in a Hawaiian sunset.
This is a great option for a last-minute sunset mission while staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, especially with some friends and some picnic supplies.
Shark’s Cove: Small North Shore Oahu Cove With the Best Sunset View
Getting up to the north shore, which still has a west-facing coast to catch great Oahu sunsets, we have Shark’s Cove. Shark’s Cove is actually only named as such because of the rock formations that look like a shark, not because of the presence of sharks in the cove luckily!
Shark’s Cove is a unique lava-rock beach that presents fascinating and different geology than many other Oahu beaches. This is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots in Oahu due to the amazing rock formations above AND below the water and very diverse marine life in the protected cove. There has however been a recent effort to preserve the reefs from overtourism – check out the page above to help.
After some watery activities during the day, make sure to stay and watch the perfectly-framed sunset from the tide pools on the shore.
Waikiki Beach: A Touristy But Amazing Oahu Sunset Spot
If you’re looking for a place to watch the Waikiki sunset, then look no further than Waikiki Beach. This world-famous beach offers stunning views of Diamond Head and Honolulu’s cityscape as the sun dips below the horizon. In addition to great views, Waikiki Beach is also home to plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a drink or meal after watching the day’s final light show.
The best time to watch the Waikiki sunset is year-round, but we recommend going during the early evening hours to have plenty of time to get the best view of the sun sinking into Diamond Head.
Kualoa Beach Park: Best Sunsets in Oahu from the East
Kualoa Beach Park is one of the best sunsets in Oahu from the East side of Oahu because the views are still amazing even though the sunset is technically on the other side of the island. The mountains overlooking this area – straight out of Jurassic park – are out of this world.
This beach park is a great place to enjoy the sunset with views of both Mokoli’i Island and Kaaawa Valley. The beach park itself offers plenty of space for picnics, relaxing on the sand or in the grass under a palm tree, or even playing volleyball. In addition, barbecues are allowed at this location so that you can grill some food while watching one of Oahu’s best sunset views from your favorite spot along Kualoa Beach. For tours and activities, check out the IG page above!
Makua Beach: Secluded Oahu Sunset Spot
Makua Beach (sometimes known as Tunnels Beach) is the perfect sunset spot in Oahu when you just want to get away from it all. Located on the northwest coast of Oahu and surrounded only by remote forest reserves, Makua Beach is hardly ever crowded and is usually rather empty. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature as you watch the sun go down.
To make the most of your time here, arrive early for some surfing or snorkeling, and even bring your camping gear to spend a few nights away from it all. This beach was also featured in the 1960’s movie, Hawaii. For more info on getting here and visiting Makua Beach, check this article.
Best Sunsets in Oahu from Viewpoints + Parks
In addition to beaches, there are also some great sunset spots on Oahu’s North Shore to watch the sunset. These spots are particularly popular during the winter months when you will get unobstructed views of the sky as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
The following are just some of the best places for watching sunsets in Oahu:
Ehukai Pillbox Hike: Amazing Oahu Sunset Views Above Banzai Beach
For one of the best Oahu sunset spots from a short hike, you can’t miss the Ehukai Pillbox Hike. Starting just across from the famous Banzai pipeline beach, this hike will present you with amazing north shore views and maybe some big waves in the surfing season.
Once at the top, explore and climb the old historic WWII bunkers and find the perfect place to watch one of the best sunsets in Oahu. Watch the bright blue water turn orange and pink – but don’t forget to leave enough time to get back down before dark.
China Walls: Amazing Lava Rock Sunset Views in South Oahu
Located almost on the southernmost part of Oahu, China Walls has a perfectly-placed little peninsula that juts out and faces perfectly west for the sunset – especially in the summer months. These lava rock ledges are a picturesque vantage point to relax and watch surfers catching waves as the sun goes down.
If you have time, check out the fascinating ‘Splitting Cave’ nearby before selecting the perfect sunset-view perch. Keep in mind that this spot can get pretty crowded during peak times, so arrive early if you want to get a good view.
Ka’ena Point: Almost 360-Degree Oahu Sunset from Secluded Hike-in Peninsula
Ka’ena Point is located at the northwestern tip of Oahu and offers great views both day and night. However, Kaena Point also has one of the best sunsets on Oahu as it provides a clear view for miles out into the Pacific Ocean to catch sight of the sinking orange ball as it dips below the horizon line.
TKa’ena Point was a significant place in Ancient Hawaiian culture and is still considered sacred. The only way to reach this point is by a 5-mile hike so make sure to prepare properly. The park itself does not offer much in terms of amenities other than an open space where you can enjoy watching this natural phenomenon, feeling content with your hiking accomplishment
Tantalus Lookout/Drive at Puu Ualakaa State Park
If you’re looking for the best place to watch sunset on Oahu above Honolulu, then Tantalus Lookout is a great option. This lookout point inside Puu Ualakaa State Park provides stunning views of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu as the sun sets behind Diamond Head. In addition, there are plenty of places nearby to park your car and enjoy a picnic dinner or glass of wine while taking in one of nature’s most amazing light shows.
The best time to visit Tantalus Lookout is year-round when the sun sets in the west. However, we recommend going during the early evening hours from about 4:30 pm-6:30 pm as this will give you ample time to find parking and get settled before it gets too crowded at sunset.
Kakaako Waterfront Park/Point Panic Park
Just outside central Honolulu, the Kakaako Waterfront Park (also known as the Point Panic Park) is a spectacular place to watch the sunset in Oahu from a lovely grassy park. It’s especially perfect for picnics on the luscious green grass. Catch the sun go down over the sea, surrounded by palm trees and fellow sunset-chasers.
If you want to swim, you can still enter the sea via a set of stairs here but it’s not a beachy sunset spot in particular – it’s more famous for jogging, fishing, and picnicking.
That’s all – for now – for the best sunsets in Oahu. If you need even MORE Oahu sunset inspiration, there are a few more points that almost made the list such as Waimea Bay Beach, Diamond Head Beach Park, and Kapiolani Beach Park in Waikiki.
Let us know which sunset spot is your favorite and which others you would add to this list in the comments below.
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