If you’re looking for a romantic sunset, check these out! 4 recommended sunset spots in Hawaii

Cobalt-blue ocean, blue skies, palm trees... Hawaii is full of dazzling scenery. But don’t forget another charm of Hawaii—that magical time of sunset. The transition from a sparkling world to dusk is truly blissful.

If you’re going to take in a beautiful sunset, you’ll want the perfect spot to enjoy it. The first place that may come to mind is Waikiki. But did you know? Even within Waikiki Beach, the view can change depending on the location. Here, we introduce four carefully selected spots where you can enjoy Hawaii’s stunning sunsets.

1. Ala Moana Beach Park / Magic Island

Right in front of Honolulu’s largest shopping center, Ala Moana Center, lies Ala Moana Beach Park. With trolley bus access, it’s super convenient. It’s the perfect place to catch a sunset after a day of shopping. Because of its location, it’s especially recommended for those on tight schedules. The waves here are very calm, making it ideal for leisurely walks with kids—hence, it’s also a favorite among families.

At the tip of the park, there’s an artificial peninsula-like lagoon called Magic Island. Because there’s nothing blocking the western view, you can enjoy an even more breathtaking sunset! Watching the sun go down alongside yachts coming in and out of the harbor makes for a magical, romantic atmosphere. It’s a top pick for date spots.

2. Kahanamoku Beach

What makes Kahanamoku Beach stand out is the silhouette of palm trees. Located at the west end of Waikiki, right in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It’s a quiet, serene beach with fewer people—perfect for couples. It was even crowned “Best Beach in America” in 2014, known for its high standards in water quality, sand texture, and hygiene.

Around 60 palm trees are planted along the walkway that surrounds the lagoon, creating a stunning contrast with the sunset. If you’re staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this beach is right outside your door—highly recommended. Although it may appear to be a private beach for the Hilton, anyone is welcome to enjoy the sunset. Why not watch the sun go down at this peaceful beach, also known as a sacred spot for babies’ first ocean visit?

3. Kaimana Beach

Kaimana Beach spreads out in front of the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel—a safe and familiar name for visitors. Located on the south side of Waikiki, it’s a relatively calm and shallow beach. It's a perfect spot for watching sunsets, and even celebrities sneak in for a visit. While Waikiki Beach may be known for being crowded with tourists, Kaimana Beach is slightly removed from the central area, so tourists usually don’t wander here. It’s a calm, local-feel spot with many residents.

Compared to other beaches, it’s more compact—but that makes the sunset feel even more intimate. If you want to share the moment with locals while the sun sinks below the horizon, this is your place. The New Otani also has a beachfront restaurant, so enjoying dinner while watching the sunset is a truly luxurious experience.

4. Tantalus Lookout

While Tantalus Lookout is famous for its nighttime views, it's also a popular sunset date spot. At sunset time, it’s not yet crowded, and there’s plenty of space, so it’s a comfortable experience. After sunset, you can stay to see the night view, and if you look up, you can also enjoy a sparkling starry sky. Just being on this hill gives you the trifecta of sunset, nightscape, and stargazing—a truly unforgettable experience.

Located about 20 minutes north of Waikiki by car, you’ll have Waikiki and Diamond Head on the left, Ala Moana Beach in front, and Honolulu Airport on the right. The city bathed in golden sunset light gives the surreal feeling of having the entire town to yourself.

◎ Summary

How did you like these sunset spots mainly located on Oahu, Hawaii? Even just heading toward either end of Waikiki reveals perfect sunset viewing spots. Sunset doesn’t go well with noisy crowds. The best places for sunsets are quiet, low-traffic locations.

Another recent trend is doing yoga while watching the sunset. With its grand natural surroundings, Hawaii is also famous as a spiritual hotspot. Transforming the power of sunset into energy through yoga might just be an incredible experience. When you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to indulge in the romantic time of sunset.