Best Places To Catch A Sunset On the Big Island

Best Places to Catch a Sunset on the Big Island

Megan Potter

You could spend the day on Hawaii’s Big Island hiking up mountains, laying on the beach, learning about the local culture at museums and monuments, or exploring on one of our five driving tours on the island. But no matter how you choose to spend the day, save time to admire the sunset from some of the island's best vantage points. You'll thank us later!

1. Mauna Kea

best places to catch a sunset in maui mauna kea travel aloha hawaii audio gps guided driving tour The Hawaiian sunset from the summit of Mauna Kea | Photo by Joe Parks, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where can you sit on a volcano and watch the sun go down? That's right, at Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that sits 14,000 feet above sea level. In fact, it's summit is the tallest peak in Hawaii. Come for the sunset, but stay for the stargazing. Mauna Kea is considered one of the best spots in the world for astronomical observation. Check out our South Island Epic Coastal Adventure and the North Island Jungle Adventure driving tours, both of which visit Mauna Kea.

2. ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, also known as A-Bay, is a crescent-shaped beach with ideal conditions for just about everything: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and relaxing. The beach is surrounded by tide pools, two fishponds, and a grove of coconut trees. In the evening you’ll not only see the soft orange colors of one of the best sunsets on Big Island fill the sky, but the fishponds become vibrant with colors as well!

3. Kua Bay

Kua Bay offers a picture-perfect image of sunset. Imagine you’re relaxing on a white sand beach, overlooking bright blue waters with a light pink, orange, and yellow overcast. Take a moment and think of paradise, that's what a sunset at Kua Bay looks like. Added bonus -- you may even spot turtles, whales, seals, or dolphins!

4. Spencer Beach Park

Spencer Beach Park is known for its soft white sand and unlike other spots to watch the sunset on the Big Island, it's typically not crowded. Another great thing about Spencer Beach Park? It's one of the few beaches where you can camp and enjoy a night under the stars!

5. Kealakekua Bay

Best Places Sunset Big Island Shaka Guide Kealakekua Bay Sunset I Photo by Matt Roberts via Flickr; CC-BY-2.0

Kealakekua Bay is steeped in history. It’s home to a sacred temple dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono and is also the site where Captain James Cook, a British navigator, arrived in Hawaii. There are two ways to enjoy this sunset. Grab a towel and lounge on the beach or take a sunset cruise. During the cruise, you’ll visit over 50 points of interest and indulge in a Hawaiian dinner. You can learn more about the rich history of this bay on the Kona Big Kahuna Tour.

Take any of our Big Island Tours and find your slice of paradise on this incredible island!