What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Hawaiian vacation? Incredible sunsets! Some visitors want to share one of these incredible sunsets with someone special, for others, it’s the peace they receive hearing the wind through the palm trees, the sounds of the waves crashing, the smell of the ocean, and the reds and oranges that light up the sky. So where do you find the perfect sunset on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Epic Sunset Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii
Sunset in Kona
Kona Hawaii is a place of pure magic! It has an ideal year-round temperature, over 200 days of sunshine per year was perfectly placed on the West side of the island making for an ideal sunset location. The west side is also the sunny side of the island and happens to be where most tourists like to stay. For this reason, I will start off in Kona Hawaii!
Don the Beachcomber
Don the Beachcomber is located in the Royal Kona Resort in Downtown Kona. They have one of the best sunset locations in downtown Kona along Ali'i Drive. I have watched dolphins spinning in the air while watching the sun go down! They also have a great happy hour menu just in time for sunset making this the best spot on the island to not only enjoy the sunset but also enjoy a Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian or other frosty beverage to compliment the perfect evening.
Don the Beachcomber Address: 75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Sunset Kona Cruise
Here are some great Sunset Cruises in Kona you can pick from!
Rays on the Bay
Rays on the Bay is located at the Sheraton Hotel on the south end of Ali'i Drive in Kona. They have an ideal sunset location right on the water. You can sit back and enjoy the sunset and then stay and see everyone come watch the Manta Rays as they fed on the plankton just beyond the hotel. You will see snorkelers, divers and even glass-bottom sunset tour boats taking visitors out to see these magnificent creatures at night!
Sheraton Address: 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Wal-Mart in Kona Hawaii
The Wal-Mart in Kona Hawaii sits up above town giving you beautiful views for sunset. They even have palm trees lining the parking lot to frame that perfect picture. It just goes to show there are many great sunset locations on the Island!
Wal-Mart Kona Address: 75-1015 Henry St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park
Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park is located North of Kona and south of the Kailua Kona Airport (KOA). It’s one of those places shadowed by two larger parks on the island (Hawaii Volcanoes and Pu`uhonua O Honaunau). The crazy part is that it is one of the best sunsets on the island! The bay is beautiful, ideally situated with palm trees and there are normally several Green Sea Turtles relaxing on the sand or in the water making this the sunset trifecta!
Park Address: 73-4786 Kanalani St. #14, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
To Get to Kaloko Honokohau Visitor Center simply drive 3 miles south from the Kona Airport on Highway 19 and the visitor center will be on your right-hand side.
Kekaha Kai State Park
Kekaha Kai is located just north of the Kona Airport. Be prepared as the road into Kekaha Kia is not improved and basically almost like driving over lava. It’s recommended to have a high clearance vehicle as you drive over rocks, dodge potholes and it will take a good 15-20 minutes to get there from the highway. Once there, you could possibly have the place practically to yourself for the sunset!
Anaehoomalu Bay
Anaehoomalu Bay or “A” Bay for short, used to be the most photographed sunset location in Hawaii. That is before several of the palm trees were cut down. Imagine the photo above with palm trees going all the way across the beach instead of the opening you now see with all the people walking across the sand beach. This was the photo that people saw around the world on calendars everywhere. Don't worry about missing this one shot, there are still numerous photo opportunities as there are still plenty of palm trees, fish ponds, and a fantastic sunset to make a dramatic photograph!
I also gave the address for the Lava Lava Beach Club. There is a free public beach access parking lot right before the Lava Lava. If you are lucky enough to stay here you will be blessed with this view every day of your stay. You can also enjoy this incredible sunset with dinner and drinks at the Lava Lava Beach Club.
Address: 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Can I see the Green Flash in Hawaii?
There is a possibility of seeing the Green Flash in Hawaii but you will be one of the lucky ones if you do. Most sightings of the Green Flash occur at the ocean where more of the atmosphere is visible and the line of sight is virtually parallel to the horizon.
Big Island of Hawaii Information
Want to know more about the Big Island of Hawaii? Check out these related articles that will have you ready to book a trip today to the Big Island!
Free Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii Travel Tips
Big Island of Hawaii Restaurants to check out
Sweet Treats to try on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
We think the Big Island is the best Hawaiian island for families. Do you agree?
The best part about the Kona Coast is there could be a great sunset around every corner. All you really need is to find a few palm trees, a clear view of the ocean and wait for the sun to drop. All you need to do is get yourself there and enjoy the view.
Chelley
These are amazing! When we were in Hawaii, anywhere was a great spot. It's such a beautiful part of the country!
Tammilee
I agree! Hawaii is one of our favorite places in the world. There is just nothing quite like sitting and watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Anne
Sounds like an amazing place to visit. My husband and I hope to go to Hawaii for our anniversary this summer.
Tammilee
Happy early anniversary! Please let us know if we can answer any questions about Hawaii as you start to plan your trip. I lived on the Big Island for a while and we try and visit each year.
Ellen Christian
Sunsets are absolutely gorgeous. I would love to experience on on Hawaii some day.