Hawaii Sunrise & Sunset Times

Times are approximate and vary slightly between islands. Kauaʻi sunsets are ~5 minutes later than Oʻahu; Big Island sunrises are ~5 minutes earlier.

For the best sunrise views, choose east-facing beaches where the sun rises over the ocean or mountains.

Oʻahu: Lanikai Beach (sunrise over the Mokulua Islands is iconic), Kailua Beach, Waimanalo Beach, Makapuʻu Beach

Maui: Baldwin Beach, Hoʻokipa Beach, Hamoa Beach (Hana side)

Big Island: Richardson Beach (Hilo), Onekahakaha Beach, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Kauaʻi: Lydgate Beach, Kealia Beach, Anahola Beach

For sunset, choose west-facing beaches where the sun dips below the ocean horizon.

Oʻahu: Waikiki Beach, Sunset Beach (North Shore), Ko Olina Lagoons, Makaha Beach

Maui: Kaʻanapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, Keawakapu Beach (Kihei)

Big Island: Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach, Magic Sands Beach (Kona)

Kauaʻi: Kʻeʻe Beach (when accessible), Poʻipʻu Beach, Polihale Beach

While sunrise and sunset are beautiful times to visit the beach, there are safety considerations for ocean swimming during low-light conditions:

• Sharks are more active at dawn and dusk — these are prime feeding times for many shark species
• Reduced visibility makes it harder to see hazards, currents, marine life, and other swimmers
• Lifeguards may not be on duty during very early morning or after late afternoon
• Early morning swimming (post-sunrise) is generally fine with adequate light and calm conditions
• Avoid swimming after sunset or in the dark — ocean hazards multiply when you cannot see

Water quality note: Time of day does not significantly affect water quality. However, early morning is often the calmest time for ocean conditions, with winds typically picking up in the afternoon.

Hawaiʻi regularly has UV index readings of 11+ (extreme). The peak UV hours are 10 AM to 2 PM. Consider planning your beach time for early morning or late afternoon to reduce sun exposure, especially for children and fair-skinned visitors.

Even outside peak hours, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and shade are essential in Hawaiʻi. The tropical sun is significantly more intense than most mainland locations.