The island of Kauai is the fourth largest island in the northernmost part of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is often praised for its pacific ocean views, lagoons, and endless beaches covering over 50 percent of its shoreline. Kauai offers fantastic hiking trails, ziplining, kayaking, and snorkelling, but one of Kauai’s best features, and you should not miss on Kauai is its gorgeous sunsets. You won’t be disappointed with any of these best locations to watch Kauai sunsets.
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Where To Watch a Kauai Beach Sunset
Kauai sunsets, found along the pristine coastline in many different places throughout the island, are unmatched in beauty and magnificence. The peaceful tranquillity and less touristy feel of quiet beaches allow for sunset views you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
I was fortunate enough to visit Kauai for the first time last year and absolutely fell in love with the island and thoroughly enjoyed many Kauai sunsets on the beach. I love a good sunset, and I can attest that the Kauai sunsets are something else.
You might also enjoy: One Week in Kauai – Full Itinerary
The scenery surrounding each sunset will vary based on where you go to view it. Whether you’d like rocky cliff sides or soft, sandy beaches, Kauai has it all. Read on to discover where you can go to experience a Kauai beach sunset that 100% needs to be on your bucket list and added to your Kauai itinerary.
Polihale Beach Park Kauai Sunset
During your stay in Kauai, get ready to visit the longest stretch of beach in the state of Hawaii! Polihale Beach and State Park boast golden sand dunes and miles of beach wading water perfect for shell collecting. It’s not the most ideal beach for swimming due to dangerous currents, but it’s a fantastic place to watch Kauai sunsets.It’s also the last place before the infamous Waimea Canyon begins.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
Because this beach is so open, you’ll have unobstructed views of the coastline for miles. It’s also located at the end of the NaPali Coast and the edge of the Mana Plains, so the breathtaking sunset will be framed by massive, incredible cliffsides. Your eyes will thank you for all of the beauty on this beach.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
The Polihale Beach sunset is just as spectacular and accessible year-round with 80-degree average weather. During the winter months, the sun sets around 5:45 pm with that stretching to 7:00 pm during the summer.
How Do I Get There?
The park is located at the end of Highway 50. To access the beach, you’ll need to take a somewhat bumpy, unpaved road. The beach and sunset are definitely worth the extra effort!
Poipu Beach Park Kauai Sunset
A popular spot on Kauai, Poipu Beach is home to several unique, scenic views, including the Spouting Horn blowhole. This network of natural lava tubes along the surf creates waterspouts that shoot the water up to 50 feet in the air! Nearby, you’ll also find the famous Shipwreck Beach, which is a local favorite for surfing and body surfing.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
This beach gives you two experiences for the price of one. A small sandbar separates the Kauai beaches into two sides and allows for calm waters and easy swimming, making it great for families. You can view the sunset while playing with the kids or just relaxing and watching the sun go down.
This beach gives you two experiences for the price of one. A small sandbar separates the Kauai beaches into two sides and allows for calm waters and easy swimming, making it great for families. You can view the sunset while playing with the kids or just relaxing and watching the sun go down.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
The sunset will be beautiful no matter what time of the year you visit. In the wintertime, the sunset sets around 5:50 pm, with the summer pushing that back to 7:15 pm.
How Do I Get There?
Poipu Beach is located on Hawaii’s South Shore. It’s easy to access off of Highway 530 and has a large parking lot with plentiful parking. The beach is only a short walk from the parking lot, so it’s easy to go back and forth to your car if needed.
Salt Pond Beach Park Kauai Sunset
Salt Pond Park has an adorable beach is perfect for families and young kids. It has several smaller, shallow pools that are great for snorkeling and splashing around. There are also many tide pools where you and your family can find native Hawaiian marine life.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
The calm, protected swim area is what makes this beach great. You’ll enjoy the amazing sunset while playing in the peaceful waters and digging your toes into the sand. It’s easily accessible and perfect for families to enjoy the sunset together.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
The warmest water temperature comes during the summertime, making it an ideal time to visit, especially with small children. But if you aren’t as worried about water temperature, this beach is great for sunset viewing all year round. The sun typically sets around 5:50 pm in the winter and 7:15 pm in the summer.
How Do I Get There?
Located right next to Poipu Beach, on the southwestern part of Kauai, this beach has easy access with ample parking spaces. It’s located in Hanapepe, which prides itself on being “Kauai’s biggest little town.” If you plan on taking in the sunset in this area, plan it for Friday night so that you can also take part in the Hanapepe Friday Night Festival & Art Walk. This activity was one of the highlights of our trip.
Get Salt Pond Beach Directions.
Tunnels Beach Kauai Sunset
Do you like snorkeling and scuba diving? Tunnels Beach will be your paradise. This crescent-shaped bay has a backdrop of jungles and mountains with a beach full of rich, white sand and spectacular views.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
View the sunset in between amazing snorkeling expeditions through lava tubes and underwater caverns. You can spend the day getting to know the local Hawaiian marine life and finish it off with a beautiful, warm sunset as the sun goes down.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
If you’re looking for warmer water ideal for snorkeling, the summertime is optimal. The sun sets around 5:45 pm in the winter and 7:00 pm in the summer. While the temperatures rarely drop below 75, it’s always a good idea to check with local weather updates before you go.
How Do I Get There?
Tunnels Beach is located on Kauai’s north shore off of HWY 560. It’s easy to access, but the best parking will be at Haena Beach Park, and then you can walk the short walk to Tunnel’s Beach from there.
Hanalei Bay Kauai Sunset
Hanalei beach is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai and likely one of the most popular destinations on the island. The pier is a landmark with historical significance and the shores are great for paddle boating and kayaking. The pier is also an excellent spot for children to swim.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
Watching sunset as you paddle out onto the calm surf in your kayak or paddleboat makes for an incredible experience. Due to its low waves and currents, you can spend the day relaxing on the water and enjoying the spectacular sunsets that a Hanalei sunset has to offer you and your family. You can also visit the nearby town of Hanalei for a tourist-friendly experience and watch the sunset from there.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
Sunsets in Hanalei Bay typically happen between 5:45 pm in the winter months and 7:00 pm in the summer. Like other beaches on Kauai, the temperature doesn’t usually get below 75 degrees, so you’ll be comfortable any time of the year.
How Do I Get There?
Located at the mouth of the Hanalei River, Hanalei Bay is reasonably easy to access. You can connect to Weke road off of HWY 560 and it’ll take you right to the beach. At peak times like holidays or the weekends, it can sometimes be challenging to find parking.
Queen’s Bath Kauai Sunset
Queen’s Bath is another popular attraction with amazing tide pools and ocean views. It’s a short 10-15 minute hike past waterfalls and lava rocks and ends in a beautiful, massive natural bath. Locals and tourists enjoy the cooling water and views of these Kauai waterfalls.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
Have you ever gotten to experience a full view of the ocean while floating inside a natural bath with fish and lava rocks? If not, this sunset experience is one you’ll never forget. Relax in the bath while watching the sun go down on the ocean’s horizon.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
Queens Bath can be very dangerous if visited at the wrong times. You’ll need to watch the surf forecast to make sure that the waves will not be too large and unsafe during your visit. It’s recommended that you limit your visits to the summer months of June through September. (Source: Hawaiigaga.com)
How Do I Get There?
You’ll find the trailhead for Queens Bath in Princeville, on the northern part of Kauai. You can take HWY 560 to Princeville, and then Ka Haku Rd will lead you to the trailhead for the Bath.
Ke’e Beach Kauai Sunset
Ke’e Beach is a pristine swimming destination protected by reefs that keep it safe and calm during the summer months. It’s great for kids, hiking, snorkeling, and just relaxing at the beach.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
The calm, clear water during the summer months allows you to swim while also viewing the gorgeous sunset. Set against the vibrant ocean and the beach surrounded by lush greenery, the sunsets at this beach are begging to be photographed.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
During the winter months, the surf can be high and become dangerous with strong currents. Plan your visit for the summer months and go early! This popular destination is usually full of people planning to stay the day. If you wait until closer to sunset hours, you might not get a parking spot.
How Do I Get There?
The parking at the Beach is limited and usually full by about 9am, but there is overflow dirt parking lots about ¼ mile from the beach. You’ll need to take HWY 460 all the way East, and it will end at Ke’e Beach.
Nāwiliwili Harbor Kauai Sunset
A popular location for cruise lines, Nāwiliwili Harbor is a tourist paradise with plenty to do and see. Its rich history as a fisherman’s bay adds to its beauty and wonder for those who visit. For many years the harbor wasn’t safe enough for large vessels to dock there but, since 1930, large ships and eventually cruise lines have made this harbor their docking point.
What Makes this Sunset in Kauai Experience Great?
Though Nāwiliwili Harbor is not as well known for its sunsets, they are vibrant and full of color. Whether you view the sunset through a helicopter tour or one of Nāwiliwili Harbor’s many sunset cruises, you’ll see the majesty and serenity that the harbor’s sunsets have to offer.
When is the Best Time to Visit for the Sunset?
Nāwiliwili Harbor gets an average of 50 inches of rain per year! Because of how wet it is there, the harbor is often cloudy and overcast. While you’ll still catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunset on an overcast or rainy day, the best time to visit for vibrant sunsets would be on a clear, dry day.
How Do I Get There?
This southwest Kauai harbor is easily accessible whether you arrive by cruise line, airplane, or car. Located just 5 minutes away from Lihue Airport, you can grab a taxi or shuttle to get to the harbor or any of the surrounding areas. If you are driving from another point on the island, the harbor is near main highways 50, 56, and 51 and should be easy to find.
Get Nāwiliwili Harbor Directions.
How to Take Good Pictures of Sunsets
Now that you know where to visit for your most outstanding sunset views, you may be wondering how to capture the most beautiful Kauai sunsets in the United States. Here are a few suggestions:
- Make sure your lens is clean.
- Use a tripod so that you don’t shake the camera.
- Shoot in landscape orientation.
- Try making a silhouette out of a tree or whoever is visiting with you.
- Be patient. The right photography moment might not come quickly.
Remember that not every picture will turn out perfectly, but no matter how your photos turn out, you’ll always remember the experience of Kauai sunsets.
You might also enjoy :
- 3 Days in Kauai – The Perfect Kauai Itinerary
- Kauai Packing List – What to Pack for Kauai
- One Week in Kauai Itinerary
Final Thoughts on The Best Locations to Watch a Kauai Sunset
The Hawaiian island of Kauai is beautiful with so much to offer. As you plan your Kauai vacation, don’t forget to prioritize Kauai sunsets at one of its amazing beaches. Each Kauai sunset spot brings something unique and memorable, and you’ll forever be glad you got the chance to witness it.
If you’re planning your trip to visit Kauai you might enjoy my One Week in Kauai blog post.
