Waikiki Beach Sunset Guide: 10 Best Places To Watch Sunset In Waikiki

Waikiki is a tropical paradise that attracts millions of visitors every year. Its stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and vibrant nightlife make it a top destination for those looking to experience the best of Hawaii. One of the most magical moments in Hawaii is enjoying a Waikiki Beach sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky lights up with a breathtaking display of colors, creating a picture-perfect moment that you won’t forget. If you’re wondering where to go to catch the best sunset views, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best places to watch the sunset in Waikiki, from the beach to rooftop bars and scenic lookouts. So grab your sunglasses, and a cold drink, and get ready to soak in the beauty of a Waikiki Beach sunset.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN WAIKIKI

In this guide, I will share all of the top places to watch the sunset on Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is actually broken up into about eight different beach regions, and I’ll detail them all for you. Some of the Waikiki beaches are better for sunset than others. Then, I will give you a few more suggestions of top spots nearby Waikiki to watch the sunset including the top bars with a sunset view and a few epic lookouts for sunset lookouts and viewpoints near Waikiki.

ALA MOANA BEACH PARK

Ala Moana Beach, situated just beyond the boat harbor at the westernmost edge of Waikiki, is a picturesque and popular destination for sunset in Waikiki. The beach boasts an expansive park, complete with tennis courts, walking paths, and even an outdoor gym, making it a hub for outdoor activities like surfing, yoga, and boot camps.

What really sets this beach apart is its calm and serene waters, thanks to the protective breakwater, making it an ideal location for swimming and sunbathing. With its soft white sands and vast size, there’s always ample space to soak up some sun and enjoy the tranquility of the ocean. The beach park gets a great sunset and the palm trees make for great silhouettes and sunset photography subjects.

DUKE KAHANAMOKU BEACH

After the Harbor at the western end of Waikiki is the first beach of the strip. It’s known as the Duke Kahanamoku Beach section of Waikiki Beach. Here you can find the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, which is one of the most famous resorts on Oahu. It has an iconic, colorful mural on the side of the building.

Here you will find a man-made lagoon where you can swim and do water activities. However, it’s also the first part of Waikiki Beach and you can lay out on the sand, head out for a snorkel and even spot some Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. This is also where the Atlantis Submarine Tour takes off from.

The beach and the entire lagoon are part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort grounds although they are open for both the public to use. There are rarely any big waves here and it’s perfect for playing in the water with small kids. It’s a great spot for reflection photos and is an epic Waikiki Beach sunset spot.

FORT DERUSSY BEACH PARK

If you’re looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset in Waikiki, look no further than Fort Derussy Beach Park.

One of the reasons Fort Derussy Beach Park stands out as one of the best spots to catch the sunset is its location. Unlike many other beaches in Waikiki that are flanked by towering hotels, Fort Derussy Beach Park is nestled next to a large park. This means you can enjoy unobstructed views of the sky as the sun sets over the ocean.

While the beach itself is simple, you can rent umbrellas, chairs, and boards from nearby stands to make your experience even more enjoyable. And if you need a break from the sun, the park behind the beach offers plenty of shaded areas to relax in. With volleyball courts, walking paths, and lush landscaping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s considered one of the best places to watch the sunset in Waikiki.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN BEACH

The Royal Hawaiian Beach is quite a famous strip of Waikiki. You might also know it as ‘Waikiki Beach Center’. It sits right in front of the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which is bright pink! This section of beach is just as beautiful as all of the other beaches of Waikiki but it’s action-packed.

Surf rentals are the hot item here as it’s a great spot to launch off to go out and surf some intermediate and beginner-sized waves on Waikiki Beach. It’s a great area to hang out, swim, go surf, and chill out under the palms. I rate this spot as one of the best Waikiki Beach sunset locations because it looks toward Diamond Head Crater as a backdrop.

WAIKIKI SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE 

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise: Dying to take your loved one on a romantic cruise whilst in Oahu? Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast.

This is perfect for travelers who just want to chill with sunsets and cocktails! 

Book your tour: Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Catamaran Cruise

PRINCE KUHIO BEACH

If you’re looking for a stunning spot to catch the sunset in Waikiki, Prince Kuhio Beach is a must-visit. This popular beach is renowned for its unique man-made pools, known as “The Ponds”, which offer a safe and peaceful swimming experience for families with small children.

At high tide, the ocean spills into these pools, creating a serene environment with no waves, making it an ideal location for young kids. Meanwhile, older kids can have fun playing around the concrete walls, enjoying the thrill of the waves crashing against them.

But that’s not all – Prince Kuhio Beach is also a popular spot for bodyboarding, with many people flocking to the beach to catch some waves beyond the protective walls.

One of the highlights of Prince Kuhio Beach is the pier, which is a prime location for catching the sunset. As the sun descends over the western end of Waikiki, the pier becomes a bustling lookout point for visitors and locals alike. And with the sound of waves crashing against the walls, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and take in the beauty of a Waikiki Beach sunset.

QUEEN KAPIOLANI BEACH

This is probably my favorite part of Waikiki Beach as it is the most chill, has the least tourists and there’s easy access to it. I’ve spent a lot of time living near Diamond Head and always enjoy going for a dip at Queen Kapiolani Beach after an outdoor gym workout at Kapiolani Park. It’s an easy-access spot for a great sunset on Waikiki Beach.

KAIMANA BEACH PARK (SAN SOUCI BEACH)

Kaimana Beach, also known as San Souci Beach is located in Waikiki right next to the Aquarium and the New Otani Kaimana hotel. Kaimana Beach is attractive as it isn’t nearly as crowded as Waikiki; it’s also nice and sandy. It is a little bit smaller, but there aren’t as many tourists. There is also a nice grassy lawn dotted with Palm trees straight back from the beach if you prefer laying in the grass or setting up a hammock. It’s one of my favorite Waikiki Beach sunset spots and the palm trees here are clustered together for nice silhouette photos.

DIAMOND HEAD BEACH

Diamond Head Beach extends along the south side of the island to the east of Waikiki. You just head towards Diamond Head Volcano past Kapiolani Park.  Diamond Head lookout offers a great walking path, a small grassy lawn and astounding views. We like to pack picnic dinners and have sunset dates here sometimes. One of my favorite places for sunset in Waikiki that you can actually drive to and get a park even at the last minute.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH SUNSET NEAR WAIKIKI

In this section of the article, I’ll share all of the top lookouts and viewpoints for a great Waikiki sunset. My favorite is Tantalus viewpoint but the Diamond Head Crater is pretty good too!

SUNSET DINNER CRUISE WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment: If world-class entertainment and food weren’t enough on the beautiful beaches of Oahu, then why not take to the waters with the Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise? This cruise will let you see the beauty of the colorful sunset in Oahu with a view of the island at night as the artificial lights glow and cover the place. 

While onboard, you will enjoy the delicious buffet and some chitchats with other passengers. What the passengers will love is the round trip transportation they arrange for each and every one.

Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment

TANTALUS VIEWPOINT

Tantalus is one of the best spots for sunsets near Waikiki if you want to get away from the beach. A 30-minute drive from Waikiki will wind you up into the mountains where you can enjoy an incredible viewpoint over Waikiki, Honolulu, and Diamond Head. There’s a huge patch of grass here for onlookers to gather but be warned, it is a popular sunset spot on Oahu so it can get busy. It’s best to pack a picnic and some drinks as well as a picnic rug and watch as the light fades over the city. Do note, they close the gates shortly after sunset so don’t expect to hang out here all night.

Read the full blog post: Tantalus Viewpoint

5 BEST BARS FOR SUNSET ON WAIKIKI BEACH

1. The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider Located right on Waikiki Beach, The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider offers a perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying cocktails and live music.
2. RumFire Waikiki Situated on the oceanfront at Sheraton Waikiki, RumFire Waikiki offers stunning sunset views along with a wide selection of cocktails and small plates.
3. SKY Waikiki Located on the rooftop of the Waikiki Business Plaza, SKY Waikiki offers 360-degree views of Waikiki and a direct sunset view. It’s a great spot for cocktails, small bites, and live music.
4. Duke’s Waikiki Overlooking Waikiki Beach, Duke’s Waikiki is a popular spot to enjoy a tropical cocktail while watching the sunset. The outdoor seating area provides a perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean.
5. The Edge of Waikiki Located on the pool deck of the Sheraton Waikiki, The Edge of Waikiki is a perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a signature cocktail. The bar provides direct views of the sunset as it dips below the horizon.

I hope this was a helpful guide to the best places to watch the sunset on Waikiki Beach and you enjoy some great conditions.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT WAIKIKI BEACH SUNSETS

1. What are the best places to watch sunsets at Waikiki Beach? There are several great locations to watch sunsets at Waikiki Beach, including the beach itself, Diamond Head lookout, Kapiolani Park, and the Ala Moana Beach Park.
2. What time does the sunset occur at Waikiki Beach? The time of sunset varies throughout the year, but generally occurs between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. It’s always a good idea to check the sunset time for the specific date you plan to watch it.
3. What’s the best time to arrive at the sunset watching spot? It’s recommended to arrive at the sunset watching spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sunset time to get a good spot and enjoy the changing colors of the sky as the sun sets.
4. Can I bring food and drinks to the sunset watching spot? Yes, you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the sunset watching spot. However, alcohol is not allowed in public places in Waikiki Beach.
5. Is it necessary to book a tour to watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach? No, it’s not necessary to book a tour to watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach. You can easily access the beach and other sunset watching spots on your own. However, there are sunset tours available if you prefer a guided experience.

WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
• Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
• Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
• Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Choice): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
• Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice): This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

• What to pack for Hawaii: THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
• A helpful guide to choosing accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
• Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
• The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
• Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
• Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
• The best Waterfall Hikes: TOP WATERFALL HIKES ON OAHU
• Best Tours: 20 BEST TOURS ON OAHU
• The Ultimate Guide to Oahu: 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU