6 Must-See Sunset Spots on Oahu, Hawaii: Waikiki and Beyond

Did you know that picking the wrong spot for sunset on Oahu can turn a perfect evening into a headache?

Most visitors imagine a postcard view, but the reality is often crowded beaches, expensive parking, and missing the best moments because of poor planning.

If you’re tired of fighting the crowds or settling for a disappointing sunset, this episode is for you. You’ll get straightforward advice to help you skip the hassle and actually enjoy one of Oahu’s best experiences.

In this episode, you will:

• Find out which 7 Oahu sunset spots are actually worth your time and how to get there without the usual stress.
• Learn simple, real-world tips for parking, timing, and what to bring—so you get the sunset you want, not just the one everyone else settles for.
• Get honest details on which spots are crowded, which are better for families, and how to support local businesses and keep Hawaii beautiful while you’re there.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play to make your next Oahu sunset easy, memorable, and stress-free.

🎧Related episodes:

• First Oahu Tips
  • Listen
• 5 Fun Facts About Oahu
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• Kid Friendly Oahu Hikes
  • Listen

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💻Related blog posts:

• Where to Find Parking in Waikiki Beach
• Best Places to Watch the Sunrise on Oahu

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🤓Chapters:

• 0:59 - Why Planning Matters for Sunset Viewing
• 1:38 - Top Sunset Spot #1: Waikiki Beach
• 3:13 - Top Sunset Spot #2: Sunset Beach
• 4:37 - Top Sunset Spot #3: Tantalus Lookout
• 5:39 - Top Sunset Spots #4-6 and Final Tips

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This episode is packed with travel tips to help you plan a stress-free sunset outing, avoid common tourist mistakes, and support local businesses along the way. W

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About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight.

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Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

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Transcript

151_6 Must-See Sunset Spots on Oahu, Hawaii- Waikiki and Beyond

[00:00:00] Introduction to Oahu's Best Sunsets
[00:00:00] Bryan Murphy: Oahu has some of the most incredible sunsets in all the world. In this episode, you'll discover the six sunset spots that actually delivered the best views, plus how to avoid the most common mistakes that can leave travelers frustrated and disappointed. So if you wanna find the best spots on Oahu that live up to the height of the best sunsets, keep listening.
[00:00:25] Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome to Hawaii's Best. The podcast helping Travelers Plan an unforgettable Hawaii vacation with insider tips in featuring local voices. I'm Brian Murphy, a husband dad of three, and certified Hawaii destination expert. Each week I share local insights, travel tips, and up-to-date news, sometimes with guests across Hawaii and sometimes solo.
[00:00:47] Bryan Murphy: All to help you plan your next trip to Hawaii.
[00:00:54] Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome to Hawaii's Best. This is. Episode 1 51.
[00:00:59] Why Planning Matters for Sunset Viewing
[00:00:59] Bryan Murphy: Today we're talking about a topic that's way more complicated than it should be. We're just talking about watching the sunset on Oahu. Now, people travel thousands of miles to see these sunsets, but honestly, it can turn into a disappointment if you don't take a few extra steps to plan ahead.
[00:01:17] Bryan Murphy: The reality is finding the right sunset spot on Oahu isn't as easy as just scrolling through Instagram. There are crowds, parking issues, and sometimes the places you see online don't really live up to the hype. In this episode, I'm breaking down the best sunset spots on Oahu, where to go, when to go there, and how to avoid the usual frustrations.
[00:01:38] Top Sunset Spot #1: Waikiki Beach
[00:01:38] Bryan Murphy: Number one, Waikiki Beach. You kinda have to do it. I wanted to throw this in here right away because it's an obvious spot that is an iconic spot for sunsets. If you're staying in Waikiki, you're in luck because this is the quickest and easiest option for you. The sunsets between the hotels, diamond head is in the background and there's usually a lot going on at the beach on Friday nights.
[00:02:02] Bryan Murphy: Fireworks happen in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, so you can see both if you plan for it. You can watch the sunset from the beach, the sea wall, or at a beachfront resort. You know, popular restaurants with sunset views include Duke's house without a key and Hulu grill. But if you want something fast, you can just grab it and take it to the beach and eat.
[00:02:22] Bryan Murphy: Honestly, one of the best sunsets that I've seen in Hawaii was just at a dinner at Duke's. It, you know, it's an incredible spa right there. Like you got diamond head to the left of you, and the sunset is setting kind of to the right of you, and it's just so iconic. You think about Hawaii, you think about Waikiki Beach.
[00:02:41] Bryan Murphy: It's really, that's that postcard picture. But parking can definitely be a problem unless you're already staying in Waikiki Street. Parking is hard to find after 4:00 PM and parking garages can be expensive if you're coming just for sunset, arrive. Early or be ready to pay for parking Overall. Waikiki Beach is busy and can be hectic depending on when you're going, but it's popular because it's convenient, and if you want a classic Hawaii sunset and crowds don't really bother you.
[00:03:11] Bryan Murphy: This is definitely the place number two.
[00:03:13] Top Sunset Spot #2: Sunset Beach
[00:03:13] Bryan Murphy: Sunset beach on the north shore of Oahu is a straightforward spot for an amazing sunset on Oahu. It's kind of in the name Sunset Beach. The beach faces west, so you get a clear view of the sun setting into the ocean in winter. The surf is big and you get to see surfers out on the wave, which is really cool.
[00:03:32] Bryan Murphy: And the beach is also known for its leaning palm tree, which is a popular photo spot. But just please don't climb on it. Winter is really the best season for sunsets here. If you want to see the surf as a backdrop summer, the water is flat, but the sunset views are still good. Parking is along the main road.
[00:03:50] Bryan Murphy: It fills up pretty quickly, so plan ahead at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to sunset. Be sure to always, you know, pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets or towing that it would be a, a bummer. No one wants to have to deal with that. But bring a towel or a beach chair if you plan to stay there for a while.
[00:04:08] Bryan Murphy: The sand cools. Down pretty quickly after sunset. Ted's bakery is nearby, so if you want to pick up, you know, some snacks or dessert, and the beach is wide, there's room to spread out so it's suitable for families. But please, in the wintertime, just be aware that the surf is very dangerous. So just keep your distance from the waves.
[00:04:28] Bryan Murphy: But if you want a true North shore sunset with surf and the space to enjoy it, sunset Beach is a great choice. Number three.
[00:04:37] Top Sunset Spot #3: Tantalus Lookout
[00:04:37] Bryan Murphy: Tanus lookout at La CAA Steak Park. Tans lookout is where you go. If you want a classic panorama view of Honolulu, you can drive right up, park and walk. A few steps to. The main lookout is picnic friendly, and the view at sunset is wide open.
[00:04:54] Bryan Murphy: City lights, diamond head, and a sun. Dropping behind the mountains is its beautiful spot. On weekdays, it's not as crowded on week ends. It is pretty crowded. This is a great option if you have a group or want to bring food. People lay out blankets, bring takeout. There's picnic tables nearby. Plenty of space.
[00:05:14] Bryan Murphy: But just keep in mind, the parking lot isn't huge, so it can fill up if the weather's nice or it's a holiday. Arrive a little early if you want to get a guaranteed spot. And it's easy for families and you don't need any, you know, special gear or anything like that to hike in. Just bring whatever you want.
[00:05:31] Bryan Murphy: Eat maybe a little light jacket if you wanna relax. Low key sunset with an amazing view. I. Tanus is a great choice.
[00:05:39] Top Sunset Spots #4-6 and Final Tips
[00:05:39] Bryan Murphy: Number four, Colina is one of my favorite spots to catch the sunset on the west side. It's within Cop Le, kind of known as the Second city on Oahu. It's a great spot for a peaceful sunset, especially if you're with family or prefer calmer water.
[00:05:56] Bryan Murphy: There are four lagoons, so you have many options to catch the sunset here. Each lagoon with its own sandy beach and gentle surf protected by rock barriers, it's fairly easy to find a quiet spot to watch the sun go down, especially if you're not trying to get into the busiest of the lagoons. Parking is limited and it goes pretty fast in the late afternoon, so be sure to get there early.
[00:06:19] Bryan Murphy: There isn't a lot of parking options. Sometimes we'll stay at the Marriott there and you can see cars just. Lined up trying to get into the lagoon. I think it's three and there's not a lot of spots there, so there's a little bit more parking at the marina. That's pretty much your only option are gonna be the lagoon parking spots, the marina and.
[00:06:42] Bryan Murphy: If you want to pay for parking and maybe grab something to eat, there is that center over there that where Monkey Pot is. But this is one of the most family friendly options. The water is fairly safe for kids and calm. I. There's no lifeguards on duty, so be aware of that. The walkways are easy for strollers, so if you want like a resort style sunset without all the crowds of like in Waikiki, Colina is really hard to beat.
[00:07:08] Bryan Murphy: Number five, magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Magic Island is a manmade peninsula. It's easy to get to from downtown or Waikiki, and there's a big parking lot. Though it fills up pretty fast in the evening. I think you're catching a trend here. The vibe is urban, but relaxed with plenty of benches, grassy areas, and a space to hang a hammock between palm trees.
[00:07:29] Bryan Murphy: If you want to go that route. The sunsets here are wide and unobstructed with the city skyline and boats from the marina in the background. It's a great spot if you want to keep things just simple. Bring takeout or a picnic, sit on the beach and watch the sun go down. If you want to swim, there's a lagoon with calm water, but most people just come for the view.
[00:07:49] Bryan Murphy: It's easy for families, groups, or anyone who doesn't want to hike or drive too far. There are restrooms, showers. Um, for food. There's plenty of options at WAN Center across the street. Grab something there before and head on over to Magic Island. It's definitely a great spot to watch the sunset. And finally, number six.
[00:08:10] Bryan Murphy: And finally, Yokohama Bay. Ula Beach. Yokohama Bay is as far west as you can go on Ahu by car. It's remote, it's wild. It's usually less crowded than most beaches on the island, and I can vouch for this. We just went. Here a couple months ago, and it is a drive. If you're staying on the west side, it's not as far we were staying.
[00:08:37] Bryan Murphy: And outside of Waikiki at the Kahala Resort, and it was a bit of a drive all the way out here, but if you're staying in the Colina area is probably about a 40 minute drive, depending on the time of day. The road does get backed up pretty good from Colina to Ana, especially during, you know, commute times.
[00:09:00] Bryan Murphy: But as you get out, the beaches here are definitely less crowded. The sunset here is about as good as it get. It's clear views, amazing colors, and a wide open sky with the ana mountains framing the beach, as I mentioned, it is a long drive if you're coming from Honolulu Waikiki area plan for at least an hour and a half each way.
[00:09:21] Bryan Murphy: The road ends at the beach, so you can't go further. So parking is along the beach and there's usually a space to park. You can kind of just find a park along the side of the road, but just don't leave your valuables in your car. You are, why not? But bring everything you need. There's no food or water.
[00:09:39] Bryan Murphy: There's limited facilities as far as restrooms. If you want to support local in Yna, there's a restaurant I definitely re would recommend. It's called Lanterns. Got the fish and chips there. It's really good. Drinks are good. Nice local vibe that's just back in town. So maybe on your way back in, you stop there for dinner.
[00:09:59] Bryan Murphy: Good option. This is definitely a, a place to make sure you practice extra respect. It's sacred to many Hawaiians and important for wildlife as well. So please, I. Don't leave trash, don't disturb the animals. Monk, seals, turtles, cell service can be spotty, so don't always count on your phone if you need it, but if you want a quiet, untouched, sunset, and are willing to make the drive, Yokohama Bay is a perfect choice for peace and just real raw beauty.
[00:10:29] Bryan Murphy: And just to quickly recap our spots, we got Waikiki Beach, sunset Beach, Tanus Lookout, Colina Lagoons, magic Island, and Yokohama Bay. Each spot has its own vibe. Some are busy, some are quiet. All are definitely worth seeing at least once. Three quick tips to get the most out of your sunset outing. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
[00:10:51] Bryan Murphy: The best parking and viewpoints go fast, especially on the weekends or during. Holiday seasons for hikes or remote beaches. Be sure to bring the flashlight. Always bring a reusable bag for your trash. Don't leave anything behind, even if bends are full, but just be mindful of where you are and who you're with.
[00:11:11] Bryan Murphy: Respect local custom sunset. Chasing means thinking about the people and the place, not just for the gram getting the photo. But if you wanna share your photos, you can tag us on Instagram at Hawaii's best. Would love to see some of your best sunset picks on the island of Oahu or any island in Hawaii.
[00:11:32] Bryan Murphy: And if you found today's episode helpful, be sure to hit follow on Apple or Spotify. So you don't miss future episodes about future tips and guests coming up that I'm, I'm excited for you to get to meet and until next time, as always, live with Aloha
[00:11:52] Bryan Murphy: Mala for listening to this episode of Hawaii's. Best to stay up to date on future episodes. Hit follow on your podcast app. Hawaii's Best is a production of Shore Break Media Group. With editing by easy podcast solutions and music courtesy of our friends stick figure.