15 Best Sunset Hikes on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
From the easiest trails to the most remote, Oʻahu has best and most variety of sunset hikes of any island in Hawaiʻi.
Take it from someone who has who has lived and hiked to the most remote locations on Oʻahu to catch sunset,
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
15 Best Sunset Hikes on Oʻahu
Keep in mind that the best sunset hike for one person may not be the best sunset hike for another. What I’m really saying is that it all depends on how much time and effort you want to spend on your hike back in the dark.
Some of my favorite sunset moments on Oʻahu have meant hiking countless miles back through the night. But I can promise you that these nights, like the image you see below, have created some of my most favorite memories that I have on this island!
All said, the following list is written in no particular order of best or worst, but instead, grouped by the easiest trails first, followed by the ones that require longer hikes down after.
1. Puʻu O Hulu Trail (Pink Pillbox)
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Pink Pillbox Trail is undoubtedly one of the best sunset hikes on Oʻahu!
I say this because the hike back after sunset is very manageable, the hike itself is very straightforward, and the panoramic coastal and mountain views from the top are truly second to none for how easy the Pink Pillbox hike is!
There’s truly not another hike on Oʻahu that I consider solely as being a sunset kind of trail.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu O Hulu Trail (Pink Pillbox)
2. Puʻu Pia Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Puʻu Pia Trail is a bit different from a traditional Hawaiʻi sunset hike in that I don’t recommend Puʻu Pia for the views you get of the sunset. Instead, I recommend the trail for the views you get as the sun lights up the mountains in the back of Mānoa Valley on a clear night.
Generally speaking, sunset from Puʻu Pia is better in the winter over the summer months. However, it’s worth noting that winter is typically the wetter time of the year. So I say, don’t let the time of year dictate your decision. Puʻu Pia is just as beautiful when the clouds are hanging over the valley as it is on a clear night!
In either case, the trail back down is short, but be prepared for a muddy hike at any time of the year.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Pia Trail
3. ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
The ʻEhukai Pillbox is without a doubt the best North Shore sunset hike on Oʻahu!
Overall, the trail is very short each way, and sunset is typically the time of day when other locals choose to get out on the trail because of how beautifully the sunset lights up the beaches across Pūpūkea.
Read My Separate Post: ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
4. Kaʻena Point Trail & Pillbox
Distance (West Side): 2.1 miles / 3.4 km
Distance (North Shore): 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
Kaʻena Point State Park, on the northwest side of Oʻahu, is home to one of the island’s longest undeveloped coastlines, where visitors can hike one of two different trails, beginning from either the North Shore in Mokulēʻia or the West Side past Mākua and Keawaʻula Bay.
That said, both the North and West Kaʻena Point Trails are very similar coastal trails, but in many ways, they could not be more different from one another. Therefore, I highly recommend reading my side-by-side comparison at the beginning of either article linked below to learn more about which route sounds most interesting to you.
In any case, the Kaʻena Point Trail from either direction can be extended by hiking up the Kaʻena Point Pillbox Trail to the WWII-era bunker above Kaʻena Point, which makes for one of the best year-round sunset hikes on Oʻahu!
Read My Separate Post: Kaʻena Point (North Shore) / Kaʻena Point (West Side)
5. Pali Notches Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
The Pali Notches is one of the best all-around sunrise and sunset hikes on Oʻahu!
It’s for this reason that I recommended the Pali Notches in this post, as well as my best Oʻahu sunrise hikes article.
That being said, if you’re going to hike the trail for sunset, make sure to read the details about where to park in my separate post. Cars have been known to get ticketed for parking at the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout after the parking area has closed at sunset.
Finally, it’s important to be aware that the Pali Notches hike is NOT an established or maintained trail, and you accept all potential consequences should you choose to hike a closed trail.
Read My Separate Post: Pali Notches Trail
6. Koko Head Stairs
Distance: 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
Elevation Gain: ~930 ft. / 283 m
The challenging Koko Crater Stairs round out the only three trails that I recommend for both sunrise at sunset on Oʻahu, which is a popular sunset hike for a few reasons.
First, like sunrise, it’s important to hike Koko Head while it’s cooler out because of the lack of shade. But perhaps more importantly, Koko Head is popular in the last hour of the day because locals treat the Koko Head stairs like a post-work workout. This is typically the time of day when the best times recorded have been put up, which you can read more about in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Stairs
7. Mauna Lahilahi Trail (Turtle Rock)
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Mauna Lahilahi Trail is the easiest hike on this list, but I would only recommend the trail if you’re staying somewhere on the West Side of Oʻahu, like in Ko ʻOlina or Mākaha.
I say this mostly because the trail, more like a scramble, up to the viewpoint is so easy. So, the hike wouldn’t feel like it’s worth the drive if you’re just in the area for Turtle Rock.
However, when you’re not looking for something too adventurous, Mauna Lahilahi can be the perfect quick and easy sunset mission!
Read My Separate Post: Mauna Lahilahi Trail
8. Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km
The Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail is not about the rock bridge when it comes to sunset, but the ridge at the beginning of the trail.
On the initial ridge, there are a handful viewpoints and one panoramic viewpoint all the way at the top of the road that makes for a great spot to watch sunset!
Almost every night of the week, locals hike the Hanauma Bay Ridge at sunset for an evening workout, and it’s favorite of mine because of how easy the return hike is to get back down.
Read My Separate Post: Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail
9. Mauʻumae Ridge Trail (Puʻu Lanipō)
Distance: 7.4 miles / 11.9 km
Up until now, all of my sunset recommendations have been fairly easy because the distances to hike back in the dark have been relatively short.
However, if you think you’re the more adventurous type of person, the island really opens up to you in terms of sunset hikes because there is such a vast number of trails that make for amazing sunset hikes. Keep in mind, these will not be easy miles in the dark, as hiking across Oʻahu is very rugged.
That being said, the Mauʻumae Ridge Trail is a spectacular Oʻahu sunset hike because there are so many views to be had from the first few minutes of the trailhead to the summit.
If your plan is to see sunset, my recommendation is to hike up in the early to mid-afternoon so that you will know how far down you want to get by the time the sun is setting.
Read My Separate Post: Mauʻumae Ridge Trail (Puʻu Lanipō)
10. Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles / 7.6 km
Generally speaking, Wiliwilinui Ridge is not a sunset hike, and if you are driving up late in the afternoon, the security will tell you the same prior to entering the private neighborhood.
However, as long as you arrive with more than two and a half hours to go before sunset, you can hike up the ridge and take your time on the way back down while enjoying the sunset. Just don’t forget to drop your parking pass off with security on your way out.
Read My Separate Post: Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
My Print - Wiliwilinui Ridge
11. Wailupe Loop Trail
Distance: 5.0 miles / 8.0 km
The Wailupe Loop Trail is the most challenging hike, both directionally and physically, that I have on this list.
This is because of the inevitable long trek off the ridge and back through the valley that will have to be hiked in the dark.
However, if you think you’re up for something this involved, I encourage you to read through my separate post and take notes of the valley extensively, as I can promise it can be very easy to get turned around if you miss one of the important turns.
Read My Separate Post: Wailupe Loop Trail
12. Waʻahila Ridge Trail (Mt. Olympus)
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km
Waʻahila Ridge may be the best sunset hike near Waikīkī, and in fact, some locals favor the trail as an evening trail run.
However, to see the best sunset views on Waʻahila Ridge, it would require at least two miles or more of hiking back in the dark. While that may sound like a lot, directionally it’s one of the easier trails to follow, which I can’t say the same regarding Wailupe or Kūlepeamoa Ridge below.
Read My Separate Post: Waʻahila Ridge Trail
13. Kūlepeamoa Ridge Trail
Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
Just like the Wailupe Trail above, Kūlepeamoa is one of the longer hikes back in the dark. The difference is that Kūlepeamoa is not as confusing of a return hike in the dark compared to Wailupe, as long as you make the correct turn back off the ridge.
Before visiting, I highly encourage you to read more about the entire trail in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Kūlepeamoa Ridge Trail
14. Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge is most similar to Wiliwilinui on this list.
Both trails have similar access situations atop private residential neighborhoods, and both trails have very similar sunset views. The main difference in my opinion is that Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge is slightly more challenging.
In either case, I’d say it’s truly a toss-up if you’re trying to decide which trail is better.
Read My Separate Post: Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail
15. Mokulēʻia Access Road & Trail
Access Road Distance: 7.2 miles / 11.6 km
Mokulēʻia Trail Distance: 6.2 miles / 10.0 km
The Mokulēʻia Trail may be one of the longer suggestions on this list, but in terms of hiking and navigating back after dark, it’s one of the easiest!
This Mokulēʻia Trail sunset spot is NOT the combination of these two distances. These two distances represent both individual trails separately, and the sunset spot (the bench) is only halfway on the Mokulēʻia Trail at 11.2 miles (18.0 km) roundtrip.
While this may sound like a lot, 3.6 miles (5.8 km) each way or 7.2 miles (11.6 km) roundtrip is entirely on the Mokulēʻia Access Road, which is the largest contributor to the trail’s distance.
Make sure to read through my separate Mokulēʻia post below in order to reach the sunset spot shown below. Otherwise, this suggestion would not make much sense if you didn’t know where to turn.
Read My Separate Post: Mokulēʻia Trail
Best Sunrise Hikes on Oʻahu
If you’re interested in reading more, I wrote a very similar list about the best sunrise hikes across Oʻahu in an entirely separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Best Sunrise Hikes on Oʻahu
Native Hawaiian Plants on Oʻahu Trails
Since this is a subject that is close to me, I want to always encourage that you do your part to minimize your impact when hiking on any Hawaiʻi trail.
So many of our forests and our native plants are presented with challenges as a result of invasive species, and I want to ask that you do your part on all trails.
This plant particularly can be seen when hiking on the Mokulēʻia Trail.
If this is a subject that interests you, click below to learn more about native Hawaiian plants found across the islands.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Oʻahu Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oʻahu adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Restaurants in Waikīkī
If you’re trying to decided where to stay on Oʻahu, check out my top 10 list for the best resorts and restaurants in Waikīkī.
I break down what makes one hotel a better choice over another, so that you can find the best fit for your stay on the island.
Read My Separate Post: Best Waikīkī Hotels & Restaurants
Waikīkī
HNL Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel shuttle prior to arrival. I say this because there are additional fees for ride-share airport pick-ups at Honolulu Airport (HNL), which is why I recommend booking your transportation in advance using the options below.
Additionally, the last option below will go as far as the Ko ʻOlina Resorts on the West Side and Turtle Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Oʻahu
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Oʻahu or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
10 Best Tours & Excursions on Oʻahu
There are a lot of different tour options to choose from on Oʻahu, but to make it easier to decide, I made a list of my favorite tours because some things simply are better with a local guide!
Read My Separate Post: Best Tours on Oʻahu
Oʻahu
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
