Few experiences in this world compare to the soul-touching magic of witnessing sunset in Kauai.
As professional landscape photographers, we consider Kauai the most beautiful island, especially at sunset!
Usually, the west coast of any island is best for watching the sunset. Kauai is unique, however, as most of the western coastline is completely inaccessible due to the sheer cliffs of the Na Pali coast.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best locations for photographing Kauai sunsets. In addition, we will provide expert tips to help you capture that perfect shot.
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πΈ Top 10 Places for Sunset in Kauai
π¦ 1. Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is easily one of the best photography locations in Kauai. And, without a doubt, the Na Pali Coast is the absolute best place to enjoy as many Kauai sunsets as your Hawaiian vacation will allow.
The last light kisses the iconic, savage cliffs with golden light. Dark shadows and brilliant highlights contrast exquisitely together above the blue water of the Pacific Ocean. It is truly magical.
Being that the Na Pali coast occupies the majority of the Western side of the island, it makes sense that this is the location where you will find the best Kauai sunsets.
The dramatic landscape means you will always have interest for your foreground as well.
Na Pali Coast Boat Tours
At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below.
On our visit, we booked a speed boat tour that allowed us to photograph through the best part of the day and then return around sunset.
Unfortunately, that company is no longer in business. Instead, here are some of the comparable, top-rated tours available:
- Raft Adventure β Na Pali 1/2 Day Snorkel:Β 5/5Β βοΈ
Explore the dramatic cliffs and crystalline waters of Kauaiβs Na Pali Coast on a 5.5 hour snorkeling adventure. - Na Pali Coast Super Raft Adventure:Β 4.5/5Β βοΈ
This 5.5 hour adventure will have you splashing through sea caves and under waterfalls before snorkeling over the pristine reef at Nuβalolo Kai. - Raft Adventure with Nu’alolo Kai Beach Landing:Β 5/5Β βοΈ
What makes this tour special is that it lands at an ancient fishing village, a site that is only accessible with a special permit.
If you have young children with you or are less interested in a bumpy ride, there areΒ plenty of boat toursΒ that prioritize COMFORT instead. Some of these options include:
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour:Β 4.5/5 β
This 5.5 hour catamaran cruise takes you past unbeatable views of lush green valleys, towering spires, jagged sea cliffs, and wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles, as well as time for snorkeling and swimming. In the summer months, they also offer aΒ sunset snorkel tour. - Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner: 4.8/5 β
As the sun sets, glide past the jagged peaks and emerald valleys from aboard a luxury catamaran on this 4.5 hour cruise, complete with champagne and dinner. - Na Pali Sunset & Sightseeing Boat Tour: 4.5/5 β
Spend 3.5 hours cruising along the coast in a 65β Kauai-built power catamaran as you take in all the most beautiful sights.
π 2. Queen’s Bath
The Queen’s Bath is an area of volcanic coastline on the north side of Kauai near Princeville.
This lava-forged shoreline gets absolutely smashed by waves during high tides!Β The violent waves, textured rock sea shelf, and westerly views all combine to create our second favorite place to photograph sunset in Kauai.
There is a caveat to visiting Queen’s Bath, unfortunately. The trail was gated off in October 2018 due to the danger of this portion of the shoreline. Within a few days of your visit to Kauai, you will discover that trail closures are all too common.
During our visit, it was young local boys that we saw putting themselves in the greatest danger. While counting wave sets, they would dive into the waters for the pure thrill of it.
Our goal is not to condemn nor condone but to educate our readers. Be aware that the Queen’s Bath is now closed. However, visiting is technically still legal as it is a public right of way.
With that said, we beg any visitors to go with respect. Respect for the locals, respect for the island, and respect for the ocean. We absolutely loved our experience here and found it extremely easy to avoid any danger with simple common sense.
βοΈ Pro Tip: We always recommend shooting ocean and water features with a circular polarizer. Check our photography gear guide to discover what filters and gear we use.
π 3. Hanalei Beach
The legendary Hanalei Beach is a magical scene plucked from a daydream.
Soft, golden sand forms a perfect crescent beach that is tucked into the lush Hanalei Valley.Β Distant mountains surround the blue and aqua waters that gently surge in and out.Β
When you close your eyes and think of sunset in Kauai, you probably imagine a Hanalei sunset! It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the best beaches of Hawaii.
While the Napali Coast and Queen’s Bath offer better photography opportunities, the Hanalei Bay is as good as it gets for Kauai sunsets on the beach.
Find yourself a comfortable spot in the sand, or frame your shot behind some iconic Hawaiian palms.
Either way, you are in for a truly special moment as the world is bathed in golden light and the sun slowly descends the Pacific horizon.
π§ READ MORE:
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π 4. Waimea Canyon
We can’t decide if Waimea Canyon is too low or too high on our list of best locations for sunset in Kauai.
The reason it may feel too high is that you don’t get many good views that look west over the Waimea Canyon.
Considered the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, we ranked Waimea Canyon so high because it is an absolutely incredible place to visit any time of day. And still, we preferred the photographs captured at sunset to any other captures.
True, you cannot actually see the sun go down over the Waimea Canyon. For that reason, some of you may view this as too high compared to other locations to photograph sunset in Kauai.
Still, the soft, balanced light, and deep color in the sky made it a special place to spend an evening.
Regardless of ranking, any photographer looking for the best locations for sunset in Kauai should spend at least one night at the Waimea Canyon.
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π 5. Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach is a tropical oasis on the North Shore of Kauai. You will find this gem located on far West of the North coast, adorned by the mountains of the Napali Coast.
It is an absolutely breathtaking beach for sunset photography; perhaps the best on Kauai.
Tunnel Beach is best known as the gateway to the famous Kalalau Trail, which is a good option for sunset as well but only if you can acquire a permit.
πΊ 6. Hanalei Bay Lookout
This incredible overlook will reveal itself as you drive to Princeville along the Kuhio Highway. It is spectacular any time of day, but is particularly noteworthy for enjoying a Kauai sunset.
The high elevation allows you to look down over sweeping views of the lush, tropical Hanalei Valley. Depending on the time of year, the sun may go down behind the mountains or over the Pacific.
While this is one of our favorite places to photograph sunset in Kauai, parking can be a bit of a hassle. Parking is limited in the pull off. You will want to get there early and may have to circle back a couple of times before finding a space.
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π₯Ύ 7. Kalepa Ridge Trail
If you have not heard of this place, there is a lot to know before visiting!
We strongly recommend you queue up our guide to the Kalepa Ridge Trail to read next before you plan your visit. The safety and legality of this amazing trail is somewhat debated, but it provides the best land access to the NaPali Coast!
Honestly, the Kalepa Ridge Trail probably deserves a much higher spot on our list of the best locations for Kauai sunsets. However, clouds have a way of spoiling the party more often than not, making it unlikely to get a good one.
The great thing about the Kalepa Ridge Trail over the other viewpoints in Koke’e State Park is that you are able to get to the edge of the ridge and have unobscured views both East and West over the NaPali Coast.
This is one of the few places on the island where you can enjoy a Kauai sunset over the NaPali coast without a boat!
π₯Ύ READ MORE:
Everything you need to know about the Kalepa Ridge Trail
βοΈ 8. Hanalei Pier
Back we go to Hanalei Beach! We would be remiss if we didn’t include the iconic Hanalei Pier as an awesome place for photographing Kauai sunsets. The leading lines, shapes, and backdrop make the compositions at Hanalei Pier an easy place to photograph.
Our biggest “complaint” (though we hate to use that word) is that the number of people parading back and forth can be challenging to deal with. You will also not be shocked at the number of Instagrammers changing outfits and trying thousands of poses to get one shot.
Still, the beauty of Hanalei Beach and the Hanalei Pier cannot be denied!
β± 9. Polihale State Park
Poliehale State Park is one of the few accessible beaches for sunset on Kauai’s west coast. Due to its incredible remoteness, it is not only a great place for sunset, but for night photography as well.
Your biggest obstacle in enjoying a Kauai sunset from Polihale will be getting there! 4WD is strongly recommended, and some rental car companies will strictly prohibit travel there.
If you can manage to get yourself there, you will have one of the few unobstructed views of the horizon on the west coast. You will also find plenty of space to have a beverage and watch for the famous “green flash.”
π£ββοΈ 10. Wailua River
Wailua River is not thought of as a destination for photographing sunset in Kauai, which is exactly why it made the list! While most of the other locations are more obvious and well known, we loved watching the light change from here!
From the bridge that leads to Wailua, you look west over the stunning Wailua River that winds through tropical palms and meanders toward distant mountains. Kayakers and paddleboarders often float in and out of the scene while the clouds turn golden and the light fades.
Though it is not the best view of the sunset itself, we love the magic that unfolds during the sunset golden hour.
You can even kayak the river and visit a secret waterfall. While it is possible to do this by yourself, we’d recommend taking a tour or having a local show you the way.
π₯₯ Honorable Mention: Waioli Beach Park
Waioli Beach is an absolutely incredible beach for sunset in Kauai! So why is it only getting an honorable mention? Well, because it is basically the same as Hanalei Beach.
Effectively, this small beach park simply occupies a small piece of Hanalei Beach. Still, that small piece ended up being perhaps our favorite spot on the beach.
We felt we couldn’t include it on the list of the best Kauai sunsets separately from Hanalei Beach. But we also couldn’t bear to leave it out!
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π More Kauai Travel Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below π
We assume most of you are here in preparation for that special trip to Hawaii and the Garden Island of Kauai. If that’s you, be sure to check out our other helpful Kauai travel guides:
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The Best Kauai Photography Locations
Looking for more than just the sunset spots? This guide reveals our favorite Kauai photography locations for those of you visiting with landscape and travel photography in mind.
Hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail: The Best Views in Kauai
Because of its somewhat secret access, most visitors miss the best hike in Kauai! Learn everything you need to know for hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trial in this guide.
π Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Locations for Kauai Sunsets
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below π
If the NaPali coast were more accessible, I have no doubt you could find dozens, maybe even hundreds more secluded beaches and vistas to enjoy the famous Kauai sunsets.
In the effort of making this guide travel-friendly, however, we opted to include only those locations can be accessed by vehicle.
We hope you have found this useful as you plan your once in a lifetime vacation to Kauai!
Beautiful photos and gorgeous sunsets! The sunsets at Queen’s Bath and Kalepa Ridge Trail look particularly stunning. I’d love to visit these spots one day!
They were easily our favourite spots for sunsets in Kauai. But the entire island is spectacular.
Wow your pictures are STUNNING!
Thank you π
SAVING THIS LIST!! I’m always searching for the best sunset spots on every vacation!
Same!! There’s nothing quite like watching sunset in a new place π
So beautiful! I am dying to go to Hawaii! I will be sure to check this out when I finally get to go!
Thank you! I hope you can make it soon π