A Locals Guide to Maui’s Best Sunsets in 2024
June 21st, 2024
We all love Maui for its world-famous beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. With waterfalls, hiking trails, and vibrant marine life, Maui is full of beauty and excitement. The best part? Each day ends with a spectacular sunset.
There’s nothing like wrapping up an adventure-filled day with a gorgeous sunset. Maui’s skies turn into a symphony of colors as the sun sets over the Pacific, which can be viewed from a wide variety of vacation rentals.
Imagine strolling along the shores at sunset, with warm sand between your toes and a gentle ocean breeze against your skin. The shimmering waters reflect the color-soaked sky, turning everything golden. While any beach on Maui offers a great view, locals have their favorite spots for the best sunset photos. Grab your camera and join us as we reveal Maui’s top sunset spots—where nature needs no filter!
Catchin’ Rays and Dreamy Stays
1. Kaʻanapali Beach
Kaʻanapali Beach is known worldwide for its lively atmosphere, serene beauty, and of course, incredible sunsets. This 3-mile-long, white sand beach offers a wide range of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and whale-watching. Unlike other beaches, Kaʻanapali experiences delightful sunsets all year round. As the sun sets, and the torches are lit atop Black Rock, the spectacle begins. Take a sunset stroll along the beach, attend an evening luau, or embark on a sunset cruise and watch as the sky dances over the water in a reflection of bold and brilliant hues.
Next to Kaʻanapali vacation rentals like the Mahana, Papakea, and Honua Kai Resorts, there are countless adventure opportunities and quality dining experiences. Each located within close proximity to Kaʻanapali Beach, these remarkable locations offer full amenities, swimming pools, great dining options, and panoramic ocean views – the perfect retreat after a sun-drenched evening.
2. Kapalua Bay
Not far from Kaʻanapali Beach, Kapalua Bay offers picture-perfect sunsets and remarkable views of the island of Molokaʻi in the distance. Spend your day in the water at Kapalua Bay Beach, and stay to watch the volcanic rocks and shimmering tide pools transform into a stunning natural mirror, amplifying the dramatic golden scene. In the winter, keep an eye out for playful whales breaching gracefully amidst the brilliant glow.
To enjoy this remarkable view every evening from the comfort of your balcony, consider a stay at the exceptional Kapalua Bay Villas. With award-winning restaurants, oceanfront views, and access to countless activities, Kapalua is the perfect base for sunset enthusiasts.
3. Wailea Beach
Wailea offers a unique blend of luxury, natural beauty, and some of the island’s best sunsets. Wailea Beach is located within walking distance of sensational vacation rentals and luxury resorts, making it a great spot to catch a sunset after an evening meal. Take a stroll along the 1.5-mile Wailea Coastal Walk, which opens up to a series of beaches along the coastline, each providing an unobstructed sunset view over the ocean.
4. Kihei
Like Wailea, Kihei faces south out to the sea and offers some incredible spots to watch the sun go down. In North Kihei, Sugar Beach offers 6 miles of soft white sands, the perfect spot to lay back and watch the sky transform into a jaw-dropping display of oranges and purples.
A hidden gem, the Kihei boat ramp is another great spot to catch a sunset, and spot sea turtles basking in the sun’s golden glow. For those hoping to stay closer to their Kihei vacation rental, the beaches at Kamaole Beach Park are a great spot to relax and watch the horizons kiss goodnight.
5. Haleakalā Volcano
Last but not least, the summit of Haleakalā Volcano sits at over 10,000 feet, offering unparalleled sunset views to the truly adventurous. Hike the summit of the world’s largest dormant volcano, and marvel as the sun dips below a sea of clouds, a truly majestic end to your adventurous day. While sunrise on Haleakalā volcano requires a reservation spot, sunset does not. So pack your hiking shoes and prepare for an unforgettable Maui sunset with 360° views!
Maui’s Best Sunset Activities
While Maui offers a wide range of relaxing experiences and exciting activities, some of the most magical, romantic, and memorable moments happen as the day comes to a close. Here’s a list of our favorite sunset activities that are sure to create long-lasting memories;
Go on a Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise is a unique opportunity to experience Maui sunsets from a whole different perspective. Many cruises include dinner, an open bar, and opportunities to experience local culture through dance, song, and storytelling. As the boat sets sail and the sun starts to fall, lay back, relax, and enjoy unmatched views of Maui’s beautiful coastline. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins breaching the waters.
Attend a Local Luau
Attending a luau is a must-do activity for anyone looking to immerse themselves in local culture, and learn about Hawaiian history. Luau’s are an incredibly fun and immersive Hawaiian tradition enjoyed by both residents and visitors. Offering amazing performances, delicious food, and drinks, what could be better than a Luau paired with an incredible sunset?
Enjoy a Sunset Meal
Maui is home to world-class restaurants, many of which offer dining experiences that encapsulate both the setting sun and Maui’s unique culinary scene. Enjoy a romantic dinner framed by the blushing sky, the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
Stargazing at Haleakala
Experience the awe of Haleakala as you say goodnight to the sun, and hello to the moon with a mesmerizing stargazing tour. Tours begin with a magnificent sunset, however, the real fun happens after dark. As the sky opens up to a sea of stars, visitors can sit back and marvel at laser-guided constellation tours, and search for planets, galaxies, and star clusters through a telescope. Hakeakala’s high elevation offers incredible visibility, making it the best place on the island to view stars after dark.
Chasing Sunsets, not Deadlines
You may wonder, “If I didn’t see a sunset in Maui, did I even go there?” and the answer is clear: No you did not. Witnessing both sunrise and sunset on the island is one of the best ways to unwind, reflect, and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s natural beauty. Whether you embark on your own sunset adventure, or visit one of our top-rated spots, Maui’s sunsets are a sight to behold. Check out some of our incredible vacation rentals for direct access to the best sunset spots, and start planning your Hawaiian getaway today!
Commonly Asked Questions About Maui Sunsets
While Maui boasts some of the world’s best sunsets island-wide, the west and south shores of the island are recommended for the most spectacular sunset views.
September through March, the sun can set as early as 5:45 pm, or as late as 6:30 pm. April through August, the island tends to see longer days, with the sun setting around 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm. We recommend keeping an eye on local weather/sunset times to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
While Maui itself is considered a very safe travel destination, we recommend taking precautions as you would anywhere after dark. Don’t leave items unattended on the beach, don’t go swimming after dark, and stick to more populated areas. Some of the best experiences in Maui, like luaus, live shows, and stargazing happen after sunset.
