Welcome to Oahu, Hawaii!
In this post, we’ll go over the 12 BEST places to watch the SUNRISE Oahu, including information on the location, how to get there, and some photography tips for Instagram.
Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Variety of Sunrise Spots: Oahu offers different locations to watch the sunrise, from beaches like Sandy Beach and Lanikai Beach to hiking spots like Makapu’u Point and Diamond Head, as well as scenic lookouts like Tantalus Lookout.
- Photography Tips and Timing: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise, to secure a good spot and prepare for photography (timelapses are beautiful).
- Accessibility and Amenities: The article highlights directions and provides information about each location’s accessibility, including parking availability and nearby amenities.
*Please take a look at this website for the latest weather report!
1) Makapu’u Point and Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Makapu’u Point in Makapuu Beach Park is a famous sunrise location in east Oahu Hawaii!
You will need to hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. The trail offers a scenic hiking experience with a total distance of 2.5 miles (4 km) for an out-and-back return route. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the sunrise location. You can’t miss it!
The best time to hike in Makapu’u Beach Park is early in the morning to catch the sunrise on Oahu. The trail opens shortly before dawn and closes around sunset.
Many people start trekking towards the lighthouse around 6 a.m. to witness the SUNRISE.
This SHORT but STEEP hike offers outstanding views of the rugged cliffs of Oahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head Crater. TIP: When shooting surfers make sure your shutter speed is set to 1/1000 or faster to ensure your subjects are not blurry. That’s a fun challenge for photographers. Have fun!
DID YOU KNOW: Between November and May, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail becomes an excellent spot to view migrating HUMPBACK WHALES. On a clear day, you might get a chance to see them!
Remember, the hike takes about TWO hours, so plan accordingly. Many individuals also use this trail for a great workout, running up and down the path. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HIKE FOR FREE!
There’s no better way to start your day than watching the Oahu sunrise, completing one of the North Shore Oahu hikes, and relaxing at Hukilau Beach Park.
Let’s take a look at the SECOND-best Oahu sunrise spot! Hawaii Magazine even mentioned this as one of the BEST places on the island for a sunrise!
With Get Your Guide, you can pre-book your activities, skipping the hassle of long queues or sold-out experiences. It provides PRIORITY ACCESS to popular attractions. Additionally, their flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the activity begins.
2) Sandy Beach for the BEST Sunrise Oahu
Sandy Beach, located on Oahu’s southeastern shore (see our map above), is a popular spot to catch the spectacular sunrise Oahu.
Sandy Beach is famous for its shorebreak and soft sand.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the Oahu sunrise starts (you can check the specific time on your phone).
Get ready for an incredible view of East Oahu as you watch the sun splash its bright hues over the waters of Hawaii.
For photography, set up your camera for a timelapse and find the perfect place to watch the sunrise on Oahu in Sandy Beach.
INSIDER TIP: The best spot to photograph a sunrise at Sandy’s Beach is from the right side. Head down the beach until you hit rocks. There are tide pools, reflections, and crashing waves all over the place. Keep heading to the right, and you will run into Oahu’s famous “blow-hole.” Please be careful while walking towards blow-hole, as the waves and slippery rocks are unpredictable.
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3) Tantalus Lookout (no hiking)
Tantalus Lookout, situated on Mount Tantalus in Puu Ualakaa State Park, is an exceptional spot to observe a sunrise on Oahu. It’s a favorite among locals, offering panoramic views of the Waikiki area.
Getting to the Tantalus Lookout involves driving up the winding Tantalus Drive, which takes you through lush rainforest scenery. The drive itself is an adventure, so take your time and enjoy the route, but be careful when you make the drive before the sun has come up. From Honolulu, head towards Makiki Street and take a left on Round Top Drive. This road will lead you straight to the lookout.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HIKE FOR FREE!
Arrive at the lookout at Oahu at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure a good viewing spot and set up your camera equipment. The park opens at 7 am, but pedestrian access is available for early risers.
Just so you know, while Tantalus Lookout is a safe place to visit, it’s always wise to stay on marked paths and respect the park’s rules.
4) Diamond Head
Diamond Head, also known as Le’ahi, is a DORMANT VOLCANIC CONE and a famous landmark.
Its summit offers stunning 360-degree views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, making it an excellent place to watch the sunrise of Oahu.
To get to Diamond Head, take Monsarrat Avenue from Waikiki, leading you directly to Diamond Head Road. The hike’s trail starts within the Diamond Head State Monument. Enrolling the park is a small fee, and ample parking is available.
The hike to the summit is about 1.6 miles (3km) roundtrip and includes some steep sections, stairs, and a tunnel. In our experience, it’s best to start your hike early in the morning to reach the top before sunrise Oahu.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HIKE FOR FREE!
You can bring a flashlight if you’re starting while it’s still dark, since the trail isn’t lit.
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5) Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park is a 100-acre stretch of beach that offers stunning views of the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head crater. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, with amenities like picnic areas, showers, and restrooms.
The famous Ala Moana Beach Park is one of Oahu’s most photographed SUNSET locations. Tall palm trees dot the sky, and a seemingly endless water view offers a spectacular horizon to watch the rainbow colors that make Hawaiian sunsets popular worldwide.
Ala Moana Beach Park is where local urbanites take a break from their evening run, bike ride, or shopping spree and enjoy the view as the sun sinks below the horizon.
It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Now onto number 6!
6) Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach, of course, also belongs to this top list of sunrise Oahu locations.
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located on the south shore of Honolulu, Oahu. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to watch the sunrise of Oahu due to its east-facing orientation and easy accessibility
If you’re staying in Waikiki, getting to the beach is as simple as walking out of your hotel to the beach when the sun rises.
If you’re driving, head towards Kalakaua Avenue, the main road parallel to the beach. Several public parking spaces are available, including the Waikiki Shell Parking Lot, the Honolulu Zoo Parking Lot, and street parking along Ala Wai Boulevard.
For those taking public transportation, TheBus, Honolulu’s public transit system, has several routes that pass through Waikiki. You can check their website or use a navigation app to find the best routes and times.
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sunrise, at Oahu time, to catch the earliest sunrise. This will allow you to choose a prime spot on the beach and settle in before the sun rises.
7) Koko Head Crater
A beautiful 1.4-mile loop, the Koko Head Crater is a moderate hike with stunning views and a rich history.
Originally a military establishment, Koko Head Crater still has some remnants of the bunkers and railroads. While the hike may look daunting, throw on a headlamp and get an early start to the day to catch the sunrise in Honolulu
BE AWARE: This will be one of the TOUGHEST sunrise shots you will ever work for! So many steps (1048 railway ties) to summit the mountain. But when you get there, it has many rewards!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HIKE FOR FREE!
8) Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is a small but stunning beach in Kailua on Oahu’s windward coast. Known for its clear turquoise water and fine white sand, it’s considered one of the BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD and an exceptional spot for watching the sunrise Oahu.
Getting to Lanikai Beach from Honolulu involves a roughly 30-minute drive over the Pali Highway (Route 61). Once you reach Kailua, you’ll take a right onto Kawailo Road, then a left onto Aalapapa Drive, eventually becoming Mokulua Drive. Lanikai Beach is located off a loop road from Mokulua Drive.
Parking can be challenging at Lanikai Beach, as no public parking lots or restrooms are available. You’ll need to find street parking in the residential area, respect private property, and not block driveways or sidewalks.
Once parked, access to the beach is via public access paths between some residential properties. Again, remember to be respectful, as this is a residential area.
The sun rising over the Mokulua Islands off the coast makes for some stunning beaches and an unforgettable sight.
What makes Lanikai Pillbox a favorite sunrise hike? Lanikai Pillbox is a beloved spot for its breathtaking views from the top. Hikers catch the beautiful sunrise over Kailua and see why it’s one of Oahu’s best sunrise hikes. 3. Can you see a good sunrise from Makapuu Beach Park? Yes, absolutely!
9) China Walls
China Walls, located in the Portlock area of Hawaii Kai on Oahu’s east coast, is a popular spot for CLIFF JUMPING, sunbathing, and watching stunning sunrises.
Named for its flat, smooth rock formations resembling a giant wall, China Walls offers unobstructed ocean views, making it perfect for sunrise Oahu viewing.
To get to China Walls, you’ll need to drive, as public transportation options are limited in this residential area. Take the H-1 Freeway East from Honolulu, which will turn into Kalanianaole Highway. Turn left onto Lunalilo Home Road, then right onto Poipu Drive.
Follow Poipu Drive until you reach Hanapepe Loop and Hanapepe Place. A small public-access paved path between two houses on Hanapepe Place leads down to China Walls.
Parking is available on the street.
10) Ko Olina Lagoon
Ko Olina Lagoon is a series of FOUR man-made lagoons located on the leeward coast of Oahu. These tranquil, sandy-bottomed lagoons are part of the Ko Olina Resort and are open to the public.
They provide an excellent spot to watch the sunrise in Oahu, which has calm waters and beautiful surroundings.
Once parked, you can access the lagoons via walkways from the parking lots. Each lagoon offers different views, so feel free to explore and find your perfect spot to watch the sunrise Oahu.
11) Waimanalo Bay Beach
Waimanalo Bay Beach, located on Oahu’s windward (eastern) coast, is a stunning spot famous for its turquoise blue water, soft white sand, and uninterrupted views of the sunrise Oahu.
To get to Waimanalo Bay Beach, you’ll drive along the Kalanianaole Highway if you’re coming from Honolulu. The journey typically takes around 30–45 minutes. Once you reach Waimanalo, you’ll turn onto Hihimanu Street, which leads directly to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.
There’s a parking lot available at the beach park. Since it’s a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a parking spot and a prime location on the beach for sunrise Oahu viewing.
Once you’ve parked, you’re just a short walk away from the beach. Restroom facilities and picnic tables are available, making it convenient if you plan to stay and enjoy the sunset beach just after sunrise Oahu.
12) Kualoa Regional Park
Kualoa Regional Park, situated on the northeastern coast of Oahu, offers captivating views of Mokoli’i Island (commonly referred to as Chinaman’s Hat due to its shape) and the Kualoa Mountains.
Kualoa Beach Park is an excellent location to watch the sunrise Oahu, with the morning sun emerging from behind the ocean and lighting up the picturesque scenery.
To get to Kualoa Regional Park from Honolulu, take the H-1 Freeway west until it merges with HI-63 N. Continue onto HI-83 W (Kahekili Highway), which will take you north shore along the island’s eastern coastline. The park will be on your right, just past Kualoa Ranch.
There’s a parking lot available at the park, but it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot and find a good location to view the sunrise. The park opens at 7 am, so check the exact time of sunrise Oahu to ensure you don’t miss it.
Conclusion
Visiting the sunrise Oahu is a must-do in your life!
This ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE will help make your trip to the sunrise spots an unforgettable experience.
Plan your trip accordingly, enjoy the scenic views, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Let us know in the comments how your trip went!
