Where to See the Best Sunset in Maui

Close your eyes and picture yourself surrounded by lush green mountains and vast blue waters that stretch to the horizon. Hear the gentle ebb and flow of the waves and feel the warm golden sand beneath your feet. This is paradise, where every day begins with a new chance to explore and ends with an explosion of color that bathes the sky in the most brilliant hues of orange, pink, yellow, and red. Can you see it? 

To help you make this daydream a reality, we’ve got the scoop on where to see the best sunset in Maui. Whether you’re planning a future bucket list trip or you’ve already booked your vacation rental, this blog will give you the details on the best places to watch the sunset, when to arrive, where to go, and what to bring with you along the way. From sunset cruises to mountain summits, we’ve got it all. Check them out below, and don’t forget to pack the camera so you can capture all the incredible views during your visit. 

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1. Haleakala National Park

Be the first to see the sunset on Maui when you head to the summit of Haleakala National Park. Located more than 10,000 feet above sea level, you can watch as the sun dips below the cloud cover and makes its way toward the shore. Unlike the sunrise, no reservations are needed for the sunset, though visitors will have to purchase an entrance pass. Be sure to make time to experience this once-in-a-lifetime vantage point during your vacation.

• Location: Haleakala Highway, Kula, Hawaii 96790
• Best Viewing Spot: The summit
• Arrival Time: 1.5 hours before the scheduled sunset so you can explore the park. If you're coming from West Maui, make sure to leave around 3 hours before your desired arrival time. 
• What to Bring: Warm clothes or layers. Temperatures at the summit are sometimes 30 degrees cooler than at the base.

 2. Kapalua Bay

This peaceful crescent-shaped beach along the northwestern tip of Maui is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Spend the day swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters and stick around till evening to watch the sky ignite with color over Lanai and Molokai.

• Location: Kapalua, Hawaii 96761
• Best Viewing Spot: Right on the beach!
• Arrival Time: 30-45 minutes before scheduled sunset.
• What to Bring: Convenient parking and on-site restrooms make it easy to spend the day here. Just bring your blankets, coolers, and plenty of water.

3. Keawakapu Beach

Located between Kihei and Wailea, this beloved beach is a perfect location for watching the sunset while visiting Maui. Spend the day exploring tide pools or swimming in the ocean. With proximity to shops and restaurants, as well as top Maui vacation rentals, it’s easy to get a break from the sand and sun when you need it.

• Location: South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
• Best Viewing Spot: The northern end provides the most expansive views of the ocean and horizon.
• Arrival Time: 30 minutes before sunset
• What to Bring: Beach gear and your camera

4. Po’olenalena Beach Park

This secluded spot is a great location for catching a sunset in Maui. Weekdays see the fewest number of visitors, making it easy to secure parking and find a piece of sand that’s all yours.  

• Location: Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI 96753
• Best Viewing Spot: The southern end of the beach where lava rocks create the perfect foreground for epic sunset photos.
• Arrival Time: 45 minutes before sunset to scope out the best vantage point.
• What to Bring: Beach chairs or blankets, snacks, and your camera or smartphone.

Other popular ways to see a Maui Sunset

Booking a sunset cruise in Maui is one of the most romantic and popular vacation activities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy the evening, local charters are available to help you create the perfect atmosphere. Choose from sunset dinner cruises, sunset cocktail cruises, and, when in season, even sunset whale-watching cruises!

Watch the sun go down from the bow of a luxury catamaran or as you dine on a delicious four-course meal. With the chance to catch jumping dolphins or breaching humpbacks, a sunset cruise can create some of the most magical moments of your entire stay.

Average Sunset Times on Maui 

For exact sunset times, you'll need to refer to things like the Weather Channel app, Google, or a local newspaper. However, generally speaking, the earliest sunsets will happen in winter around 5:50 PM, and the latest will be in summer around 7:20 PM. Most often, the sun will set in Maui between 6 and 7 PM. 

Book Your Maui Vacation Directly with I Go Maui

From sun-filled days to cotton candy evening skies, a vacation to Maui will both delight and inspire you. Spend your days exploring cultural landmarks, hiking waterfall trails, lounging on the beach, or taking scenic drives. At night, watch the sunset from one of these top locations or on the lanai of your gorgeous I Go Maui vacation rental. Browse our beachfront and oceanfront rentals, or search by resort to find your perfect place. Then, book directly with us right here on this site for the best rates on the island!