The Big Island of Hawaiʻi one of the most diverse and breathtaking sunrise and sunset photography locations in the world. From towering volcanic peaks and lush rainforests to black sand beaches and dramatic lava fields, this island provides endless golden-hour photography opportunities.
Kona (Best for Sunset)
Kailua-Kona – One of the best places on the island for sunset, the waterfront along Aliʻi Drive offers vibrant skies reflecting off the ocean, with historic sites and coconut trees framing the scene.
Keauhou – This coastal area is perfect for capturing golden light over lava rock shores, with waves crashing dramatically against the black volcanic coastline.
Hōlualoa – A quiet, artsy town in the hills above Kona, offering panoramic sunset views over the coastline and coffee farms bathed in warm light.
Hāpuna Beach – One of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island, perfect for sunset shots with clear, golden reflections on the gentle waves.
South Kohala & North Kohala (Best for Sunset)
Waikoloa – This resort area has golden beaches, lava fields, and palm-lined resorts that create stunning sunset backdrops.
Puʻukoholā Heiau – A historic site with an ancient Hawaiian temple overlooking the ocean, making for a unique and culturally significant sunset location.
Hawi – The charming northern town of Hawi provides great sunset photography opportunities with rolling green hills, ranchland, and coastal cliffs.
Kapa‘au – Home to the famous King Kamehameha statue, Kapa‘au is a great spot for capturing Hawaiian history with golden light.
Hilo & East Hawaiʻi (Best for Sunrise)
Hilo Bay – The sun rising over Hilo Bay creates breathtaking reflections on the water, with coconut groves and Mauna Kea in the background.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens – This peaceful Japanese-style garden in Hilo is perfect for sunrise photography, offering serene pond reflections and cherry blossom trees.
Rainbow Falls – Early morning light enhances the mist and lush greenery around this famous waterfall, making it an ideal sunrise location.
Pāpaʻikou (Onomea Bay) – The rugged coastline here catches the first light of day beautifully, with waves crashing against lava formations.
Puna District (Best for Sunrise)
Kapoho Tide Pools (Pohoiki) – The sunrise creates incredible light on these volcanic tide pools, making for reflective, otherworldly compositions.
Isaac Hale Beach Park – This remote coastline offers spectacular sunrises, especially with its dramatic mix of lava rock and ocean swells.
Kehena Black Sand Beach – One of the Big Island’s most striking beaches, the contrast of golden sunrise light against the deep black sand makes for stunning photos.
Kaʻū District (Best for Both)
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – A stunning sunrise location, with golden light illuminating the jet-black sand and sea turtles resting on the shore.
South Point (Ka Lae) – As the southernmost point in the U.S., this spot provides an incredible, open-sky view for both sunrise and sunset, with dramatic cliffs and wind-swept landscapes.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea) – The rare green sand glows beautifully in the morning light, making for a unique sunrise shot.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Best for Both)
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Kīlauea) – If the crater is active, sunrise and sunset can illuminate the lava glow against the sky, creating some of the most stunning photographs on Earth.
Mauna Loa – This massive volcano offers high-altitude photography opportunities, with sunrise light revealing the lava landscapes in surreal hues.
Chain of Craters Road – This drive features multiple sunrise and sunset spots, with lava formations catching the golden light in dramatic ways.