A Hawaii Sunset:
The Big Island's Best Show
Watching a Hawaii sunset is one of the most satisfying parts of any trip to the Big Island. And the best thing is that you can do it just about every day. Even on rare rainy or overcast days, the sunsets on the west side of the island are remarkable.
Breathtaking daily Hawaii sunsets are visible from just about anywhere on the Big Island's western Kona coast. While the sun rises over Hilo, it sets over Kona and the result is absolutely perfect sunsets each and every day. From golden colors to pinks and purples, each Hawaii sunset on the Big Island is a unique and memorable experience.
Because Hawaii is somewhat closer to the equator, the time of the sunset doesn't vary by as much from season to season as it does in places further from the equator in the northern and southern hemispheres. The time that the sun sets in Kona only varies by about an hour and a half across the year—as late as a little after 7 pm in late June and early July to as early as a little before 6 pm in December.
Now, remember that the sunset time is the moment that the sun disappears all the way below the horizon (which is also the exact moment of the Green Flash). So, the time frame for that perfect sunset viewing experience is about half an hour before and after that actual sunset time.
Being in a place where you can actually see the sun descend in the sky and dip below the horizon into the ocean is quite amazing. It's a spectacular way to experience the passing of time and feel connected with the pace of the day. Even after experiencing countless Hawaii sunsets in and around Kona, I still love to plan my evening around the sunset. If you know what time the sun is going to set, plan on pausing whatever you're doing for at least ten minutes to take in that last of the day's sun.
When most of our days are filled with stresses of all kinds and we hardly notice the passing of time except when it's measured in meetings and appointments, taking the time to watch the sunset every evening can be very relaxing and therapeutic. So don't miss the opportunity to add a very enjoyable daily activity to your time on the Big Island. Whatever you're doing all day and in the evening, stop for a moment, wherever you are, and find the nearest place to watch the sunset. In fact, why not do one better? Instead of just watching the sunset from wherever you are, why not make plans to be somewhere where you can really enjoy the tranquility of the experience. Find a place near the shore and take in the smell of the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves on the rocks, the taste of the salt in the air, the feeling of the sun on your face and, of course, the sight of the perfect living landscape that is the sunset in front of your eyes.
Ok, enough words, we all know a picture's worth a thousand. So without further ado, here's a preview of some spectacular Hawaii sunsets from in and around Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Just one more thing... With all this talk of the spectacular Hawaii sunset, let's make sure the beautiful sunrises on the Big Island don't get left out. Here's one early morning sunrise not too far from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
