Sunrise & Sunset Times
Today's times, monthly calendar, daylight hours, and golden hour windows for every island.
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Sunrise
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Sunset
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Golden Hour
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Daylight
Daylight Hours by Month
Hawaii's latitude (19–22°N) means daylight varies only ~2 hours between summer and winter solstice — less swing than mainland destinations.
Daily Times
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| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
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Times calculated for sea level. Summit locations (Haleakala, Mauna Kea) see sunrise ~2 minutes earlier due to elevation.
Golden Hour & Photography
Morning Golden Hour
Starts at sunrise and lasts roughly 30 minutes. The light is warm, soft, and directional. Head to east-facing beaches and overlooks. Haleakala summit, Makapu'u Lighthouse trail, and Waimea Canyon lookout are all spectacular at this time.
Evening Golden Hour
Begins about 30 minutes before sunset. West-facing beaches light up: Waikiki, Ka'anapali, Po'ipu, and Kona Coast. This is the classic "Hawaiian sunset" window. Stay 10 minutes past sunset for the best color in the sky.
Planning Tips
Haleakala Sunrise
The summit sees sunrise ~2 minutes before sea level. You need a reservation from Recreation.gov ($1 per car) to enter the park before 7 AM. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise. Full Haleakala sunrise guide.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
Most sunset cruise operators time departures 1.5-2 hours before sunset. Check today's sunset time above and book accordingly. The best light starts 30 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon.
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Astronomical twilight ends about 90 minutes after sunset. For the clearest skies on the Big Island's Mauna Kea, plan to be at the summit visitor station by sunset and stay through dark.
Why Hawaii Sunsets Look Different
Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific with no light pollution on the horizon. The sun drops straight down (near the equator, it doesn't set at an angle) giving you a faster but more vivid sunset. The "green flash" is real and happens right as the sun disappears.
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