Surf's up, but sun's down: Another beautiful sunset in Hawaii. Credit: Christian Hollingsworth.
By Blane Bachelor
A beautiful thing happens late every afternoon in Hawaii: Everybody, from locals to tourists to even the island dogs, takes a few minutes from their surfing, shopping or scurrying about to take in the sunset. It’s an enchanting experience and a must-do for any visit to this island paradise.
While you don’t need to stress yourself out over your sunset-watching strategy –you’re here to unwind, after all! — here are a few tips to keep in mind to maximize your experience. You can say “mahalo” by sharing your pixel-perfect sunset photos.
First of all, pick your spot early. For the most enchanting sunset gazing, seek out a beach or stretch of shoreline, such as Magic Island on Waikiki, Maui’s Pa’ako Beach, which stands for “Secret Beach,” or Oahu’s dramatic Diamond Head Crater. Crowds usually thin out in the afternoon, leaving you in glorious solitude to watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re simply too wiped out from a day of fun and (the-not-yet-set) sun, don’t fret: Many Hawaii hotels boast restaurants, beachside bars and rooms with excellent views. (For example, every room in the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki has floor-to-ceiling windows).
If you opt to savor the sunset with a fruity cocktail in hand, options abound on every of Hawaii’s four main islands. A few can’t-miss spots: the Hula Grill in Maui; the Bayan Tree at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki; and Crystal Blue at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Finally, some tips on snapping those great sunset pictures to capture your bliss. Shooting while facing the sun will produce a silhouette effect on any subjects in the foreground, darkening objects and faces. At the same time, the sun’s long rays produce beautifully long shadows that can add a dramatic effect to any image.
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Instead of a Mai Tai, San Francisco-based travel writer and author Blane Bachelor opts for a glass of wine when she enjoys sunsets in the City by the Bay.