The North Shore's Best Sunsets
For hundreds of thousands of years, people have congregated together to take in the last rays of the day and watch the sun slip behind the horizon. The urge to gather together and watch a sunset is engrained into our DNA. Today, that urge remains just as strong as ever, and it doesn’t take more than quick glance through an Instagram account at the close of the day to see just how true that is. And while there are a plethora of locales across the world offering unforgettable vantage points to take in a sunset, we think the North Shore does it best. Below, we’ve chosen our favorite places to watch the day’s credits roll.
Shark's Cove
Just a short drive heading west from Turtle Bay, you’ll find Shark’s Cove, an idyllic place to snorkel and gaze at the North Shore’s rich reefs and sea life. As it turns out, this is also the perfect place to watch a sunset on the North Shore. Looking west toward Ka’ena Point, you’ll see the sky erupt in blues, greens, and purple as the sound of waves crashing on the point fill the air. While it’s hard to go wrong when scoping for sunsets, watching the sunset at Shark’s Cove is a must for all visitors.
The Point Sunset & Pool Bar
(photo by guest Kavah Michelle)
Located on the grounds of Turtle Bay, we’re convinced that there are few things finer in this world than enjoying a cocktail at the Pool Bar while watching a sunset. From the grassy lawn, with the pool behind you and an ocean full of surfers catching the day’s last waves before you, you’ll want to remember a North Shore sunset from this vantage point forever. On certain days of the week, a live band will be strumming Hawaiian-style tunes, making the evening that much more perfect.
Sunset Beach
As its name suggests, Sunset Beach serves up some of the most pristine sunsets on the island. Not only is Sunset one of the most revered surf haunts in the world, but it’s also a gathering place for both locals and visitors alike to huddle together and watch the day come to a close. While there’s ample room to post up on the beach at dusk if you’re looking for some privacy, we recommend taking a seat near the lifeguard where you’ll find a mix of locals to rub elbows with and ham it up.
Waimea Bay
Known for its pristine beauty, sandy bottom, and world-famous jumping rock, Waimea Bay not only offers copious amounts of daytime fun but breathtaking and memory-filled evenings. In the winter, Waimea Bay is known for its pumping surf, but in the summer, this bay is often one of the calmest and tranquil beaches on the North Shore.
Kawela Bay
One of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, the secluded and placid Kawela Bay is located along The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay’s 5 miles of coastline. Just a 15-minute beach walk from the resort, Kawela Bay’s beauty will not only captivate you, it will change your life forever. It’s not uncommon to find this beach completely empty as the sun dips into the Pacific ocean offering you the perfect opportunity for a little romance.
From Your Lanai
(photo by guest @ala_belle on Instagram)
If you’re on the west-facing wing, one of the easiest ways to get the best sunset view is simple… Relax on your lanai, put your feet up and enjoy a glass of vino. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the sun disappearing into the horizon, and watch as the sky lights up with beautiful hues of orange, pink, and purple. If you’re on the east-facing wing, don’t feel left out, The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay is on the northernmost point of O’ahu, which means you have one of the best sunrise views on the entire island.
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