Best Places to Catch the Sunrise—and Get Breakfast—on Oʻahu
Here are eight reasons to get up early on vacation.
You’re on vacation. So you probably want to sleep in, right?
Don’t.
Get up early—at least one day—and hit one of these spots on Oʻahu to catch the sunrise. Sip Kona coffee in your Hydroflask, marvel at the glorious start to the day—then grab breakfast somewhere close by. (We provide recommendations below.)
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
But first, a few tips:
- Bring flashlights or headlamps if you plan to hike or walk the beach before the sun rises. Most of these places don’t have much light pollution, which is why they’re great for sunrise viewing. But that also means they’ll be dark. Safety first!
- If you’re planning to hike, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a charged cell phone, and don’t go alone. Check weather conditions before hitting the trail.
- Be respectful of the neighborhoods. Some of these spots are in residential areas. Be quiet—it’s early and most people will still be sleeping—and don’t block driveways or park illegally.
1. Lanikai Beach/Kaʻiwi Ridge Hike
Sunrise behind the Mokulua Islands at Lanikai Beach.
Photo: Getty Images/MHolt
The best places to view the sunrise are, well, on the island’s east side. So it makes sense that Lanikai Beach in Kailua is one of the most popular spots for early risers. Not only is the beach gorgeous—especially with the view of the twin Mokulua Islands offshore—but the beach offers unobstructed views of the rising sun. For the more adventurous, trek the Kaʻiwi Ridge Trail. It starts near the Mid-Pacific Country Club—best to park at the boat launch and walk—and meanders for about a mile uphill to the ridge above the neighborhood. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you’re planning to start the hike before sunup. The trail can be muddy, especially in the beginning, so wear sturdy shoes.
Get Breakfast: Kailua has a bunch of great breakfast spots, including Moke’s Bread and Breakfast—try the lilikoʻi (passion fruit) pancakes—and Over Easy—custard French toast and potato ’n’ eggs are my faves.
2. Makapuʻu Beach/Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail
Sunrise from the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/Joyce Shelton
Another popular sunrise hike is the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail. The parking lot doesn’t open until after sunrise—closer to 7 a.m.—but people park along Kalanianaʻole Highway and walk through the closed gates to the trailhead. The trail itself is easy and paved. You’ll need flashlights or headlamps, as this side of the island has very little light pollution. (Which means you might witness stunning night skies, too.) There are several lookouts along the trail, offering great views of the sunrise. You can also watch the sunrise from nearby Makapuʻu Beach.
Get Breakfast: In nearby Waimānalo, check out Hawaiian Island Café; its breakfast menu includes açaí bowls, avocado toasts and a variety of waffles.
3. Sandy Beach
Nearby Sandy Beach is another great spot to catch the sunrise—and you don’t need hiking shoes! There’s lots of parking at the beach park, and the sun’s rays often turn the skies here beautiful shades of orange and pink.
Get Breakfast: Open at 7 a.m. Moena Café in Koko Marina Center is a charming breakfast spot with a variety of omelets, toasts and Bennies. Its signature dishes include lilikoʻi mochi pancakes, banana chantilly pancakes and short rib loco moco.
4. Waimānalo Beach
Sunrise over Waimānalo, Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/Leighton Lum / 500px
Fewer people head to Waimānalo Beach for sunrise, though the views here are just as stellar as the ones in nearby Kailua and Lanikai. Part of the appeal is seeing the offshore islets of Mānana and Kāohikaipu (above) lit up by the rising sun.
Get Breakfast: Open at 6 a.m., Kalapawai Café & Deli in Waimānalo offers a wide range of breakfast bites, including bagels, avocado toast and a breakfast bento.
5. Waikīkī Beach
Sunrise in Waikīkī, Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/Andy_Tam
While you won’t be able to see the sun actually emerge from the horizon here, there’s nothing like the first rays of sunlight glinting off the buildings and painting the skies in sunrise hues. The best views are from Waikīkī Beach as the sun peeks over Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head).
Get Breakfast: There are so many breakfast options in Waikīkī, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. So I won’t! If you’re craving a hearty, local-style breakfast, head to Liliha Bakery’s Waikīkī spot in the International Market Place. (Don’t forget to nab a Coco Puff and poi mochi doughnut, too.) For something a little more upscale, make reservations for Basalt Waikīkī, which serves kālua pig eggs Bennies, pork belly fried rice and the popular charcoal buttermilk pancakes. Or if you’re more grab-and-go, pick up a cup of Kona coffee and a kougin amman from Kona Coffee Purveyors. (Skip the line and order online.)
6. Top of Koko Crater Trail
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If you like to break a sweat before sunrise, this location is for you. The challenging trek to the top of Koko Crater, which follows an old tramway to the summit, is hard enough during the day. You’ll need to wear a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb, which will take at least 30 to 40 minutes to the top. But the views of the southeastern coastline of the island—and the sunrise—are unbeatable.
Get Breakfast: Heavenly Island Lifestyle recently opened a location in nearby Hawaiʻi Kai, and the food is a worthy reward for your early-morning hike. Some unique dishes include potato hash Canadian poutine, beef sukiyaki with miso soup, tomato shakshuka with a poached egg, and chocolate-banana pancakes. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m.
7. ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
The view from the top of the ʻEhukai Pillbox trail.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
If you find yourself on the island’s North Shore, the sunrise view at the top of the ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail is breathtaking. The first part of the hike is very steep and often muddy, making this a bit challenging (if not dangerous) for non-hikers. Bring flashlights or headlamps and wear sturdy shoes.
Get Breakfast: You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Ted’s Bakery, located near Sunset Beach. The menu features breakfast sandwiches, plates and omelets—and, of course, slices of its famous cream pies. Just note: The bakery opens at 8 a.m.
8. Kualoa Regional Park
Sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/ShaneMyersPhoto
It’s a long drive from Waikīkī—about 45 minutes—but the sunrise view will be worth the extra-early wake-up time. You’ll likely have the beach—and the view of the sun rising behind Mokoliʻi Island—all to yourself. (The parking lot opens at 7 a.m.)
Get Breakfast: Across the street is Aunty Pat’s Cafe at Kualoa Ranch. It opens at 7:30 a.m. and serves hearty morning meals like loco mocos, omelets and fried rice.
