Planning a family getaway to the lush island of Kauai? Beyond its emerald mountains and cascading waterfalls, the Garden Isle also offers some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking sunset views. After a busy day of beach play, hiking, or exploring tropical gardens, winding down with your loved ones while watching the sun dip below the horizon is one of the most rewarding experiences. To help you find the perfect spot, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly sunset viewpoints on Kauai, where golden hour becomes unforgettable.
Polihale State Park
Remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful, Polihale is the crown jewel of sunset viewpoints on Kauai. Located on the island’s west side, this 17-mile-long beach feels worlds away from the island’s resorts and towns. With the dramatic cliffs of the Napali Coast forming a crimson silhouette against the sky and the soft golden sands stretching endlessly, Polihale offers a front-row seat to one of Kauai’s most dramatic sunsets.
Tip: Getting here requires a drive down a rugged, five-mile dirt road—it’s best with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Families should bring food, water, and reef-safe sunscreen to stay protected during the extended adventure. Coco Botanicals’ mineral-based sunscreen is a great option to keep your skin safe while preserving the fragile ecosystems in and around Kauai’s shores.
Poipu Beach Park
If you’re looking for a more accessible and family-friendly option, Poipu Beach Park on the island’s sunny south shore is an excellent spot to catch the sunset. With calm waters, picnic tables, lifeguards on duty, and proximity to local restaurants, this beach park is perfect for travelers with children. The sunset here reflects off the gentle waves and tidepools, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.
Families can enjoy a beachside picnic or grab shave ice from a nearby vendor while waiting for the sky to light up with orange and pink hues. Keep an eye out for Hawaiian monk seals that occasionally lounge on the beach.
Hanalei Bay
Nestled beneath lush mountain backdrops, Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore feels like something from a tropical dream. Sunset here offers a symphony of colors as the sun melts behind the rugged cliffs known as Bali Hai (Makana Mountain). Hanalei Beach is spacious and family-friendly, ideal for building sandcastles, tossing a Frisbee, or splashing in the calm afternoon waves.
One of the most beloved spots to view the sunset in Hanalei is from the Hanalei Pier. Kids will love walking to the end of the pier, where you’ll get an uninterrupted view of the kaleidoscope sky reflecting off the waters of the crescent-shaped bay. A truly peaceful and bonding moment for families to share.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon offers panoramic views that are impressive any time of day—but late afternoon golden hour fills the red cliffs and deep valleys with a fiery, almost otherworldly glow. The main lookout, located along Waimea Canyon Drive, is easily accessible for families and provides dramatic vistas that are unique on the island.
Though you won’t watch the sun setting over the ocean from here, the colors of the canyon during sunset are a spectacle in themselves. Bring binoculars to spot waterfalls in the distance and don’t forget to pack layers—it can get cooler at elevation, even in paradise.
Tips for a Perfect Sunset Experience
Arrive Early
The best viewpoints can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset gives families time to settle in, take photos, and enjoy the changing light.
Pack Smart
Bring blankets or beach chairs, reusable water bottles, and maybe even a few snacks. For spot-on skincare that’s both safe for your family and friendly to Hawaii’s marine life, remember to apply reef-safe sunscreen like Coco Botanicals’ all-natural mineral formula beforehand.
Check Sunset Times
Depending on the season, sunsets in Kauai typically happen between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Double-check sunset times for the day you plan to venture out to any viewpoint.
Respect the Land
Always follow Hawaiian values of mālama ‘āina (care for the land). Take all your trash with you, stay on designated paths, and use environmentally responsible products to protect the island’s beauty for future generations.
Make the Most of Golden Hour
There’s something magical about gathering on a beach or lookout with your favorite people, watching the last rays of daylight give way to twilight. Kauai offers numerous options, from the remote majesty of Polihale to the accessible charm of Poipu and Hanalei. Wherever you go, bring your curiosity, your camera, and of course, reef-safe sunscreen to keep your family’s skin protected while you enjoy one of nature’s best shows.