Sunset sessions in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.

After-work glass-offs in Kailua-Kona can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 6 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.

Sunset

6:08 PM
Golden Hour: 5:08 PM – 6:08 PM

Day length: 11h 51m

-1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:17 AM

First light: 5:47 AM

Sunset

6:08 PM

Last light: 6:38 PM

Data from Banyans · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:08 PM

Day Length

11h 51m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:07 PM

Day Length

11h 50m

Sat, Oct 10

Sunrise

6:17 AM

Sunset

6:06 PM

Day Length

11h 49m

Sun, Oct 11

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:05 PM

Day Length

11h 48m

Mon, Oct 12

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:05 PM

Day Length

11h 47m

Tue, Oct 13

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:04 PM

Day Length

11h 46m

Wed, Oct 14

Sunrise

6:18 AM

Sunset

6:03 PM

Day Length

11h 45m

Best sunset surf spots in Kailua-Kona

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Featured Beaches(6)

Banyans

Advanced

Banyans, along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, is a fast, hollow reef break named after a large banyan tree that once shaded the shoreline. The wave serves up a long, powerful right and shorter left when northwest or southwest swells wrap around the island, drawing a dedicated crowd of expert surfers. Shallow reefs, sea urchins and a competitive lineup make this spot suitable only for advanced surfers.

Kamakahonu Beach

Intermediate

A small sandy cove beside Kailua Pier in historic Kailua Village.

Mahaiʻula Bay (Mahaiula)

Intermediate

Mahaiʻula Bay is the southern beach section of Kekaha Kai State Park on the North Kona coast.

Makalawena Beach

Intermediate

Makalawena is a remote North Kona beach between the Maniniʻōwali and Mahaiʻula sections of Kekaha Kai State Park.

Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay)

Intermediate

Maniniʻōwali, commonly called Kua Bay, is a white-sand beach in the Maniniʻōwali section of Kekaha Kai State Park.

Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)

Intermediate

Pine Trees, officially Kohanaiki Beach Park, is a popular surf zone north of Kailua-Kona where a series of peaks break over reef and lava rock. The spot is named after heliotrope and hau trees that resemble pines and offer shade along the shoreline. Multiple peaks provide lefts and rights that work on all tides, making it one of the Big Island's most consistent breaks for surfers of various abilities.

Sunset session picks in Kailua-Kona

West-facing beaches with golden hour potential and evening access.

Banyans
reef
advanced

Banyans, along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, is a fast, hollow reef break named after a large banyan tree that once shaded the shoreline. The wave serves up a long, powerful right and shorter left when northwest or southwest swells wrap around the island, drawing a dedicated crowd of expert surfers. Shallow reefs, sea urchins and a competitive lineup make this spot suitable only for advanced surfers.

Beach facing
W-facing (275°)Golden hour
Evening access

Enter from the small beach next to Kona Bali Kai condos; walk over lava rocks and paddle straight out through the keyhole in the reef.

Kamakahonu Beach
beach

A small sandy cove beside Kailua Pier in historic Kailua Village.

Evening access

Use the public approach beside Kailua Pier from Aliʻi Drive and Palani Road.

Mahaiʻula Bay (Mahaiula)
beach

Mahaiʻula Bay is the southern beach section of Kekaha Kai State Park on the North Kona coast.

Evening access

Check current State Parks notices, road conditions, and posted ocean warnings before travel.

Makalawena Beach
beach

Makalawena is a remote North Kona beach between the Maniniʻōwali and Mahaiʻula sections of Kekaha Kai State Park.

Evening access

Access crosses a remote coastal area that includes privately owned land. Verify current legal routes and park notices before travel.

Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay)
beach

Maniniʻōwali, commonly called Kua Bay, is a white-sand beach in the Maniniʻōwali section of Kekaha Kai State Park.

Evening access

Check the current State Parks notice before travel. Remote access and ocean conditions can change; surf over three feet is for experts only.

Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
reef
intermediate

Pine Trees, officially Kohanaiki Beach Park, is a popular surf zone north of Kailua-Kona where a series of peaks break over reef and lava rock. The spot is named after heliotrope and hau trees that resemble pines and offer shade along the shoreline. Multiple peaks provide lefts and rights that work on all tides, making it one of the Big Island's most consistent breaks for surfers of various abilities.

Beach facing
W-facing (255°)Golden hour
Evening access

Walk across the beach or lava shelf to the nearest channel and paddle out; choose your peak based on ability and crowd.

Sunset session tips

  • West-facing beaches for stunning sunset views
  • Often cleaner afternoon conditions
  • Golden hour photography opportunities
  • After-work session favorites

Surf Guides for Kailua-Kona

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
Best early morning sessions
Sunset Sessions
You're here
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Kailua-Kona

The best sunset sessions in Kailua-Kona are at Banyans, Kamakahonu Beach, Mahaiʻula Bay (Mahaiula). These spots offer stunning golden hour views while you ride.
Yes! Afternoon often brings cleaner conditions as morning onshore winds die down. Plus, the golden hour light and fewer crowds make for magical sessions.

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