The rising sun represents the dawn of a new day, the promise of a new beginning — and nowhere are sunrises more stunning than the islands of Hawaii. Whether you catch a glimpse of the sunrise through your bedroom window or wake up before the sun so you can catch its arrival at the summit of a mountain, there’s something so special about sunrises in Hawaii, and these twenty photographs are no exception.

1. “Sunrise at Haleakala” by Roland Pernter
Roland Pernter/Flickr
This sunrise above the clouds is quite the beauty.
2. “Sunrise Dream Scape” by Paul Bica
Paul Bica/Flickr
There is no denying that this sunrise over Honolulu is anything less than dreamy.
3. “Morning Zen” by Christian Arballo
Christian Arballo/Flickr
This is just one example of the many gorgeous shades that can sneak into a Hawaiian sunrise.
4." Sunrise Panorama” by Peter Liu
Peter Liu/Flickr
A new day begins over the West Maui Mountains as seen from Kihei.
5. “Hanauma Sunrise” by Marvin Chandra
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
This exquisite sunrise over Haunama Bay and Koko Crater on Oahu is well worth rising before the sun.
6. “Sunrise, Sunrise” by Chris Chabot
Chris Chabot/Flickr
This sunrise over Makena is simultaneously both beautiful, and a little bit eerie.
7. “Kaneohe Sunrise” by Rodney Topor
Rodney Topor/Flickr
Viewing a striking sunset over Windward Oahu is the perfect way to begin any day.
8. “Hawaiian Sunrise” by Stanley Zimney
Stanley Zimney/Flickr
A subdued sunrise is just as good as a vibrant one, especially when it’s captured like this.
9. “Sunrise Kaho'olawe Hawaii” by Justin De La Ornellas
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
Several individuals watch the sunrise on a restoration trip to the small Hawaiian Island of Kaho’olawe.
10. “Waipio Valley at Sunrise” by Anish Patel
Anish Patel/Flickr
The sun peaks through the coastline, with rays penetrating the ocean.

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11. “Morning West of Mauna Kea” by Sam Cox
Sam Cox/Flickr
The sun rises over a golf course near Mauna Kea.
12. “Dawn of a New Day” by Peggy
Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ/Flickr
Hues of pink fill the sky above Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
13. “Reflecting Pool” by Alpha 2008
Alpha 2008/Flickr
The sunrise reflecting on a swimming pool, in brilliant shades of blue.
14. “Another Kualoa Sunrise” by Steve Adcock
Steve Adcock/Flickr
Off the coast of Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, the sun rises in a brilliant mist of orange.
15. “Sunrise at Halema’uma’u Crater” by Prawdeep Sawlani
Prawdeep Sawlani/Flickr
I’m not sure which is more breathtaking — the sunrise, or the lava glow from this crater located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
16. “Waipouli Sunrise” by Jim Mullhaupt
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
A sunrise through the tress on Kauai.
17. “Sunrise Over Maui” by Rose Braverman
Rose Braverman/Flickr
There is something truly special about this shot of Maui taken from the neighboring island of Molokai.
18. “Sunrise at the 2010 Honolulu Marathon” by Bill Sodeman
Bill Sodeman/Flickr
Taken two hours after the marathon began at Ala Moan Beach Park — because starting a marathon that early in the morning is the only way to stay cool.
19. “Sunrise Splash” by David Baker
David Baker/Flickr
With a sunrise in the background, surf splashes against the shore.
20. “Pacific Ocean” by U.S. Pacific Fleet
U.S. Pacific Fleet/Flickr
A photograph of a U.S. Navy destroyer heading into the sunrise near Hawaii.

Sometimes, I can’t get over how beautiful the Aloha State truly is. Which of these sunrises in Hawaii is your absolute favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, then click here to discover some of our all-time favorite sunset photographs taken across our breathtaking islands.

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Hawaii Sunrises

Megan Shute | September 09, 2020

When does the sun rise in Hawaii?

While the time the sunrises each day varies depending on the time of year, you will be able to watch the sunrise in Hawaii from 5:50 a.m. on the summer solstice to 7:05 a.m. on the winter solstice. For exact data on the sunrise for any given day — so you can make plans, of course — click here. After all, with such vibrant sunrises witnessed across the state, we certainly don't mind setting our alarms just to watch the sun rise from beyond the horizon.

Where are the best places to watch the sunrise in Hawaii?

In reality, any eastern-facing vista in the Aloha State will provide you with a stunning sunrise view, but some of our favorites are the Lanai Lookout on Oahu and Poipu Beach on Kauai. Of course, we can't talk about Hawaii sunrises without mentioning the most famous sunrise destination of all — Mount Haleakala. The second-tallest mountain in Hawaii, Haleakala is such a popular place to visit at sunrise that you actually need a reservation.

Are there any good sunrise hikes in Hawaii?

Of course, there are! My personal favorites include the Lanikai Pillboxes and Makapu'u Lighthouse, both found on the windward side of Oahu. Other popular options include Sleeping Giant on Kauai and Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island. No matter where you choose to hike, make sure to pack a flashlight and a camera — as well as sun protection for once the sun comes up.

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