Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Blog

Back to Blog

Our Favorite Peaceful Sunset Picnic Spots

A few weeks ago, we did a blog post on dreamy date night ideas. Now, we want to hone in on the quintessential sunset picnic date and share our favorite peaceful sunset picnic spots! Ample parking, relaxing vibes, and perfect for solo dates or picnics with the family.

Rocky beach with tide pools under a cloudy sky at sunset.

Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

  • Parking: Spacious parking lot with short walk to the beach
  • Amenities: Covered picnic tables, showers, restrooms, a spacious lawn, scenic walking paths on the old runway, tide pools, and mellow sunset views  .
  • Vibe: Chill local hangout with easy access—eat at your own pace and stay for the sunset without crowds.

Coastal park scene with palm trees, grass, and ocean view under a clear blue sky.

Pahoehoe Beach Park

  • Parking: no formal parking lot, parking is along Ali’i Drive with a short walk
  • Features: Grass park with shade trees, benches, picnic tables; pleasant but rocky shore; quieter than nearby Magic Sands  .
  • Vibe: Low-key and local—perfect for a sunset snack with minimal foot traffic.

 

Sea turtle on sandy beach near ocean, with palm trees and a thatched hut in the background.

Kealoko–Honokōhau National Historical Park (Honokōhau Beach)

  • Parking: Thee are several parking lots to arrive at this beach which are the Marine harbor (5~ minute walk), Visitor Center (20 minute walk), and Kaloko Fishpond area (0.75mi walk one way).
  • Perks: White-sand beach inside a historical park, shady picnic groves, cultural sites, tidepools, sea turtles on calm days ().
  • Vibe: Tranquil and cultural—mix of relaxation and exploration.

Beach scene with trees, two people sitting on chairs, and ocean in the background at sunset.

Kohanaiki (Pine Tree) Beach Park

  • Parking: Ample parking, short walk to the beach
  • Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, sandy cove plus tide-pool pool; less crowded since mostly locals know it  .
  • Vibe: Quiet hidden gem with decent facilities and serene atmosphere.

Sandy beach with turquoise water, rocky shore, trees, and scattered people under a partly cloudy sky.

Kekaha Kai State Park 

  • Parking: Paved parking, different sections of the park have different beaches. Some beaches are a short walk, some are a few hundred meters walk
  • Features: White sand, shaded picnic tables, gorgeous shoreline; some walking required on the lava road but less trekking than Makalawena  .
  • Vibe: Laid-back with lots of space—ideal for a private beach picnic without the long hike!

Our Suggestions

🏖️ Bring a blanket or portable table, sunscreen, and enough water.

🏖️ Some areas have more fire ants, make sure your food is secure!
Most parks close by sunset, so arrive ~1 hour early for best light and a calm setting

🏖️ No lifeguards, so keep the family together and be cautious about the tides!

  • Posted in:
Next Post