Hawaii Sunset Times by Month
Plan your wedding day timeline around sunset. Hawaii's latitude provides relatively consistent sunset times year-round, but knowing exact times is essential for perfect golden hour portraits.
Golden Hour Timeline
Key Photography Windows
- Golden Hour: 45-60 minutes before sunset - warm, soft, magical light
- Sunset: 15-20 minutes of peak color as sun touches horizon
- Blue Hour: 20-30 minutes after sunset - soft, blue-toned light
- Twilight: Fades to dark approximately 30-45 minutes after sunset
Approximate Sunset Times (Hawaii Standard Time)
Times are approximate for Honolulu. Other islands vary by a few minutes. Always verify exact times for your specific date.
| Month | Early Month | Mid Month | Late Month | Golden Hour Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6:00 PM | 6:05 PM | 6:12 PM | ~5:00 PM |
| February | 6:18 PM | 6:23 PM | 6:28 PM | ~5:20 PM |
| March | 6:32 PM | 6:36 PM | 6:40 PM | ~5:35 PM |
| April | 6:44 PM | 6:48 PM | 6:52 PM | ~5:50 PM |
| May | 6:56 PM | 7:01 PM | 7:06 PM | ~6:00 PM |
| June | 7:10 PM | 7:15 PM | 7:16 PM | ~6:15 PM |
| July | 7:15 PM | 7:12 PM | 7:07 PM | ~6:10 PM |
| August | 7:00 PM | 6:51 PM | 6:42 PM | ~5:55 PM |
| September | 6:32 PM | 6:22 PM | 6:12 PM | ~5:25 PM |
| October | 6:04 PM | 5:56 PM | 5:50 PM | ~5:00 PM |
| November | 5:46 PM | 5:44 PM | 5:44 PM | ~4:45 PM |
| December | 5:47 PM | 5:51 PM | 5:56 PM | ~4:50 PM |
Note: Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Latest sunset: mid-June (~7:15 PM). Earliest sunset: late November (~5:44 PM).
Sample Timeline Planning
Summer Wedding (June)
Sunset: ~7:15 PM
- 5:00 PM: Ceremony
- 5:30 PM: Family formals
- 6:00 PM: Cocktail hour begins
- 6:15 PM: Golden hour portraits (couple)
- 7:00 PM: Sunset photos
- 7:30 PM: Reception entrance
Winter Wedding (December)
Sunset: ~5:50 PM
- 3:30 PM: Ceremony
- 4:00 PM: Family formals
- 4:30 PM: Cocktail hour / Golden hour portraits
- 5:30 PM: Sunset photos
- 6:00 PM: Reception entrance
Sunset Planning Tips
Don't Trust the Clock
Light quality changes faster than you expect. Start portraits 60+ minutes before sunset to be safe.
West-Facing Venues
For the best sunset photos, ensure your venue or portrait location faces west with unobstructed horizon.
Cloud Cover
Light clouds enhance sunset colors. Heavy clouds block the sun earlier. Overcast = no golden hour.
Mountain Shadows
East-facing locations (like windward Oahu) lose sun earlier due to mountain shadows.
Always check the exact sunset time for your specific wedding date. Recommended resources:
- timeanddate.com - Precise times for any date and location
- PhotoPills app - Shows sun position, golden hour, and blue hour
- Sun Surveyor app - Augmented reality sun position
- Weather apps - Most include sunrise/sunset times