One of the questions we get most often from guests is where to catch a good sunrise. The Big Island’s east-facing coastline and high-elevation viewpoints give you plenty of options, whether you want to watch the sun come up over the ocean, a volcanic crater, or the clouds themselves. Staying at our Hawaii National Park vacation rental puts you in a good position to catch an early morning without a long drive.
The best part about being based here in Volcano Village is that several of the best viewing spots are either inside the national park or a short drive away, and each one offers something a little different.
© Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Kīlauea Iki Overlook
This is one of our favorites for guests who don’t want to drive far. The overlook sits along Crater Rim Drive inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers wide views of the Kīlauea Iki crater. Arriving before dawn, you can watch the sky lighten over the crater floor while steam vents release wisps of vapor into the cool morning air.
The overlook is easy to access from the parking area and doesn’t require any hiking. If you want to extend your morning, the Kīlauea Iki Trail starts nearby and takes you down into and across the crater floor, passing through lush rainforest along the way.
Drive time from our rentals: About 10 minutes
End of Chain of Craters Road
For an ocean sunrise with no buildings or crowds in the way, we suggest driving to the end of Chain of Craters Road inside the national park. The road ends where lava flows once crossed it, and from there you’ll have unobstructed views of the Pacific. Watching the sun come up over open water from this remote coastal spot is about as good as it gets.
Bring a jacket since it can be cool and windy at the coast before the sun warms things up. After the sun comes up, take a short walk to the Hōlei Sea Arch, a 90-foot natural (and temporary) lava formation carved by waves crashing against the cliffs. It’s one of the most dramatic features along the coastline and looks especially striking in the soft morning light.
Drive time from our rentals: About 45 minutes to the Hōlei Sea Arch
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
We always tell guests that if they’re willing to wake up extra early, driving up Maunakea for sunrise is worth the effort. The Visitor Information Station sits at 9,200 feet, and while the station itself doesn’t open until 9 AM, the parking area is accessible earlier and offers excellent views above the clouds. On clear mornings, you’ll watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds with Mauna Loa visible in the distance. It’s a different experience than watching from sea level and feels almost otherworldly.
For even better views, you can continue past the visitor station toward the summit. Access to the summit above the visitor station is limited, depending on weather and road conditions, and a 4WD vehicle is required. Most guests find the visitor station parking area plenty high enough for a memorable sunrise, and it’s easier on both the body and the car.
Dress warmly, no matter how far up you go. Temperatures can drop into the 30s or 40s even in summer, and the wind makes it feel colder.
Drive time from our rentals: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Mauna Loa Observatory Road
For a less crowded high-elevation option, we sometimes point guests toward the Mauna Loa Observatory Road, which branches off Saddle Road and climbs the northern slope of Mauna Loa. The road ends at the Mauna Loa Atmospheric Observatory at about 11,000 feet.
The views here are similar to Maunakea but with fewer people. You’re above the cloud layer most mornings, and the landscape is stark volcanic terrain that glows orange and pink as the sun comes up. The road is paved but narrow and remote, and conditions can vary, so it’s best for confident drivers.
Drive time from our rentals: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
If you’d rather stay closer to sea level, we like to recommend Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo for a low-key sunrise. This Japanese-style garden sits along Hilo Bay with views across the water toward the rising sun. Stone lanterns, arched bridges, and koi ponds catch the early light, and the gardens are usually quiet in the early morning.
It’s a popular spot for morning walkers, joggers, and people practicing tai chi, so you won’t be completely alone, but the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Drive time from our rentals: About 45 minutes
Coconut Island (Moku Ola)
Coconut Island sits in Hilo Bay and offers 360-degree views of the water, downtown Hilo, and the slopes of Mauna Kea in the distance. The footbridge that once connected the island to Liliʻuokalani Gardens was damaged in late 2025 and has since been removed, so the only way to reach the island now is by water.
If you’re up for it, kayaking Hilo Bay before dawn and watching the sky change colors from the water is an experience unlike any other. The bay is usually calm in the early morning, and from the island, you get unobstructed views in every direction with no crowds, no cars, and no noise except the water and the birds waking up. Rent kayaks from Hilo Ocean Adventures and launch directly from Hilo Bayfront Park for the quickest access.
If kayaking isn’t your thing, the Hilo Bayfront is still a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise from solid ground. You can park along Kamehameha Avenue, find a bench, and take in the view across the water.
Drive time from our rentals: About 45 minutes
Anywhere Along the Crater Rim
You don’t need a specific overlook to catch a good sunrise inside the national park. Any spot along Crater Rim Drive with an eastern view will work. Pull into a turnout, find a safe place to stand, and watch the sky lighten over the volcanic landscape.
The combination of steam vents, crater views, and the gradual shift from darkness to daylight makes the park one of the best places on the island for sunrise. And since you’re staying here in Volcano Village, you can be inside the park in just a few minutes.
Drive time from our rentals: About 5 to 10 minutes depending on where you stop
Tips for Catching a Big Island Sunrise
Sunrise times vary throughout the year, generally around 5:45 AM in summer and 6:30 AM in winter, so make sure to check the forecast for accurate times and weather the night before. Clouds can block the view, especially at higher elevations, so it helps to have a backup plan. Mornings tend to be clearer than afternoons, but conditions change quickly.
Bring layers. Temperatures at dawn are cooler than you might expect, especially if you’re heading to higher elevations like Maunakea or Mauna Loa. A few light jackets or fleece make the wait more comfortable.
Arrive early. Give yourself time to find parking, settle into a good viewing spot, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness before the sky starts to lighten. First light appears well before the actual sunrise, and that transition is part of the experience.
Choose Your Hawaii Sunset Spot
The hardest part about catching a sunrise on the Big Island isn’t finding a good spot; it’s choosing just one. Each morning feels a little different here, whether you’re watching light spill across a volcanic crater, rise over the ocean, or slowly reveal the landscape from above the clouds.
When you stay with us in Volcano Village, you don’t have to plan much. You can wake up, grab a hot cup of coffee or tea in your room, and be on your way to one of these views in minutes. Some guests make it a one-time early morning; others find themselves going out again the next day, chasing a completely different kind of sunrise.
If you’re ready to experience the island at its quietest and most unforgettable, book your stay, start your day early, and see where it takes you.