If you’re standing on the sand in Kihei or looking out from a balcony in Napili right now, you're probably asking the big question: what is the Maui sunset time today?
The short answer? 6:05 PM. But honestly, if you show up at 6:04 PM, you’ve already messed up. Most people treat the sunset like a movie where they only want to see the credits. In reality, the "show" starts way earlier and lasts significantly longer than that single moment the sun dips below the horizon. Today, January 14, 2026, we’re dealing with a specific set of weather conditions and light physics that make timing everything.
The Logistics of Today's Sunset
The sun is officially scheduled to vanish at 6:05 PM HST.
However, because we are in the middle of January, the sun isn't setting due west. It’s actually setting at an azimuth of about 247° West-Southwest. This matters. If you are tucked into a north-facing cove, the sun might "set" behind a cliff for you 15 minutes early.
You also have to account for the "Civil Twilight" phase. Today, that lasts until 6:29 PM. This is that magical half-hour where the sky turns deep purple and the "Second Sunset" happens. If you pack up your chair the second the sun disappears, you’re missing the best colors. The scattering of light (Rayleigh scattering, if you want to be nerdy about it) is actually most intense about 10 to 15 minutes after the official sunset time.
Current Weather and Visibility
Today’s weather is a bit of a wildcard. We’ve got some south winds kicking up—around 15 to 25 mph in some areas—which is drawing in some haze.
There's a cold front moving in toward the weekend, but for this evening, expect scattered clouds.
Clouds are actually your friend for a sunset. A perfectly clear sky is boring. You want those high-altitude cirrus clouds to catch the light. With the current 20-40% chance of isolated showers, we might see some dramatic "crepuscular rays"—those "fingers of God" light beams breaking through cloud gaps.
Where to Be at 6:05 PM
Where you stand on the island completely changes what you see.
1. The Summit of Haleakalā
If you’re heading up to 10,023 feet, remember that it is basically a different planet up there. It’s going to be about 30 degrees colder than the beach. If you’re in shorts, you will be miserable.
- The Perk: You are above the cloud line. Even if it's "cloudy" in Kahului, you’ll likely see the sun sink into a literal bed of cotton.
- The Timing: Aim to be at the Puʻu ʻUlaʻula summit by 5:15 PM. Parking fills up fast, and you need time to acclimate to the thin air.
2. South Maui (Kihei & Wailea)
This is the "reliable" choice. Places like Kamaole Beach Park I or the Wailea Coastal Walk offer a straight shot at the horizon. Because of the south-southwest angle today, South Maui actually has a better "viewing window" than some parts of the West Side that might be blocked by the silhouette of Lanai.
3. West Maui (Kaanapali & Kapalua)
Black Rock in Kaanapali is iconic for a reason. There’s a cliff-diving ceremony that usually happens right as the light turns golden. However, expect crowds. If you want something quieter, Kapalua Bay offers a more framed, intimate view, though the sun might disappear behind the island of Lanai rather than hitting the "water" directly.
Why the "Green Flash" is Kinda Rare Today
Everyone talks about the Green Flash. It’s a real optical phenomenon where a sliver of green appears on the top edge of the sun right as it vanishes.
To see it, you need a perfectly clear horizon and a very stable atmosphere.
Given the southerly winds and "Kona-like" hazy conditions we’re seeing today, your chances of a green flash are pretty low. The haze acts like a filter, scattering the shorter green and blue wavelengths before they reach your eyes. You’re much more likely to see deep, "burnt" oranges and violets tonight.
Don't Forget the Whales
It’s January 14. We are in the heart of whale season.
While you're waiting for the Maui sunset time today, keep your eyes on the "road." Humpback whales are incredibly active this time of year. There is nothing quite like seeing a 40-ton whale breach right in the middle of a golden sun reflection.
If you are on the Pali (the highway between Maalaea and Lahaina), there are several pull-outs. Just be careful—that road is narrow, and "sunset looky-loos" are a major cause of traffic jams.
Actionable Tips for This Evening
If you want to do this right, follow these steps:
- Check the Wind: If you're in Kihei and it's blowing sand in your face, move to a more sheltered spot like Wailea Beach or Ulua Beach.
- Arrive by 5:30 PM: This gives you the full "Golden Hour." This is when the light is softest for photos.
- Bring a Light Jacket: Even at sea level, once the sun drops, the trade winds can feel chilly.
- Stay Until 6:25 PM: Seriously. The "afterglow" is when the pinks and reds really pop.
- Download a Star Map: Since we have a cold front approaching and the air is shifting, the stars immediately after sunset tonight should be spectacular if the clouds hold off.
The Maui sunset time today is 6:05 PM, but the experience is what you make of the hour surrounding it. Grab a poke bowl, find a patch of grass, and just sit. Hawaii operates on its own clock; you might as well join in.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the local surf report if you're heading to the North Shore, as high surf can make beach seating dangerous.
- Confirm your GPS is set for "Haleakalā Visitor Center" rather than just the park entrance if you're heading up the mountain; it's another 30-minute drive from the gate to the top.
- Pack a trash bag—keep the beaches clean for the next person wanting to enjoy the view.