Where to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset in Niue
Niue is a stunning island. Gazing across the coast at sunrise or sunset, however, provides a whole new level of wow. Most of Niue’s most famous attractions are on the coast, which combined with the sunrise or sunset, makes for perfect photography opportunities. We go through some of our favourite sunrise and sunset spots in Niue in the list below!
For more picture-perfect destinations in Niue, head to The Most Iconic Locations of Niue.
1. Tomb Point
Located in the heart of Alofi, Tomb Point provides a spectacular lookout to watch the sunset. The historical site is named after the graveyard here outside of the Ekalesia Church where two Niuean kings are buried. The site is also famous for whale watching, as explained in the 10 Amazing Lookouts for Watching Whales in Niue.
Best for: Sunset
(c) Niue Tourism2. Puluhiki Sea Track
Located on the east side of Niue, the Puluhiki Sea Track is a fantastic place to watch the sunrise, if you can get there early enough! After going down a rough unsealed road from Lakepa, you’ll come across a short sea track to the water where the reef can be accessed at low tide. Otherwise, it’s nice to take photos of the sunrise across the expanse of reef. Don’t attempt to drive down the road to the sea track in wet conditions.
Best for: Sunrise
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Tautu Sea Track
Another amazing sunrise spot, the Tautu Sea Track is also on the east side accessible from the village of Liku. The access is hard to find, where the road is located from the village green left of the obvious white house. The steps of the sea track lead down through an arch to a reef where you can get photos of a stunning sunrise. Again, don’t attempt to drive down the road in wet conditions. Learn more about the sea tracks on the east coast for watching the sunrise in the 7 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
Best for: Sunrise
(c) Niue Tourism4. Hio Beach
Back on the west coast, watching the sunset from Hio Beach or the Hio Cafe & Bar is a magical experience. The sea track near Tuapa leads down to a sweeping coral beach and reef – a stunning setting for sunset photography. Although the Hio Cafe closes at 4pm most days, you can watch the sunset from there during their Thursday night Niuean umu nights (bookings essential), which starts around 6pm, and on Friday night when they are open for “Happy Hour” from 5pm onwards. See more sea tracks to watch the sunset from on the 7 Best Sea Tracks on the East Coast of Niue.
Best for: Sunset
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Scenic Matavai Resort
Niue’s only resort has a prime position for watching the sunset. Getting a cocktail from the Pool Bar and watching the sunset on the expansive deck elevated on the cliffs is a way that many guests like to spend their evenings here. Casual diners can also arrive in time for the sunset at the Scenic Matavai Resort‘s Dolphin Restaurant. Find the resort just south of Tamakautoga.
Best for: Sunset
(c) niuepocketguide.com6. Vaiolama Cafe
Thursday nights are when the Vaiolama Cafe is open for the evening, other than the usual breakfast and lunch. This means you can take advantage of their northwest facing position perched atop 30m (100ft) cliffs to watch the sunset. They have a happy hour between 4pm and 6pm so you can enjoy the views with a more affordable beverage. Find the cafe in Alofi South, well signposted from the main road.
Best for: Sunset
(c) niuepocketguide.com7. Hikutavake Sea Track
Head to the northwestern village of Hikutavake where you can find many stunning places to watch the sunset. The Hikutavake Sea Track is just one location to set up a shot of the sunset, either from the top of the sea track overlooking the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline or from the bottom of the sea track where you can view the sunset across the reef. The Hikutavake Sea Track is located beside the grassy parking area at the “whale lookout” signs.
Best for: Sunset
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Talava Arches
This iconic coastal attraction in Niue is stunning in the daytime but a whole new level of wow at sunset. Head down a 30-minute sea track from Hikutavake to get to this amazing lookout across a reef to a giant coastal arch. Take a torch with you for the journey back which can be a bit tricky in the dark.
Best for: Sunset
(c) Jonathan Irish - Niue Tourism9. Avatele Beach
This popular beach on the southwest coast of Niue is a popular snorkelling spot at low tide but an amazing photography spot at sunset. The coral beach leading out to a reef provides a spectacular setting to photograph when the sun dips behind the Pacific Ocean. The beach is well-signposted from Avatele as the “Avatele Sea Track”.
Best for: Sunset
(c) Pi10. Omahi Sea Track
This little known sea track just north of Alofi is well worth keeping an eye out for if you’re looking for a spectacular sunset spot. The short sea track leads down to a rocky coastal area where you have expansive views across the Niue coastline at sea level. Find yourself a comfortable rock to perch on and watch the magic happen.
Best for: Sunset
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore Beautiful Sunrise and Sunsets Spots in Niue
- 10 Most Stunning Caves in Niue
- The Most Instagramable Places in Niue
- 6 Famous Locations in Niue You Can’t Miss
That’s it for the best sunrise and sunset spots in Niue. Now head over the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
