Honolulu, Hawaii Moonrise & Moonset Times

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, curves along the southern shore of Oahu between the volcanic ridgeline of the Ko'olau Range and the vast Pacific Ocean, a setting where the moon rises over water and sets behind emerald peaks in a nightly arc of extraordinary beauty. Today's moonrise is at 19:57 and moonset at 05:53. On trade-wind evenings the lunar disc lifting from the ocean horizon carries a deep tangerine hue that mellows to polished pearl as it climbs, scattering a ribbon of trembling light across the swells off Waikiki and illuminating Diamond Head's iconic profile in shades of soft charcoal and silver.

Ala Moana Beach Park, with its calm lagoon and unobstructed eastern horizon, provides an ideal stage for full moon gatherings where the water mirrors the orb so faithfully that the boundary between ocean and sky nearly disappears. Tantalus Drive spiraling up the slopes above the city rewards moonwatchers with an elevated panorama: the entire Honolulu basin glimmers below while the moon hangs over the dark Pacific like a lantern suspended in infinity. Winter months bring the moon higher in the sky for longer, complementing the season of large north-shore surf, while summer's lower lunar arc traces a path that nearly skims the Ko'olau ridgeline at moonset.

Understanding moonrise and moonset times enriches evening surf sessions at Waikiki, outrigger canoe paddling in Kailua Bay, or simply savoring a plate lunch on the beach as the sky transitions from sunset gold to moonlit indigo. The tropical latitude keeps the moon's path relatively steep, meaning it ascends quickly and delivers strong overhead illumination — enough to read a trail marker on the Manoa Falls path or spot a green sea turtle surfacing in the harbor's glassy nighttime waters.