The Green Flash – is it fact or fiction? What exactly is this legendary spark on the horizon, elusive to all but a lucky few? And where would one be most likely to actually catch a glimpse of this optical display?
The Green Flash is a real ‘flash’ of light that spreads in an instant across the horizon just as the sun sets. This colorful display is most readily seen on a very clear, cloudless day. Being that Hawaii provides a bounty of beauty for the eye to behold, it is no wonder that these islands are one of the best places in the world to have a chance to witness the mythic Green Flash. The sunny side of South Maui is an excellent spot to catch the sunset, and with conditions permitting, you stand a chance of seeing this phenomenal flicker of green spark across the horizon.
Any seeker on the quest to view the Green Flash knows it takes dedication. This means observing multiple Hawaii sunsets. Maui rentals are plentiful in South Maui and Wailea villas are a great option if you want to stretch out and really feel like you’re at home in paradise. Once you establish your home base near a prominent sunset viewing beach, dedicate yourself to going down to watch the sunset every night. Wailea is an area with some spectacular beaches, perfect for watching the sun go down. Check out Keawakapu Beach, Mokapu and Ulua Beaches, Wailea Beach and Polo Beach – all soft sand beaches in the Wailea area.
Keawakapu Beach is not far past the Mana Kai Resort and is known for it’s scuba diving. Mokapu and Ulua Beaches are located just before the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort (plan on sharing the sand with the resort guests). Wailea Beach is a smaller stretch of coastline and is fronted by the Grand Wailea Resort. A large outcropping of rocks separates this beach from Polo Beach, which also offers some great snorkeling when the conditions permit.
Dutifully going on your sunset mission is hardly a chore. In fact, if you go without expectation of seeing the Flash, you’ll find that you nearly forget all about it as you enjoy island-style pupus on a beach blanket at dusk. Let the lapping waves calm you at day’s end. As you watch the sky begin to change color and feel the breeze cooling ever-so-slightly, you’ll know that it’s time to focus on catching the Green Flash in action.
As the sun is still bright but dipping below the horizon, be careful not to stare into the brightness directly. We all know that is not good for the eyes and it will also cause you to start seeing spots. You want to have clear vision to catch the Flash at just the right moment. The Green Flash will appear just as the last of the sun’s disk slips below the horizon line. In that instant, when conditions are just right, a flash of green will explode across the horizon. Should you blink in this moment, you may miss it completely. But if luck is on your side, you may just be privy to viewing a living legend in all of its green glory.
Maui is full of natural wonders and the possibility of witnessing the Green Flash is just one of many sights to take in during your stay. Watch for waterfalls, swaying palms, wild butterflies and spinning dolphins. And whether you see the Green Flash or not, make sure you take the time to go down and watch the sunset every evening.
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