On the Big Island we drove from sea level up to the 9,000 foot visitor center to view the start during the new moon (no lit moon). We arrived just a few minutes before sunset and climbed a short hill to this view. This view is looking west on the slopes of Maunakea with the dormant volcano Hualalai raising through the clouds in the distance.
I love the range of warm colors with the silhouette of the 8,200 foot peak in the distance.