Hawthorn dominated the midfield and scored their goals in rapid spurts as Gold Coast sunk to a fourth straight defeat and lost defender Daniel Rioli to injury.
The Hawks won 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97) at Carrara's People First Stadium on Friday night to improve to 9-1-4 and third place.
Dylan Moore kicked four goals and the Hawks midfield dominated the centre clearances 20-12, the Suns flattered by winning the last four.