Best Places to See Turtles on the Beach in Maui
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) search is on! If you are in Maui, you probably want the opportunity to see a turtle sleeping on the beach! When my family and I arrived in Maui there were so many things that we were excited about seeing and doing. But getting a chance to see the gigantic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles resting on the beach was close to the top of my list. I had heard about them, and was excited to see these creatures in real life. My kids (ages 4 and 6) were interested, but they had seen turtles before and didn’t really get why these turtles were so special.
They changed their minds when they saw the Honu for the first time. These turtles are super cool!
During my first week on Maui, I was fortunate enough to see a turtle while I was snorkeling, which only made me realize how impressive these turtles really are. Then I realized that encountering turtles in the water is much easier and more common than seeing them on the beach!
The truth is, I lived in Maui for almost a month before I finally stumbled upon seeing a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle sleeping on the beach. Don’t worry, I didn’t actually trip over it. I gave it ample space (well over the 10ft required by law to protect this endangered species) and just sat down to marvel at it’s presence. These turtles are huge!
Until then, I didn’t realize that there were specific spots that the turtles return to every night to rest. I figured it was pure luck if you saw a turtle on the beach, and I just hadn’t been lucky yet. Not true! I just hadn’t learned where to go to see the Turtles on the beach in Maui yet!
If you also have a vacation dream of having the opportunity to glimpse the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle on the beach in Maui, then read on. I will give you my top tips on where and when to go looking for the Honu (Hawaiian for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle).
#1. Ho’okipa Beach
North Shore just past Paia on the Hana Hwy.
This spot is as close to guaranteed as it gets when it comes to viewing wildlife. I have taken many friends visiting Maui to Ho’okipa beach and all different times of day, and we have never been disappointed. There are always at least a few Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles resting on the beach here.
You will find the Ho’okipa lookout first when you turn left into the parking lot (when driving from Paia). Don’t stop at the first large parking lot. You need to drive down the hill toward the beach and park there. Once you park walk towards the lifeguard tower, and then continue past the tower to the end of the rock wall overlooking the beach. From here you will see the small beach that is sectioned off and exclusively for the turtles.
The best time of day to see the turtles is right before sunset, but we have seen them at Ho’okipa beach at all hours of the day. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit.
You can walk on the sand of the beach to view the turtles, you just can’t go into the section that is exclusively for the turtles. There is a sign and a small wall to make it very clear where you are not supposed to go.
Can you spot the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on the beach in this picture?
Are they rocks, or are they turtles? AMAZING !
#2. Kihei Boat Launch
South Maui, drive along South Kihei Rd. towards Wailea
There is a small beach along the beach path to the left of the boat launch (when facing the ocean). Most evenings around Sunset you can find one or two turtles on the beach, or making their way towards the beach. A few times we have been overjoyed to find a dozen turtles relaxing on the beach together!
This is a little known spot where I first stumbled upon a turtle on the beach. There is a path that leads from Kamaole III beach park towards the Kihei Boat launch, and then continues on towards Keawakapu Beach.
Most evenings we have been fortunate to see turtles here. On a few occasions when I have brought friends, there are no turtles on the beach, but we will still a few in the water nearby. You can watch for their heads popping up out of the water. They ride the surf, sometimes crashing into the rocks and slowly making their way onto the beach.
In the photo below you can see that a helpful bystander drew a line in the sand to remind visitors not to get too close to the turtles. It is illegal to touch them or go within 10 ft of this protected species.
There are signs that provide you with the details on beaches that the Turtles come to frequently.
Those signs are a good indication that you are in a good spot to give yourself the opportunity to see a real life Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.
With these two spots, you should be able to get a chance to view the incredible Honu relaxing on the sand. If you want some more ideas for places to look for turtles on Maui, check out this blog post by Embrace Someplace.
Happy Turtle Searching!
Jen
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