Your Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Beaches to See Turtles in Maui
Maui is not only renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters but also for its stunning marine life, notably the beloved sea turtles 😍!
For those eager to catch a glimpse of these creatures in their natural habitat, Maui has several beaches offering prime opportunities to witness sea turtles up close.
From the North Shore’s Ho’okipa Beach Park to the waters of Maluaka Beach in South Maui, Maui offers numerous spots where turtle sightings are a common occurrence!
Join us as we explore the best beaches to see turtles in Maui as well as addressing commonly asked questions regarding sea turtles in Maui!
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The 10 Best Beaches to See Turtles in Maui
1. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Situated on Maui’s North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is renowned for its strong winds and is a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
It’s also a common resting ground for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Visitors often see turtles basking on the beach or swimming near the shoreline!
2. Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
Located in South Maui near Makena, Maluaka Beach is frequently visited by sea turtles, making it one of the best beaches to see turtles in Maui.
The area surrounding Maluaka Beach is often referred to as “Turtle Town” due to the high likelihood of encountering turtles while snorkeling.
3. Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park
The Black Sand Beach, with its unique black sand and lava formations, is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles.
It’s a picturesque spot and an excellent place to explore tide pools as well!
4. Napili Bay
Located on the northwest coast of Maui, Napili Bay is known for its calm waters and golden sand.
Sea turtles often frequent this area, making it a great spot for snorkeling and observing marine life.
5. Honokeana Bay
Situated near Napili Bay, Honokeana Bay is a protected marine life conservation district.
It offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities with a high chance of encountering sea turtles and a variety of colorful fish.
If you are visiting Maui during December through April, consider checking out my blog post about the best whale watching tours in Maui to add to your itinerary!
6. Kaanapali Beach
Known for its golden sands and clear waters, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is a popular destination for visitors.
It is also a place where sea turtles can occasionally be seen swimming close to the shoreline!
Check out my detailed guide on 27 things to do in Maui for couples!
7. Kapalua Bay
Another beautiful beach in West Maui, Kapalua Bay offers calm waters and vibrant marine life.
Sea turtles frequent this area, making it a great spot for snorkeling and possibly encountering these beautiful creatures!
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8. Olowalu Beach
Located along Maui’s west coast, Olowalu Beach is known for its rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Snorkelers often have the chance to spot sea turtles while exploring the underwater world here!
9. Makena Landing Park
Makena Landing Park is another notable spot on Maui for potential sea turtle sightings.
This park features a small sandy beach and a rocky shoreline with tide pools.
The calm waters and reef formations make it a favored location for snorkeling and observing marine life, including sea turtles.
10. Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock Beach)
Situated at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock Beach is a popular snorkeling spot where sea turtles are sometimes spotted among the colorful fish and coral.
If snorkeling isn’t your preference but you still want to see turtles in Maui, consider visiting the Maui Ocean Center!
This aquarium provides an educational and up-close experience to observe sea turtles, offering insights into their behaviors and the importance of conservation efforts.
Use my 8-Day Maui itinerary to plan the rest of your trip to Maui!
What is the Best Month to See Turtles in Maui?
The best time to see turtles in Maui is generally during the summer months, from May to September.
During this period, the weather tends to be warmer and sea turtles are more active.
However, it’s important to note that sea turtles can be spotted in Maui throughout the year, as they don’t have a specific migration pattern.
When is the Best Time of Day to See Turtles in Maui?
As for the best time of day to see turtles in Maui, early morning or late afternoon is often ideal.
Sea turtles may come closer to the shore during these times to bask in the sun or feed on seaweed, making it easier for you to spot them.
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What Beach in Maui Has the Most Turtles?
There isn’t one specific beach to see turtles in Maui, as they can be found at various beaches around the island.
Some of the beaches mentioned above, such as Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town), Napili Bay, and Honokeana Cove, are known for frequent turtle sightings.
To increase your chances of spotting turtles in Maui, consider visiting different beaches, especially those known for their calm waters and rich marine life.
Additionally, hiring a knowledgeable guide for a snorkeling or boat tour can provide valuable insights and enhance your chances of seeing turtles.
Keep in mind that you can spot a sea turtle at almost any beach in Maui if you are lucky!
During our honeymoon stay in Kihei, we frequented the beach across from our Airbnb, Kamaole Beach Park III.
While wading in the water, we spotted a sea turtle swimming up close to the shore and got to observe it from a distance. It was such a cool experience!
Where is the Best Place to Snorkel with Turtles in Maui?
One of the best places to snorkel with turtles in Maui is Turtle Town. I recommend booking a snorkel excursion that takes you to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town!
This is where we snorkeled on our honeymoon in Maui, and we were able to see a variety of marine life from colorful fish, to a baby octopus, a large eel, and several sea turtles.
We were able to get up close to a sea turtle and swim by it while it peacefully glided through the water. It was such an unforgettable experience!
What Beach is Turtle Town in Maui?
“Turtle Town” in Maui doesn’t refer to a specific beach but rather an area encompassing multiple snorkeling sites along the coastline of South Maui, including Maluaka Beach.
Turtle Town earned its nickname due to the high likelihood of encountering sea turtles while snorkeling in these areas.
Can You Touch Turtles in Maui?
Touching sea turtles in Maui is not allowed and is actually illegal.
Remember to maintain a safe distance, avoid touching or disturbing them, and follow local guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.
Is it Safe to Swim with Turtles in Maui?
Swimming with turtles in Maui can be a safe and enjoyable experience if done responsibly and respectfully.
Hawaiian green sea turtles, known as honu, are generally peaceful creatures and swimming near them can be a remarkable opportunity to observe these beautiful animals in their natural environment.
To ensure a safe experience:
- Respect Their Space: Maintain a safe distance and avoid touching or chasing them. Allow the turtles to swim freely without disturbance.
- Do Not Approach Aggressively: Slowly and calmly enter the water, keeping a reasonable distance from the turtles. Sudden movements or attempts to touch them may startle or stress them.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to any posted regulations or guidelines about wildlife interactions at the beach or during guided tours.
- Avoid Blocking Their Path: If a turtle appears to be swimming away or changing direction, give it space and don’t obstruct its movement.
- Use Snorkeling Equipment Responsibly: If snorkeling, be mindful of your equipment to avoid accidentally hitting or harming the turtles.
During my experience with snorkeling next to sea turtles, they didn’t seem bothered by our presence at all.
They were peaceful, relaxed, and went about their business as if we weren’t even there!
Discover the diverse things to do in Kihei, Maui to add to your itinerary!
In conclusion, this comprehensive list of the best beaches to see turtles in Maui offers the chance to experience up-close encounters with sea turtles.
From Ho’okipa Beach Park to Maluaka Beach and beyond, each beach offers the potential to spot a sea turtle!
Whether you’re snorkeling in Turtle Town or enjoying the tide pools at Makena Landing Park, the opportunity to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience!
Remember to approach the turtles from a distance, follow local guidelines, and cherish being up close with these magnificent creatures 😍!
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