27 Best Places to See Sea Turtles on Maui
Ever wondered where to spot sea turtles in Maui?
Do you want to know the best places to see turtles in Maui up close? You’re in for a treat! This article will guide you through the best spots to witness these majestic creatures, both from the shore and underwater.
Drawing from my recent Maui adventure, where I spotted turtles six times—including at Napili, Hookipa, and near Mama’s Fish House, as well as while snorkeling at Turtle Town, Black Rock, and Lanai.
I’ll share tips to enhance your chances of a memorable encounter. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned traveler, these insights will ensure an unforgettable turtle-watching experience in Maui. Here are the 29 best places to see sea turtles on Maui, so get ready to make some memories.
27 Best Places to See Turtles on Maui from Shore and Swimming
Maui is not only famous for its breathtaking beaches and pristine waters, but also serves as a habitat for numerous sea turtles. The island offers numerous opportunities to view these magnificent creatures from the shore or water, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.
Best Beach on Maui to See Turtles
If you’re seeking a picturesque beach experience and hoping to catch a glimpse of Maui’s turtles, look no further! Here are the best beaches on Maui to spot these beautiful creatures from shore. These beaches include:
1. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Located on the North Shore of Maui, Hookipa Beach is a popular spot for surfers and windsurfers, but also for sea turtle enthusiasts. The turtles usually come close to the shore to bask in the sun, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours. We have seen turtles here every visit except for the time the waves were 20-30 feet.
2. Napili Bay
This serene crescent-shaped beach on the western shore of Maui is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting turtles. You can even see them right from the shore in the clear water feeding in the tidal pools often.
3. Maluaka Beach
Considered one of the best beaches for snorkeling on Maui, Maluaka Beach is also a great spot to see turtles. A less crowded spot, perfect for turtle sightings at sunset.
4. Baldwin Beach Park
Another popular beach on the North Shore, Baldwin is known for its turtle sightings both from the shore and while snorkeling.
5. Palauea Beach (White Rock)
Located near Wailea, this beach is a hidden gem and a favorite spot for locals to see turtles. It’s also a great place for snorkeling with calm waters and an abundance of marine life.
6. Po’olenalena Beach
Just south of Wailea, this beach is a favorite among locals for turtle sightings. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset while keeping an eye out for sea turtles.
7. Makena Beach (Big Beach)
As one of the largest beaches on Maui, Makena Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and turtle sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles popping their heads out of the water.
8. Papawai Point
This scenic lookout on Maui’s east coast offers beautiful views of the ocean and neighboring islands. But it’s also known as a popular spot for spotting sea turtles basking in the sun on the rocky shoreline below.
Best Place to Swim or Snorkel with Turtles
If you’re looking for the best place to swim or snorkel with turtles in Maui, then you’re in luck! The island is home to several beaches that are known for their abundance of sea turtles. Now, let’s dive into the top spots to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
9. Makena Landing
Located on Maui’s south shore near the area called Turtle Town, Makena Landing is a popular spot for snorkeling and turtle sightings. The calm clear waters make it easy to spot turtles swimming below the surface. Plenty of parking and a bathroom located here as well.
10. Black Rock Beach
This beach in Kaanapali is known for its stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities, and also for its resident sea turtles that can be seen swimming around the underwater lava formations. Make sure to wear your snorkel gear and keep a safe distance from the turtles, as they don’t like to be touched or chased.
11. Turtle Town
As the name suggests, this area in South Maui is a hotspot for sea turtles, who come here to feed on the abundance of algae and seagrass. You can reach Turtle Town by boat or kayak from nearby beaches, or by snorkeling from the shore. Be cautious of the strong currents and respect the marine life.
12. Olowalu Beach
If you want to experience a more secluded and peaceful beach, Olowalu is the place for you. This hidden gem on the West Maui coast is a favorite of locals and snorkelers for its vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and abundant sea turtles. Make sure to respect the fragile ecosystem and avoid stepping on the reef.
13. Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Preserve
This marine reserve on the southern tip of Maui is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it showcases a unique combination of lava fields, coral gardens, and marine life. The sea turtles here are plentiful and unafraid of human presence, so you can observe them up close and take photos.
14. Wailea Beach
Another beautiful beach in the Wailea area, known for its luxurious resorts and stunning sunsets, Wailea Beach is a great spot to watch sea turtles grazing on the rocks and swimming in the clear waters. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastline while keeping an eye out for turtles.
15. Kapalua Bay Beach
This crescent-shaped beach in the Kapalua area is a favorite of families, snorkelers, and beachcombers for its calm waters, soft sands, and vibrant snorkeling. The sea turtles are a common sight here, especially near the rocky outcrops and coral formations.
16. Kamaole Beaches
Located in the Kihei area, these three beaches are known for their excellent snorkeling opportunities and regular turtle sightings. Just be sure to keep a safe distance and never touch or disturb the turtles.
17. Molokini Crater
For a unique and unforgettable experience, take a boat tour to Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic crater that is home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles. Snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters and get up close to these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
18. Honolua Bay
A beautiful and secluded spot on the northwestern tip of Maui, Honolua Bay is a popular destination for experienced snorkelers and divers. The bay is teeming with colorful fish, coral gardens, and yes, sea turtles! Keep your eyes peeled as you explore this underwater paradise.
19. Lanai
For a more remote and off-the-beaten-path experience, take a ferry or boat ride to the nearby island of Lanai. Here you can find some of the most pristine and untouched beaches in all of Hawaii, as well as plenty of sea turtles basking in the warm sun and swimming in the turquoise waters.
20. La Perouse Bay
Located at the southernmost tip of Maui, this rugged and remote bay is a favorite among locals for its quiet beauty and excellent snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles that can often be seen swimming along the rocky shore.
21. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Located just south of La Perouse Bay, this protected reserve is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, who can often be spotted gliding gracefully through the clear blue waters.
22. Five Caves/Five Graves
Located on the west coast of Maui, this popular dive spot is known for its five underwater caves and stunning coral formations. But it’s not just divers who come here to admire the underwater beauty – sea turtles can often be seen swimming and resting in the calm waters.
23. Mala Wharf
This historic site was once a bustling port for sugar cane and pineapple exports but now it’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The wharf is home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles often seen swimming among the old pylons.
24. Coral Gardens
Located off the coast of West Maui, this protected marine reserve is a must-visit for sea turtle enthusiasts. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, and the coral gardens are home to an array of colorful fish and of course, sea turtles!
Other Places
There are many other places where you can see turtles on Maui.
25. Maui Ocean Center
Located in Maalaea, this aquarium boasts a large exhibit dedicated to Hawaiian green sea turtles. Visitors can see the turtles up close and learn about their behaviors and conservation efforts.
👉 Buy Tickets to the Maui Ocean Center
26. Whalers Village Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center
Located in Kaanapali on Level 3 at Whalers Village, this center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about the marine life of Hawaii. Visitors can also see fascinating exhibits on the history and preservation of sea turtles in Hawaii, and the children’s play area features a turtle-themed playhouse and art station.
27. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
While this sanctuary is known for its humpback whales, it is also a great spot to learn about sea turtles.
What Type of Turtles are on Maui?
Two types of turtles can be found on Maui: the green sea turtles and the hawksbill sea turtles. Both are protected under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to touch or disturb these gentle creatures. The most commonly seen is the green sea turtle, known as “honu” in Hawaiian, with its brown or black shell and olive green skin. The hawksbill sea turtle, or “honu’ea” in Hawaiian, has a more pointed beak and is rarer to spot.
Apart from the green and hawksbill sea turtles, three additional species inhabit the deeper waters near the ocean floor surrounding Maui: the loggerhead turtle, leatherback turtle, and olive ridley sea turtle. These turtles are less common to see on the surface as they spend most of their time in deeper ocean habitats.
What to Know Before Spotting Turtles in Maui
Before heading out to see these magnificent creatures, it’s important to know the following guidelines:
- Do not touch or disturb the turtles in any way. It is illegal and can harm them.
- Keep a safe respectful distance of at least 10 feet from the turtles.
- Do not feed the turtles as it can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors.
- Do not use flash photography as it can startle and harm the turtles.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the marine life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sea Turtles on Maui
Curious about sea turtles on Maui? Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more!
Sea turtles are called “honu” in Hawaiian, which means turtle.
The best place to see turtles on Maui is at the Ho’okipa Beach Park, located on the north shore. This beach is known for its consistent turtle sightings and has a designated area where turtles often rest on the sand.
The best place to snorkel with turtles on Maui is the Molokini Crater, located off the coast of South Maui. This protected marine sanctuary is home to a variety of sea life, including turtles.
No, only five out of seven species of sea turtles can be found in Maui. These are the green turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, leatherback turtles, and olive ridley sea turtles. The two remaining species, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and flatback sea turtles, are not commonly found in Maui.
Turtles are visible year-round in Maui, with the best sightings during summer from May to September. This is when they come closer to shore for warmer waters and are more active during the day.
The Wrap-Up: Best Places to See Turtles on Maui
Maui offers some of the most spectacular spots to see turtles, whether you’re lounging on the shore or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. From the serene beaches of Napili and Hookipa to the vibrant underwater worlds of Turtle Town, Black Rock, and Lanai, you’re sure to have an unforgettable turtle-watching experience.
Remember, these gentle giants are a highlight of Maui’s natural beauty, deserving our respect and admiration.
Ready for more aquatic adventures? Dive into our Blog post on the Best Snorkeling in Maui to discover more underwater wonders. Don’t miss our detailed guide on Turtle Town Snorkeling Maui for an in-depth look at one of Maui’s most magical snorkeling destinations. Explore these guides to plan your next breathtaking snorkeling journey in Maui!
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