@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_24',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); *Warning: Makaha Beach is far into an area of Oahu called Waianae. But, we also customize it depending on what our guests want to see. Manage Settings Its really so sad! Depending on the season, you will encounter such magnificent animals as the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, playful dolphins, and Humpback whales. The great swimming and snorkeling that can be enjoyed here will leave you more than satisfied even if no turtles show up during your visit. Information provided on this website is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Its a great place to swim with sea turtles on Oahu because the water is very clear and sea turtles seem to frequent this beach. I list all of the exact spots and locations in my complete guide. These include the green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, leatherback turtle, and the olive ridley turtle. Parking at Makaha Beach is fairly simple just look for a spot along the sandy area at the start of the beach. Tell me about your experience in the comments! This is such a great list, so good to know about all these spots. Lucky scuba divers and snorkelers sometimes spot them in the waters of Turtle Bay, Lanikai Beach, and Hanauma Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for a reef triggerfish, also known as a humuhumunukunukuapuaa by the locals (yep, I didnt make that up). The rocks are not good entry points from swimming. Most of the time its the Hawaiian green sea turtle, but you could get to spot one of the other four at some point if youre lucky. Whats more, while cooling off after drinks at Dukes Bar, we came across a little guy that was swimming close to shore. If youre lucky enough to find a parking space, head to the far end of the parking area (opposite of where you entered). sea turtles Oahu, best spots for sea turtles Oahu, Oahu sea turtles. Tip: Dont mistake Turtle Beach for Turtle Bay Resort. But Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is where the turtles really like to go to rest. Plus, thats where all of the turtles are, so it can be difficult to stay away from them there. Check out the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. A friend of the Outrigger ohana (family), Holokai Catamaran offers a Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour that brings you around Diamond Head to swim in the presence of sea turtles, dolphins and the sea's other living treasures. Considered one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii for seeing turtles, Kholo Bay is famed for its dark rocks and jewel-colored tide pools, and the sea turtles that frequent here love to bask on its smooth lava rocks. Waikiki Beach Continue with Recommended Cookies, Crossing Over Borders and Off Bucket Lists. *Warning: while at Electric Beach, the current can be very strong. While there arent as many turtles at Turtle Bay compared to the rest of the spots on this list, you might still see a few. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Kuilima Cove is one of the best spots on the island to go snorkeling or diving and get up close with these majestic creatures. Petty theft is also quite common, so if you leave anything in your car that looks valuable (or could contain something valuable, like a bag) try to hide them either in the glove compartment or under the backseat (think like airplane-style). While you do have to swim out pretty far, the are no waves and the current is not nearly as strong as at Electric Beach. See the surf and sand at Waikiki Beach, enjoy free Macadamia Nut Coffee and Nuts before a local lunch, learn about the history of Haleiwa town. In my opinion, the best place to see turtles on Oahu is Makaha Beach. This is because the water temperature is a bit warmer during these months, which means that the turtles will be more active. This means that it is illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, capture, or kill a turtle. So grab your snorkel gear and lets dive in! Its important to protect them and help them thrive. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Because lets get real is there anything better than swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii?! If you head out into the water with your snorkel gear, you may spot some green sea turtles feeding or even resting in the warm ocean currents. Famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and of course the fifty-one beaches that stretch for more than 11 miles along this incredible expanse of Oahu coastline. Youll find tons of sea life here from huge schools of fish to green sea turtles, sea urchins and even the odd reef shark (dont worry, theyre harmless). The best time to spot sea turtles at Waikiki Beach is around sunrise and noon. A calm and inviting beach, Maluaka Beach is hidden from trade winds by the peaks of Haleakala. There are tons of little shops or vans along the harbor where you can rent paddle boards or kayaks by the hour or the day for some pretty decent prices. Hawaii Turtle Tours | Swim with Turtles Oahu @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-3-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-3','ezslot_20',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-3-0');There is no official parking for Laniakea Beach, but everyone just parks right across the street. Turtles and Hawaii Im there. This article from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know about spotting Hawaiis treasured turtles. I suggest wearing a rash guard while swimming here because the water gets colder the further you go from the shore. Yep, and at certain times of year you can go whale watching in Oahu too! Best 10 Places To Find Sea Turtles In Oahu [Secret Beaches Included] 12 Best Places To See Turtles In Oahu Best Time of Day to See Turtles On Oahus North Shore, Where To See Turtles In Waikiki Complete Guide, How To Get To Turtle Canyon In Oahu Complete Guide, Where To See Turtles In Honolulu Complete Guide. We've got it covered. Know that there are volunteers at Laniakea Beach to make sure people do not harm the turtles. Follow the small sidewalk for a bit until you come across a sandy path on your left. They will be out of practice when they have to go back to searching for food on their own in the Pacific Ocean. Located on Oahu's North Shore, Laniakea Beach offers such frequent sightings of the Hawaiian green sea turtle that locals simply know it as "Turtle Beach." There were signs saying not to be near turtles to maintain a certain distance so I was really doing that. If there is something on your Hawaii bucket list, let us know! With its expansive coastline, underwater visibility is fantastic and you can easily see schools of colorful fish as they glide gracefully through the water. Im glad you got to experience these amazing creatures in Mexico, Jayne! Oahu's Epic North Shore Turtle Tour Or if youre like me, and you really hate the mouth piece, you can do without it too. The beach is long, safe and sandy. See more: Where to see turtles in Waikiki Ocean Activities - Oahu, North Shore | Turtle Bay Resort Thanks for the great tips, specially about space: the turtles need their privacy too!!! You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. So if youre thinking about touching a turtle while in Hawaii, think again! Laniakea Beach on the North Shore is definitely the best beach to see turtles on Oahu, in terms of ease. Look for the white fences and park in the dirt along the side. What a great guide. Whenever you see a turtle on the beach in Hawaii, youll likely see a turtle conservation volunteer next to them. This is due to the presence of a natural rock barrier which encloses the bay, protecting it from strong waves. Many times, you can see them swimming near where the waves break onto the beach: Dont confuse Turtle Bay with Laniakea Beach. 3. Where to See Turtles in Oahu: Turtle Sightseeing Beaches Malala na Honus mission is to protect the Hawaiian sea turtles through education, public awareness, and conservation in the Spirit of Aloha. Note that there are no restrooms at this beach. Because of its popularity, Laniakea Beach can get crowded. Remember that all of the different turtle species present in the waters around Oahu are endangered so it is incredibly important that we do everything we can to protect them. Do not try to touch or hold them, as this can be dangerous for both you and the turtle. You can expect one (short) email per month. It was a full day of exploring some of Oahu's most beautiful features that we never would have found on our own! This sea turtle-spotting location on Oahu was the place I chose to write about in my very first post. Can you imagine lounging on the sand and spotting a sea turtle gliding through the waves? In fact, its one of my favorite snorkeling spots on the whole island and turtles are super abundant. Driving to Oahu's North Shore. This beach close to Honolulu is a prime spot for taking photos of the massive creatures whose official name is the Hawaiian Honu. Located on Oahu's North Shore, Laniakea Beach offers such frequent sightings of the Hawaiian green sea turtle that locals simply know it as "Turtle Beach." This is an amazing spot to see gentle waves usher turtles to the shore for some sunbathing, and it's considered one of the most reliable turtle-watching spots in Hawaii. The remaining three species tend to hang out in deeper waters, so chances are you wont come across the Olive ridley, Leatherback or Loggerhead. Get the insider info about favorite . Another North Shore Oahu beach with turtles is Haleiwa Beach Park. When my husband and I planned our return trip to Hawaii the only activity on my mind was snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu. There are restrooms, thankfully, which makes things a bit easier. There are five different types of sea turtles that can be found in the waters around Oahu. For more tips on keeping our sea turtles safe, click here. within easy driving distance of A-Bay, one of our favorite turtle-viewing beaches on the list. From $1,399. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Check this turtle swimming in Waikiki coming up above water for a view of Diamond Head! While experiencing an up-close, personal encounter with Hawaii's sea turtles can be an unforgettable experience, it's important to follow all laws put in place to protect these magnificent creatives. At the end of Papailoa Road, just down the road from Laniakea Beach, sits another hidden gem: a small, secluded beach surrounded by glistening blue waters and endless panoramic views. While they are typically found in deeper waters away from shore, you might find them swimming through the calm waters and basking in the sun on nearby rocks or the white sandy beach. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-1','ezslot_30',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-1-0'); First, Fahlo makes it easy to help the sea turtles. Honu Guardian volunteers identify known turtles, track how long turtles come out of the water and when they go back into the water, and photograph turtles that havent been identified yet. You'll see world-renowned surfing spots. If you see a turtle in distress, or if you notice someone else disturbing a turtle, report it to local authorities right away. Map of where the turtle beach of Oahu is located. The turtles are often seen basking in the sun on the shore, and the waves here make for perfect conditions for snorkeling with these gentle creatures. During these walks, wed consistently see sea turtles from the pier. There are a variety of beaches where we can see them in the water or on the sand when you are lucky. Plus, by feeding them, you are training them to get their food from humans, which could become an issue when humans stop feeding them. 5 best North Shore Oahu beaches I went to turtles, snorkeling However, be sure to keep a safe distance from these gentle animals and avoid getting too close to the rocks. But to make things even better, Fahlo then allows you to track your very own turtle! Check out last weeks post on cage-diving with sharks! or swimming in the water close to the shore. Pin it for later! However, the green sea turtle is actually an endangered species, so please keep that in mind! Oahu's North Shore is home to some of the best turtle watching spots onw the whole island. (This one is technically the one referred to as honu, but that term has kind of expanded to encapsulate all sea turtles.) Do not attempt to feed the turtles, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and cause them to become sick or aggressive. Laniakea Beach is becoming more popular, but there are a number of hidden places like this that we visit on our Oahu Circle Island Tour. This helps support the website and allows us to provide free content. Check the wave size here. As you may remember, I wrote about the best spots for snorkeling with sea turtles on Maui ages ago and it seems like many of you found that list helpful (which is great). ): Kawela Bay never gets too crowded so youll easily be able to get some 1-on-1 time with the turtles. It is a true paradise. While there are probably some turtle friends swimming in the water too, the rocks in the area dont make the area super ideal for swimming, especially considering the fact that you can see them on the sand. Have you ever seen turtles on Oahu? Skip the crowded boat tours and enjoy a comfortable and luxurious snorkeling experience aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht in a group of no more than six people. Sea turtles are adorable! The North Shore is around an hour from Waikiki. Put Laniakea Beach into Google Maps, and Google will get you there. Explore it by swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or whatever way you want. This is when the turtles are most active so you have a higher chance of seeing them around this time. *Warning: Do not walk on the algae-covered rocks here to get closer to the turtles. Visitors to Halona Beach Cove can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the sandy shore. So glad you enjoyed the read, Brianna! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_25',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-narrow-sky-2-0');This beach is definitely the turtle-spotting place where youll make the most use of those snorkel gear and fins. Sometimes youll just be able to walk up and see them. While snorkeling at Turtle Bay, be sure to watch out for the sharp rocks and coral! 5 See all photos North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles By Hawaii Turtle Tours 2,882 reviews Recommended by 97% of travelers This bus tour of the Oahu Grand Circle makes it easy to see top Oahu sights in just one day without having to spend any time planning. After living on Oahu for many years, we have perfected a route that hits the best stops. Thank you for supporting my work. Mahalo for reading and happy turtle-spotting! This beach is truly a hidden gem (barely anyone knows about it) so you wont find a ton of people here but what you will find is a whole lot of turtles! I share helpful guides (with beautiful photos, of course). To see them for yourself, Id recommend booking onto this Oahu island tour which includes a stop at Haleiwa Beach Park to swim with the turtles. Bring a camera! Please note: This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Because its located just 40 minutes from Waikiki Beach, Electric Beach is easily accessible and is a great spot for families or anyone looking for an up-close view of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Turtle Bay Beach 4.5 993 reviews #2 of 6 things to do in Kahuku Beaches Write a review About Follow the path to the right of Turtle Bay resort to access this lovely stretch of sand. Whats not to like? The green sea turtle (Honu in Hawaiian) is by far the most common on Oahu. Turtle Bay is a resort on the north shore of Oahu. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-4','ezslot_21',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-leader-4-0'); Haleiwa Harbor (and the adjacent Anahulu River) is another location where you wont exactly swim to see turtles on Oahu and this time, theyre not laying on the shore either. Located on the west side of the island in a little tourist pocket called Ko Olina, this little lagoon was quite a secret when I wrote about it a few years ago. For decades Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have frequented Laniakea Beach more than any other spot on Oahu, which is why this area has taken on the name Turtle Beach. Seeing turtles while snorkeling on Kauai was one of the most memorable moments of my time in Hawaii. TheHawaii Wildlife Fundaims to protect wildlife native to Hawaii, including the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle. The Hawaiian archipelago is home to 5 of 7 species of sea turtles in the world! Flying first class or taking a Hawaiian cruise? Very informative and well written. Youll often spot turtles laying under the sun on the beaches, swimming around near the shore looking for food or having a spot of lunch. If you go to the beach during these times, youre likely to see turtles basking on the sand or swimming in the water. The cove is also known as Eternity Beach and is a popular filming spot for blockbuster movies like 50 First Dates. Can you imagine lounging on the sand and spotting a sea turtle gliding through the waves? Aside from one of the best spots for snorkeling in Waikiki, there have been turtle sightings around the Outrigger Reef Hotel and the Sheraton Waikiki. Scenic and spectacular, A-Bay is a crescent-shaped beach defined by its white sand and fringed palms. If you drive all the way up to the chain or bar thats blocking your access to the rest of the parking, youll notice that theres a small area to your right with about a dozen stalls that you can park in. Another one of the best North Shore Oahu sea turtle spots is at Sharks Cove. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-2','ezslot_31',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bordersandbucketlists_com-portrait-2-0'); Did this post on where to see turtles on Oahu peak your interest? This site contains affiliate links.