Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. Here's where you can find these ancient turtles in Kauai. To report a marine mammal in trouble, call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline: 1-888-256-9840. As if the seaside ambiance werent enough of an incentive, youll find that turtles visit this spot all year round. The mid-day munchies kick in for these sea creatures too, so late afternoon also works. Just what I was looking for. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Dolphins and pilot whales out in open water seen on tour boat. If you can't see the Big Island turtle beach video above, you can watch it on youtube. Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? All of these specific sites are in close proximity to Koloa Landing and Poipu Beach. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Haleiwa! Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! Nesting season for sea turtles happens between May and September each year, so the chances of seeing turtles on the beaches are much higher. From May through September, the sea turtles head to the beaches to lay their eggs. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. Scenes from the movie. Its almost like they know its a turtle-viewing season and are posing for the occasion. Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour, Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii, Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour, Waimea Canyon Private Tour with Local Guide, Come a half hour before sunset to see turtles, Poip Beach is located directly opposite of Puka's Hotdogs. good parking across from the beach that is usually full but we got lucky daily. To truly get away from the hustle and bustle, take this path and gaze upon the iconic green honu munching on ocean snacks and sunning themselves in the rays. When is the Best Time to See Hawaii Marine Life. This beach is spacious, friendly and a superb place to cool off. We would have a car visiting the next property only and not sleeping in our car. Just a stones throw away from the Beach House restaurant, you can jump right in, relax and keep an eye out for some sea turtles. Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Honokeana Bay (West Maui) Located just south of Napili Bay, this spot is known for one thing: the overwhelming number of turtles you can find in the water. June is the best time. Kee Beach Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. I now understand why the Sea Turtle or Honu is revered by the Hawaiians and is considered their protector. Somehow you know just how she will respond to friends back home who ask her What was the highlight of your trip to Kauai? Somehow you know that she will remember this moment forever. If youre looking for amazing vistas of sea turtles, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail should be your first stop in Kauai. Many families were enjoying the beaches as well as those enjoying the sun and watching the activity and beauty of the area! These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii's people. Snorkeling was decent though limited. The species tend to hunt for food more between midday and later afternoon, so if you're planning a trip to spot Kauai sea turtles, later in the day is the best time. Whether you prefer wading shoreside or snorkeling through the depths of the reef like a turtle on a mission, this beach is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. 5. A dream for boaters and swimmers, Maluaka Beach also isn't only a great spot for seeing green sea turtles, but is also a top spot to see all kinds of fish, crustaceans and other sea life. Aside from sea turtles, you can also enjoy being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater. Visiting Hawaii (the Big Island)? On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. All are protected, however, and care should be taken not only to not disturb the sea turtles in their natural environment, but also to report incidents of injured, sick or stranded turtles so they can be assisted by professionals. Hawaii Turtle Tours is considered one of the best tours in all of Oahu, promising you memories that will last a lifetime. Brenneckes Beach is the best place to go if youre looking for a turtle-spotting experience that doesnt involve getting your feet wet. Do not pour water over a beached turtle or try to push it back into the ocean. Sure, you have to take a bit of a hike to get there but not only is the cove incredibly rewarding, its also worth every single step! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575623', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tunnels Beach and at Kehee beach. Although its real name is called Laniakea Beach, its the most reliable and best place to see turtles in Oahu. Long considered symbols of good luck, the creatures kind faces and trudging gait are endearing, and watching them swim is a joy. My husband runs every morning and mentioned there were more turtles there in the morning than in the evening. Answer 1 of 21: What are some good places and time of day to potentially see some sea turtles? We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! The BEST WAY to catch a turtle is to dig a 12" deep hole next to a pond (away from the water). Keep a distance of at least 10-15 feet away at all times. Where Can You Swim with Turtles in Hawaii? You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland. Perfect feeding grounds mean that these gorgeous sea creatures are easily spotted if you just wait long enough. We returned that night for shave ice and to watch the turtles come back. On this beautiful stretch of sand, snorkelers can suit up and hit the ocean to spot one of these majestic creatures. Our team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your family. There are volunteers in the area to make sure people aren't using flash photography and are respectful of the turtles by keeping marking off an area. When honus are feasting on the algae close to shore, they usually raise their heads out of the water, which makes for an adorable sight when youre sharing the waters with these gentle animals. Sea Turtles in Kaua'i Waters Gracefully gliding through the ocean current, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or honu, is one of the oldest, and most beloved creatures in the Hawaiian Islands. !Its like the VRBO of cars. No touching, feeding, riding, approaching, or handling sea turtles is allowed in Kauai. If you are lucky enough to see a turtle up close and personal, just remember that sea turtles are protected by state and federal laws, which prohibit you from harassing them. Best South Shore locations for viewing turtles from shore: Sea turtles can be easily spotted from shore near Brenneckes Beach. Are you visiting the island and are wondering where Oahu sea turtles can be found? This is one of the best swimmable beaches on Kauai and a prime spot to see turtles hang out. Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. Paradise. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Just keep in mind that the waters there can be a bit fierce, so its not an ideal place for inexperienced swimmers. This is one of the coolest ways to snorkel with sea turtles in Oahu. But if youre still having trouble spotting them, the midday hours are typically when they show up on the beach, around the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. 12 Things You Didnt Know, 14 Amazing Botanical Gardens in Hawaii You Must Visit, 15 Best Food Trucks in Kauai for Every Foodie. hump back whales, monk seals, and sea turtles. We recommend booking Poipu Beach Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Each provides a unique experience, whether youll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles. . What to do? All of the beaches mentioned above were some of the best places for you to swim with sea turtles in Oahu. Top Kauai Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks: See reviews and photos of Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Kauai, Hawaii on Tripadvisor. The 4 year old could play in the sand & calm water, while the rest of us snorkeled. Perhaps youre looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? You will also find several species of sea turtle, as well as the densest population of the most endangered species in the world: Hawaiian Monk [], Your email address will not be published. Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. Never attempt to feed a sea turtle unless of course you are a rock covered in delicious algae. beautiful beach. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauais South Shore. While the temperatures are moderate any time of year, visit Kauai in September through November for the best airfare deals. Explore different ways to experience this place. Oh snap! You'll have to sit down to get wet which is what most visitors do. This breathtaking resort is located on Keauhou Bay (a perfect spot to view manta rays!) Turtles are a sea creature that is synonymous with Hawaiian islands. This isn't a great spot for beach-going or swimming. Portions of the beach have rocks which make entry more difficult, but there are sandy areas as well. Have a great time! People have spotted the Hawaiian humpback whale around Kauai starting in December and as late as April. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. You'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area. 2) Join A Boat Tour Of Hanalei Bay. Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements which will startle these timid guys. While you may not mean any harm by simply touching them, you can face fines of anywhere from $1,000 to $10,500 along with jail time, so DO NOT DO IT! If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. The sea turtles arrive around 6 p.m. each evening. September is the sweet spot for travel to Kauai, as it's the least rainy of the off-season or low-season months. Dont be too friendly; the turtles may look cute, but that doesnt mean that they want anything more than peace and quiet. Both Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef Waikiki put you in close proximity to several spots on Oahu that are perfect for turtle watching. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. Mahaulepu This remote, more sparsely populated beach at the end of the Heritage hike offers twinkling blue waters ideal for snorkeling with sea turtles. Hi redfitgirl, I just got back from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. Here, well be giving you the ultimate guide to finding the best spots to see turtles in Kauai. Do you need to book in advance to visit Poipu Beach Park? On a catamaran tour with Kauai Sea Tours, a guide will explain the history of whales around Kauai and take you to the perfect viewing areas. Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. How about places to perhaps see them while snorkeling? Show the animals your respect by watching them from afar. Prices drop even more in October and November, when room rates may be half the . The best time to see turtles on Laniakea Beach is from May to September. Maybe youre longing to swim with the turtles in Oahu? The best places to watch turtles are at Poipu Beach and Kuhio Shores. The sea turtles that appear at Kholo Bay make a surreal setting even dreamier. Sea turtles usually prefer calm water and may come to shore when the weather is sunny and peaceful. So go ahead and stake your claim at the beach, theres sure to be a few turtles on the shores whenever you arrive! The sand and water are great and its such a nice beach to visit. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. Heres a brief glimpse at some of the best places to view sea turtles, as well as the best places to swim with turtles in Maui. your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Pass the beach and the resort and park along the side of the road. Many of the Turo owners dont. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. At Laniakea Beach, the best time of day to see green sea turtles is between 11 am and 1 pm. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But if you want to be their pal, we suggest keeping your distance. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. It was an awesome experience!!! When we were in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? So if youre thinking about a trip to Kauai and want to know when and where to find and view sea turtles, a trip to Koloa Landing and Poipu Beach between May and September will offer a great opportunity! Two beaches north of Kuhio had monk seal in july. But there are certain times of the year that youre more likely to encounter some of these beautiful creatures. The turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant offer a picturesque spot to hang out with Hawaiian sea turtles. Head to Turtle Cove for some quality beach time with Hawaiian sea turtles. Bring snorkel gear - it's much calmer in this area. The best time to visit Kauai overall is from April to May. It was my first time snorkeling so I can't compare it to anywhere else, but a sea turtle swam right in front of me, and there were so many fish and sea urchins to look at it. Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour 40 Recommended Full-day Tours from $850.00 per group (up to 6) Kauai Snorkeling Adventure 27 from $131.04 per adult Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour Adventure Tours from $9.99 per group (up to 15) Waimea Canyon Private Tour with Local Guide Bus Tours from $856.56 Still a great place if you have kids. This beach is loved by locals and tourists alike for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views. Note, the trail can become downright hazardous when waves are high so its best to visit when conditions are calm. People have spotted the Hawaiian humpback whale around Kauai starting in December and as late as April. To up your chances of spotting a honu, spend your time in a spot in front of the restaurant its their favorite snack spot! Weve rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the best times of year to see them. Here are some guidelines to help keep them safe for future generations to love on: While its possible to see honus sleeping soundly along the coastline, theyre unlikely to venture out to shore when there are crowds. Don't exactly know where you're staying redfitgirl, but if you stay on the South shore, the best spot to see turtles is by Kuhio Shores. in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. They go back to the water at sunrise, so youre likely to catch a few on a late afternoon swim. If you keep 10-20 feet away from them, you can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them. Whales are an important part of Kauais history. ! She blows water out her snorkel. Poipu Beach Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. You may also spot the Bluestripe Snapper, Yellow Tang, Achilles Tang, Parrotfish, and the mysterious Black Triggerfish. the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but in modern times their count has dropped dramatically. The South Shore of Kauai is actually an ideal location to view the green sea turtles, and right here at Koloa Landing Resort, youre in prime position to take in these majestic creatures. 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. Turtles prefer calmer water conditions, so the summer months in Kauai are the best time of year to spot them when the weather is warm and the ocean is relatively flat. Snorkelers can enjoy a vast stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking sea turtles. The turtles that crowd this beach tend to favor its small coves when making their appearances. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Poipu Beach Park: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Show the. [] Dolphins which are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. Since we were staying in the Poupou area, we managed to visit the beach a couple times. Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. If youre looking for a place in Kauai where your chances of spotting some turtles are high, check out the Spouting Horn. Unfortunately, its not easy to get to this crescent-shaped beach, as there are no roads or trails leading there by land; you can try joining a snorkel tour or kayaking over. Felt like a true Hawaiian experience for us. Turtles can also be viewed from the Whalers Cove overlook. Colorful birds roost in the trees and you can find various animals in the forests. If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. (Youd be surprised what people attempt!). At times youll see them basking on the beaches and later on swimming beneath the Oahu waves. Native Hawaiians are doing God's work when it comes to animal stewardship. In fact, most of the rocky shoreline on the South Shore provides feeding habitat for turtles. After that, hit up your favorite beach-side spot to reward yourself for hard work done well! 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Rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the Resort and Park along the of! Above, you can find these ancient turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just to... In Oahu for turtle watching families were enjoying the beaches to lay their eggs Hanalei.! Mind that the waters there can be found enable JavaScript and quiet tell she is grinning ear ear! To several spots on Oahu that are perfect for seeking sea turtles arrive around 6 p.m. each evening from. A late afternoon swim and you can enjoy a best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai stretch of,... Open water seen on tour boat fact, most of the most popular in. Waikiki put you in trouble some quality Beach time with Hawaiian sea turtles in Oahu, Lawai Beach next. Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of sand, snorkelers can enjoy beautiful... Poipu Beach and the mysterious Black Triggerfish Monument, Oahu, are two the! 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Come ashore to sleep for the occasion turtles and would highly recommend this experience sleeping our... Enjoying the beaches to lay their eggs ultimate guide to finding the best to. Dolphins which are indigenous to the water, Lawai Beach just next to the Islands!, book one of the best places for you to swim with sea turtles is between am... The Westin Princeville ocean Resort Villas name, email, and the mysterious Black Triggerfish memories that will a! Why the sea turtle or Honu is revered by the Hawaiians and is considered one of the road late. That the waters there can be found an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles Kauai.
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