Maui’s Best-Kept Secrets for Turtle Watching Enthusiasts
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Maui is renowned for its scenic beauty, with its lush green mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The island is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Haleakala Crater and the Iao Needle. Maui is an excellent destination for both adventure seekers and those who just want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Whether you are looking to hike through rainforests, surf world-class waves, or simply lounge on a black sand beach with a Mai Tai in hand, Maui has something to offer everyone.
These turtles (you’ll likely see green sea turtles or hawksbill turtles) can often be seen basking in the sun on the beaches of Maui, or swimming through the clear waters offshore. Here are some of the best places to see turtles in Maui.
1. Ho’okipa Beach
179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
This is my personal favorite place to see green sea turtles in Maui. This is also a fun beach to watch locals kite surf, and an excellent place to watch the sunset. Due to rough surf, this isn’t the best swimming beach.
Located in Paia, if you time it right, you can stop here at the end of your Road to Hana drive. Try and get here in the late afternoon, the turtles will come ashore to bask in the afternoon sun. You can stay for sunset, and then grab dinner at the famous Paia Fish Market or Mamas Fish House.
When you get onto the beach, look to the far right. There is a short concrete wall dividing the beach into two sections. The turtles will swim up and rest on the other side of the barrier. DONT GO OVER THE BARRIER. You can see the turtles great from the other side, and let them rest and have their space.
When we first got to the beach, I looked all over and couldn’t see any turtles. All I saw were ” a bunch of really huge rocks”, and I was so disappointed. I kept walking, and as I got closer, I realized that all of the “rocks” were actually turtle shells! There were so many turtles, I cried. I do that a lot when I see wildlife, it is a real issue, lol.
2. Makena Landing
5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
This is a small beach, with a small parking lot, that will fill up quickly. It is a popular location to kayak and paddle board. Tour operators bring people here frequently, so try and get here early if you want a bit of peace and quiet.
Makena Landing is one of the most romantic places in the world, so save time to sneak a kiss while you are there. Turtles often are seen on the shore here, and you can see them in the water as well.
3. DT Fleming Park
Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
This is a nice size, sandy beach to spend the afternoon at. When we’ve seen turtles here, they’ve always been at the far end near the rocks.
There is a big parking lot, picnic tables, and decent restrooms here too.
4. Ka’anapali Beach
Located on the popular Ka’anapali Beach in the resort area of Lahaina, also called Black Rock, this busy area is popular with visitors and turtles alike. It’s one of the best places to see turtles in Maui.
Your best chance to see the turtles is out along the rocks, and you can jump off the black rocks into the water to snorkel around. Be on the lookout for the local legend, Volkswagen. Volkswagen is a resident sea turtle that is said to weigh around 300 pounds!
Be sure and eat at one of my favorite Hawaii restaurants while you’re here. Dukes is a must-stop spot for us anytime we are in Hawaii. Get fish tacos and hula pie.
5. Ulua Beach
On a calm day, this is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Maui. It’s wide, sandy, and beautiful.
To see turtles at Ulua Beach, your best bet is to swim toward the rocky outcropping that divides Ulua Beach and its neighbor Mokapu Beach.
6. Turtle Town -Maluaka Beach
5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
As the name implies, turtle town is one of the best places to see turtles in Maui. Due to a large number of lava arches and caves in the area, you’re almost guaranteed to see turtles here!
Turtle Town is one of the most common places for Tours to take guests to see turtles and is often combined with a trip to Molokini Crater, one of the best things to do in Maui.
7. Honokeana Bay
5295 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
You’ll see plenty of turtles here, but it may not be your favorite beach due to how rocky it is. The water can be a bit murky here as well.
There is no parking lot to get to the beach. You’ll need to park along the street. You’ll walk past the Honokeana Cove condos and find the beach access path to the end of the cove and enter the water there.
8. Honolua Bay
6501 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761 (this is the address to the lookout, the beach is below). Not only is this a great spot to see turtles, but a great spot to snorkel in general. Honolua Bay is a Marine Conservation District, so this is a protected area, and there is a large population of many different varieties of fish here.
You’ll have a bit of a walk down to the beach here, so come prepared for about a 5-minute walk. Be sure and lock your car and don’t leave anything in your vehicle here.
9. Kapalua Bay
This is one of the most popular beaches on Maui and a great place to see turtles in the water.
You’ll have to swim out to the coral reef just offshore, where the turtles love to feed.
