Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land.
Last updated: February 2026
Short Answer: You can see Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) at Turtle Town Maui (shore access at Maluaka Beach) year‑round because they forage and rest on near‑shore reefs around Maui. Sightings are common but never guaranteed. Your best bet is early morning on calm days; keep a minimum 10 ft (3 m) distance at all times and never touch, chase, or block a turtle’s path.
Welcome, adventurous families! If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside Hawaii’s beloved green sea turtles, known locally as honu, Turtle Town Maui is one of the best places to make that dream come true. From calm, clear waters to thriving coral reefs, this special spot offers an unforgettable glimpse into Maui’s underwater world.
But when exactly is the best time to see turtles in Maui—and how can you do it responsibly? This guide covers everything you need to know, from the best time of day and conditions for turtle sightings to respectful snorkeling etiquette that helps protect these amazing creatures.
Want to know when the best time to snorkel is? Read our Best Time to Snorkel Maui (Month-by-Month) guide.
At‑a‑Glance: Best Time to Visit Turtle Town Maui
- Best time: Early morning (calmer surface, clearer water)
- Entry: Shore access at Maluaka; simple sandy entries when calm
- Turtles: Year‑round encounters are common
- Respectful distance: Stay at least 10 ft / 3 m from sea turtles (NOAA)
- Sunscreen: Mineral‑only required in Maui County (non‑mineral use/sale banned)
- Turtle Town overview: Turtle Town Snorkeling Maui guide
Never touch, feed, or chase turtles; use a slow, parallel swim and give them right‑of‑way.
Why Turtle Town Maui Is So Special
Turtle Town is a nickname for a South Maui reef area offshore from Maluaka Beach in Makena, where Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) commonly feed and cruise along the reef edges.
Best Time to Visit Turtle Town Maui (Time of Day and Conditions)
While you can spot turtles throughout the year, certain times and conditions make sightings more likely.
Morning Windows (Year-Round)
Mornings are your best bet: lighter winds and a smoother surface mean better visibility and easier entries. Plan to be in the water early and out before the afternoon chop builds.
Seasonality = Ocean Conditions (Not Turtle Behavior)
Honu feed and rest on near‑shore reefs year‑round at Maluaka. Sightings improve when the surf is low and the winds are light. South swells—more common in summer—can stir up the south shore and reduce clarity; winter can bring Kona episodes or rain that lowers visibility.
**Check the NWS Honolulu’s Surf Forecast (HFO/SRF) and pick calm days over specific months.
Turtle Town Etiquette: How to Snorkel Responsibly
Seeing turtles in their natural habitat is magical—but it’s also a privilege. Following a few simple etiquette rules helps keep Maui’s marine life safe and thriving.
1. Keep a Respectful Distance
Always stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from turtles. Never chase, touch, or block their path. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a protected species under both federal and state law.
2. Don’t Feed or Disturb Them
Feeding or crowding turtles disrupts their natural behavior. Observing quietly allows them to stay relaxed—and it makes your encounter more authentic.
3. Use Mineral Sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming the ocean. Use mineral sunscreen (Maui County law). Non‑mineral formulas are banned without a prescription. Pack mineral sticks/lotions and consider UPF shirts to reduce lotion use. It’s a simple step that helps preserve the corals and seagrass that turtles depend on.
4. Be Aware of Ocean Conditions
Check ocean forecasts before snorkeling. Calm mornings are ideal, while afternoons can bring stronger winds. If you’re unsure, join a tour—Maui Snorkeling’s crew knows the best and safest times to visit Turtle Town.
5. Leave Only Bubbles
Avoid standing on coral, taking shells, or leaving trash. Everything you see underwater plays an important role in Maui’s delicate marine ecosystem.
NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256‑9840
DLNR DOCARE Enforcement: 643‑DLNR (808‑643‑3567)
Maui Snorkeling Tours: Experience Turtle Town the Best Way
The easiest and safest way to see turtles is by joining a Maui Snorkeling Tour. Our Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour runs daily and includes:
- 5-hour morning tour from 7 AM to 12 PM
- Snorkel two top spots: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, Maui
- All-inclusive experience with breakfast, lunch, and snorkel gear
- Waterslide fun for kids and adults
- Guided help from experienced crew who know where turtles hang out
Prefer a shorter trip? Try our Afternoon Coral Gardens Tour (1 PM–4 PM), another excellent way to see Maui’s coral reefs and tropical fish with fewer crowds.
What You’ll See at Turtle Town (Honu + Reef Fish)
- Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) – graceful, peaceful icons of Hawaii
- Colorful Reef Fish – butterflyfish, parrotfish, and tangs in every hue
- Coral Gardens – living structures that shelter hundreds of marine species
- Occasional Manta Rays or Monk Seals – rare but unforgettable surprises
Each visit brings new wonders. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, no two days at Turtle Town are ever the same.
Turtle Town Tips for Families and Beginners
- Arrive early for the best visibility and calmest waters.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water, towels, and a waterproof camera.
- Use flotation devices for kids or beginners.
- Listen to your guides—they’ll help your family spot turtles safely.
Every encounter here can be both fun and educational. Kids love learning how marine ecosystems work and why protecting sea turtles is so important.
Turtle Town Maui FAQs
Are there turtles at Turtle Town all year?
Yes—Maui’s honu are year‑round because they feed and rest on near‑shore reefs. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.
Is there a “baby turtle season” at Turtle Town?
No. ~96% of Hawaiian green turtles nest at French Frigate Shoals (Lalo) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Hatchlings on Maui are rare; if you see active nesting/hatching, keep away and call the (888) 256‑9840 hotline.
What time of day is best to see turtles?
Early morning on calm days—winds typically strengthen by afternoon, which can reduce visibility.
How close can I get to a turtle?
Follow the 10‑ft (3‑m) rule in Hawaiʻi—on land and in water. Never touch, chase, block, or feed.
Where exactly is Turtle Town?
“Turtle Town” is the nickname for reef areas off Maluaka Beach in Makena. Start with our Turtle Town Snorkeling guide, then use Maluaka for parking and entry details.
Summary: Best Time to Visit Turtle Town Maui
Turtle Town Maui is a place where families connect with nature, learn about ocean conservation, and make lifelong memories.
The best time to see turtles is in the morning hours all year round, when the ocean is calmest and clearest. Follow the simple etiquette above, and your family will enjoy safe, respectful encounters that leave the turtles undisturbed and the reefs thriving.
So pack your snorkel gear, bring your sense of wonder, and come meet the honu of Maui—nature’s gentle ambassadors of aloha. 🌺
Start planning your family’s amazing trip to Maui today. Get ready to be amazed by the ocean’s wonders. Remember, the best times to see marine life in Maui are waiting for you!
