5 Must-See Spots for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Encounters

Maui has beautiful beaches and clear waters. It’s a paradise for sun-seekers, surfers, and snorkelers. It’s also a safe place for one of the ocean’s most amazing creatures: Hawaiian Sea Turtles. This blog will focus on Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as “Honu.” These ancient animals are respected in Hawaiian culture for their wisdom and long lives. They provide a unique wildlife experience for visitors to the Hawaiian Islands.

This guide takes you through Hawaiian green sea turtle facts and the top 5 spots in Maui where these gentle reptiles grace the waters and shores, providing tips for respectful wildlife viewing along the way.

Did You Know? Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Facts

Among the seven types of sea turtles in the world, Honu are known for their large size. Adults can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. This makes them the largest hard-shelled sea turtles on the planet. The life span of a Hawaiian green sea turtle is 60-70 years, while not reaching maturity until 25-35 years!

The name “Honu” for the Hawaiian green sea turtle does not come from the colors of its shell. Its shell can be brown, grey, black, or dark olive. Instead, it refers to the greenish color of the turtle’s subcutaneous fat, located just beneath its skin. What do Hawaiian green sea turtles eat, you might ask? In adulthood, these turtles predominantly feed on algae that grow on lava rocks and seagrasses. This diet is responsible for the green hue of their internal fat layer.

Hawaiian green sea turtles have lungs that are two-thirds the length of their shell. This helps them dive deep underwater for a long time. The dives can last several hours, depending on the turtle’s size. The longest recorded dive lasted up to five hours, showing great water endurance!

Female green sea turtles do not have a specific breeding season. They come ashore to nest and lay eggs about every two weeks. After nesting, the eggs incubate for six to nine weeks before hatching.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle’s journey connects with conservation efforts. They are a protected under U.S. law and are recognized as an endangered species. Strict rules protect them from harm or harassment, including bans on physical contact, whether in the ocean or on the warm sand.

Hawaii is committed to protecting its environment. This has led to great results, especially in the growing population of the Hawaiian green sea turtle. This revival is a testament to the effective combination of cultural devotion and environmental conservation efforts.

Top 5 Places to See Hawaiian Sea Turtles

1. Turtle Town: (Maluaka Beach)

Nestled between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach, Turtle Town is famously associated with Maluaka Beach. This snorkeler’s paradise is full of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The underwater volcanic formations attract these amazing creatures. The calm, blue waters invite visitors of all ages to dive in. They can discover an underwater world full of colorful marine life. This includes tropical fish, coral, and the stars of the show: the peaceful Hawaiian green sea turtles.

The waters in Turtle Town are known for their clarity and calmness, making it suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels. Visibility is generally good, allowing for excellent views of the underwater ecosystem. Turtles can be seen all year, but the best time to visit Turtle Town for snorkeling is in the morning. The waters are calmer then, and visibility is better. It’s also less crowded, providing a more intimate experience with marine life.

Read more about Turtle Town!

2. Black Rock Beach

At the north end of Ka’anapali Beach lies Black Rock Beach, a hotspot for snorkeling, cliff diving, and turtle watching. Early mornings are magical, as the beach is quieter, and the turtles are often seen gliding through the water. Remember, the early bird catches the unforgettable sight of the Honu in their natural habitat.

The beach is divided by a large lava rock formation, which is a hub for marine life, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Visitors often explore the southern side of the rock due to its easy access and the abundance of fish and coral in the area. The open ocean side of Black Rock has even better underwater views. You can see bright coral, colorful fish, and Hawaiian sea turtles. It’s best to swim here only when the ocean is calm. Strong currents and surges can be dangerous.

3. Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach is perfect for beginners and families. It’s located in the Wailea resort area on Maui’s south shore. The beach has calm waters and rocky areas home to sea turtles. This beach is popular because it’s easy to get to. Many people love to see Hawaiian green sea turtles there, making it a favorite place for locals and tourists.

Mornings at Ulua Beach are great for snorkeling. The water is calm, and visibility is high. In the afternoon, the winds pick up, making the ocean choppy and harder to see. The beach’s right (north) side by the rocky outcrop is known for great snorkeling. Snorkelers can see colorful corals and fish there. Even though it’s popular, you should arrive early. The parking lot fills up fast, especially in peak season.

4. Coral Gardens

Coral Gardens is on the west side of Maui. It’s near the Pali Highway Mountain Pass coastline, before Olowalu. This spot is known as one of the best places for snorkeling in Maui. This natural reef is located in a safe bay known for its clear waters and rich marine life. The beautiful coral formations make it a top spot for snorkeling. Coral Gardens is sheltered from wind and rough seas by nearby cliffs. This makes it an excellent place for beginner and intermediate snorkelers to explore underwater wonders in calm waters.

The area is mainly known for its diverse array of colorful tropical fish and frequent sightings of sea turtles. Turtles are often seen feeding near the shore, making Coral Gardens a great place for snorkelers. They can hope to see these amazing creatures in their natural home. It’s important to remember that you can swim with the turtles, but you cannot touch them. This rule helps protect their natural environment and well-being.

If you want to visit, the best way to get to Coral Gardens is by boat. This is because of its location and the shelter it provides from Maui’s coastal winds. The experience is often called breathtaking. Visibility can reach up to 40 feet. This lets snorkelers enjoy the underwater beauty of this Maui gem fully.

Read more about Coral Gardens!

5. Hanakao’o Park

Away from busy tourist areas, Hanakao’o Park is located on the southern edge of Ka’anapali Beach. This park on Maui’s west shore provides a peaceful place to see sea turtles and migrating whales during the season. Its location away from the more popular Black Rock Beach means fewer crowds and more turtles, especially before noon.

Hanaka’o’o Park has many water sports options. You can swim, snorkel, or rent canoes and paddleboards at the clubhouse. The picturesque setting serves as an ideal backdrop for those looking to relax on the beach or capture stunning sunset photos.

See Honu on Maui Snorkeling Boat Tours

Our Maui Snorkeling Tours’ main snorkel site is the famous Molokini Crater. However, our trips also go to Turtle Town and Coral Gardens. These additional spots are renowned for their abundant Maui sea turtles, offering a broader scope of marine life observation.

Our all-inclusive tours include a 5-hour morning trip to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town or Coral Gardens. Depending on the weather, we also offer a 3-hour afternoon journey to Molokini Crater. These snorkeling experiences are for people of all ages and skill levels. There is special pricing for Kama’aina (local residents). Children under the age of 4 join for free, underlining our commitment to family-friendly adventures.

Each Maui Snorkeling Tour Package is designed for your comfort. It includes meals, snacks, and drinks like coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks. For your snorkeling experience, you’re equipped with top-notch gear, including snorkels, fins, optical masks, and flotation belts. Added fun elements like boogie boards, a 25-foot water slide, and swimming noodles ensure never dull moments. Get ready to dive into the best that Maui offers and secure your spot on one of our snorkeling tours today!

Conserving the Beauty: A Note on Respect and Protection

The enchantment of encountering green sea turtles in their natural habitat comes with a responsibility. These creatures are protected by state and federal laws. It’s important to keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. When snorkeling or observing turtles, always remember that we are guests in their home.

Embarking on Your Hawaiian Sea Turtles Adventure

Maui’s shores and waters offer unparalleled opportunities to witness the beauty of green sea turtles. You can see turtles resting at Hanakao’o Park. Whether you are on a Maui Snorkeling Boat Tour or snorkeling in the clear waters of Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, this is true. Each experience shows the island’s strong bond with marine life.

As you plan your trip, remember that Maui is a great destination. It attracts beach lovers and fans of the Hawaiian green sea turtles, which are ancient ocean creatures. Visiting the top five places in Maui to see sea turtles is more than just a vacation plan. It’s a tribute to the beauty of nature and the stories connected to these marine animals. Be on the lookout for these graceful creatures in the beautiful Hawaiian waters.