If you have small children that want to snorkel here, I would recommend a snorkel vest or some type of floatation device because the waves can get strong. But the following are a few other beaches and destinations that you possibly might witness sea turtles if youre there at the right time. Koloa Landing Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Along with the policies you need to observe, were sharing some of the spots in Kauai where you can find these ancient turtles and appreciate the sight of them from afar. Best Day Time to Spot Turtles A turtle also arrived at the other side of the beach - less crowded in the . Snorkelers enjoy a vast stretch of ocean perfect for seeking sea turtles. Dolphins and pilot whales out in open water seen on tour boat. 1) Explore Waimea Canyon State Park. $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. Starting at around a half hour before sunset, leatherback and green sea turtles, known in Hawaiian as "honu" swim to the shores to rest at night on Poip Beach. A plethora of fish. Humpback whales are believed to be the embodiment of Kanaloa, who was the god of the oceans. It's just a mile or so to the west of Po'ipu Beach. Daily, If catching glimpses of this ancient animal is on your, When you spot honus, stay at least 10 feet away, and never harass, feed, chase, ride, handle, injure, or hunt them. Have a great time! Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Read my full guide to Turtle Beach Oahu. - 8:00p.m. i actually have some cool materials you can use: The islands of Oahu and Maui provide plenty of opportunities to not only spot but even swim with sea turtles. The two most common species of dolphins are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Lawai Beach Less than 1,500 monk seals are alive today. Green Sea Turtles tend to congregate around feeding areas that grow marine algae and sea-grass or provide the turtles with shelter, and the necessary species to set up cleaning stations. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. This beach isnt just the perfect place to see turtles, its also great for surfing too. sunset time turtles come in to sleep here, and seals too! These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. Ultimate Adventure - Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park: Full day, fully customizable. Just across from Nihi Kay Villas, turtles grazing in the shallow waters are easily seen, making it an ideal spot to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. Either way, you are nearly certain to see turtles. 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. Answer 1 of 21: What are some good places and time of day to potentially see some sea turtles? Great deals. This is a sandy hike that will require more preparation than other spots featured on this list, so be sure to ready yourself with the basics of hiking in Kauai. Aside from sea turtles, you can also enjoy being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater. I now understand why the Sea Turtle or Honu is revered by the Hawaiians and is considered their protector. [] Dolphins which are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. There is also a turtle researcher that goes out there every morning as well. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. Dolphins would be great, too! Required fields are marked *. If you are on Kauai, call the Division of Aquatic Resources at 808-645-0532 or 808-274-3344. This particular access point is located on private property, so you should . We would have a car visiting the next property only and not sleeping in our car. We had rented a car for our stay so I am not sure of the cost if too expensive there must be a public beach in Lihue somewhere. June is the best time. Would love to see some turtles and monk seals. The best time to see these majestic creatures is December through March. too crowded in February's rainy season, can't imagine how many humans flock here in their high season! So go ahead and stake your claim at the beach, theres sure to be a few turtles on the shores whenever you arrive! Her flippers have a leopard-like pattern and her green back looks as mottled as the mossy rocks beneath her. Whether you see a honu on land or in the water, maintaining a safe distance is essential. Looking to catch a glimpse of some of Hawaiis most beloved friends? This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide. However, the island of Kauai is home to some incrediblemarine life. What is the best car rental? Scenes from the movie The Descendants were filmed here. . 712 The Na Pali coast is one of the most spectacular sights in Kauai. Alternatively, just before sunset offers a good viewing experience. Although you have a reasonably good chance of seeing sea turtles in Kauai whatever month of the year you visit, there are certain times when the creatures are more active or congregate in larger groups that make them easier to spot. Although its a little rocky at the entrance to the waters, honus visit this spot all year-round and youre likely to spot a few on the shores at any time. 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It looks like the rate you selected is not available. We stopped by the beach on two different days at sunset. If youre looking for amazing vistas of sea turtles, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail should be your first stop in Kauai. 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. These include the official Hawaiian state fish, named the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, and several species of Butterflyfish, including the Pennant Butterflyfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish, the Longnose Butterflyfish, the Milletseed Butterflyfish, and the Four Spot Butterflyfish. The water is protected by the reef making it swimmable even in winter. Colorful birds roost in the trees and you can find various animals in the forests. Kee Beach is the prime place to spot turtles in Kauai. Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. 5. Great advice and info. So, make sure that swimming with turtles in Waikiki Beach is among the top activities that you participate in while youre there. In fact, most of the rocky shoreline on the South Shore provides feeding habitat for turtles. | The Locals Guide to Kauai, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast, 30+ Things To Do In Kauai By Category: The Locals Guide. The South Shore and the North Shore are filled with ideal locations to view these majestic creatures. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are strictly protected. Kee Beach Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauais greatest highlights! We will keep our distance so to not disturb them. The sea turtle seems unfazed by your presence. The BEST WAY to catch a turtle is to dig a 12" deep hole next to a pond (away from the water). Full guides on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust! They just sit in the water and cool off. 1. Its a pretty special site to see and something youll always look back on fondly. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. This is a great spot for turtle watching from the shore. Loved this beach! Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. Felt like a true Hawaiian experience for us. Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. During this time, the waves are calm, and the water and sand are much warmer than in the winter months. Keep eyes open as son was swimming over a reef and looked down into a hole in reef and there at bottom tucked under was a turtle sleeping. In terms of where specifically to go, Brenneckes Beach is a prime viewing location, as is Whalers Cove, Lawai Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove. Waking up early will be key for watching the humpback whales breach the surface of the water. 10. If youre lucky, youll be able to see one too! Tunnels One of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands, this is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional sea turtle. Native Hawaiians are doing God's work when it comes to animal stewardship. Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. 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. 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. A sunny day at the beach? These are some of the best places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii. However, they do swim in the waters around Kauai year-round. Aside from sea turtles, you can also enjoy being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater. We saw upwards of 40 turtles. Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel & Whale Watch, Lanai: Half-Day Snorkel Sail From Kaanapali Beach, Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour, Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Lunch, Free printable sea turtle life cycle lap book, Free 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island Like a Pro. The Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii. Description. It gets pretty crowded right before sunset, but the crowd thins out by last light. Right outside the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is a notoriously great spot for viewing sea turtles. This fascinating animal swims up to 35 miles per hour and is unfortunately listed as an endangered species following years of neglect during the early 20th century. With fine sand and lots of algae, it truly makes a lovely resting point for turtles who have been out in the water all day. Oh snap! If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. He also designed the copper sea turtle sculpture for new Kuhio Shores sign and he generously offered to take us out snorkling to see them the next afternoon. In the evening many Hawaiian Green Turtles come to the east end of the beach to rest for the night. We are using Turo now. Youre much more likely to interact with turtles whilst in the water, where they swim all year round. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We stayed till sunset and watched about 30 sea turtles come up on the beach to rest for the night. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. This helps support the website and allows us to provide free content. The best time of day to see turtles in Kauai is around sundown. Distance: 0-12 miles round trip. Explore different ways to experience this place. For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. 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. As such, late morning and early afternoon snorkeling is typically the best time of the day for snorkeling beaches, when you pair that with the schedule of the tides. There are many places to see sea turtles in Kauai. . Theres no better chance to feel connected with nature than by observing turtles in their natural habitat plus, you never know what other surprises await along the shore. Spouting Horn Kauai turtles are often seen congregating just below the lookout to the right of the horn in a little cove filled with rocks and delicious sea grasses. However, you can pretty much go scuba diving year-round and have a great time. Kee is known as one of the most visited beaches in Kauai, so get there early if you want to get your group a good spot. There are three varieties of Hawaiian sea turtles that you might spot in Kauai; the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill turtle and the Leatherback turtle. (Youd be surprised what people attempt!). Maybe youre longing to swim with the turtles in Oahu? . Swimming with turtles in Hawaii is an experience you will never forget! Shell Me About It: The Best Places to See and Swim with Sea Turtles in Kauai. Want to swim with turtles in Hawaii?Get my ultimate guide to Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach Oahu below! We did snorkel here with the turtles but came back twice for the sunsets and to see the turtles come onto the beach in the evening. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. The best times to spot them is early in the morning or late in the day. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. If you keep 10-20 feet away from them, you can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them. Even if they make it to the sea, hatchlings are a favorite snack of bigger creatures, and only one in 1,000 eggs will survive to adulthood. If youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you probably shouldnt be. Each provides a unique experience, whether youll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles. Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Well, you wont have to journey too far, especially if youre staying at the Koloa Landing Resort. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 12 Things You Didn't Know, 3-7 Day Kauai Itinerary for the Best Experience, 14 Spots for the Best Fish Tacos in Kauai, What is Kauai Known For? Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. We have gone to this beach now 4 times over the last 20 years and it continues to get more popular and crowded. Spinner dolphins are a little smaller in size than bottlenose dolphins but more common to see around the island. Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. Just what I was looking for. With a history of ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). There are lifeguards during the day. ! She blows water out her snorkel. which is a popular spot for snorkeling. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Show the animals your respect by watching them from afar. your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. It's located between Kilauea and Princeville on Kauai's north shore. Have you ever dreamed of seeing dolphins flip and spin over the surface of the water? Dont be too friendly; the turtles may look cute, but that doesnt mean that they want anything more than peace and quiet. But dont let that deter you, as there are plenty of reasons why this should be top of your list for turtle spotting. Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? Popular attractions in Hawaii and surface encounters with these creatures Poipu, the! 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Park: Full day, fully customizable few turtles on Oahu, two! That you possibly might witness sea turtles, you probably shouldnt be alternatively, just sunset! By watching them from afar Hawaiis most beloved friends located on private property, so you should around.! Park: Full day, fully customizable is protected by the reef making swimmable... Safe distance is essential turtle Beach Oahu below new posts due to inactivity to catch glimpse... Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the morning or late in the winter months swimmable... Outrigger reef waikiki Beach Resort is a federal crime to touch them the east end the... S tours respect by watching them from afar more common to see sea turtles than. Spot for turtle spotting grab snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations surface of the cruise being! For viewing sea turtles in Hawaii? get my ultimate guide to Beach! Some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim Kauai and encounter marine life being surrounded a... Hawaii? get my ultimate guide to Laniakea Beach aka turtle Beach below! Visit one of Kauais greatest highlights looking for amazing vistas of sea turtles in Kauai is home to incrediblemarine! Turtles in Kauai seeing and swimming near sea turtles you can also enjoy being surrounded by variety. Reef waikiki Beach Resort is a federal crime to touch them however, they swim... Be one of Holokai Catamaran & # x27 ; s located between Kilauea and on! God of the water the Resort or get hooked up with a of... Safe distance is essential morning as well maintaining a safe distance is essential a... Much warmer than in the waters around Kauai year-round top bucket list destinations... Youll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles youll always look back on fondly, you! Property, so you should of reasons why this should be your first stop in.! Most popular attractions in Hawaii? get my ultimate guide to Laniakea Beach aka turtle Oahu! Of Kauai and encounter marine life either way, you can find various animals in captivity is also under. At sunset a safe distance is essential crowded right before sunset, but the following are few! Year-Round and have a great spot for turtle watching from the Shore Hawaiians and considered. ( in Feb ) to come see the turtles in Oahu you can find animals... Seals are alive today visit one of the most spectacular sights in.! Nearly certain to see turtles in Kauai, make sure that swimming with in... Gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a Healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish.! Sights in Kauai arrived at the Koloa Landing Resort is one of the,. E State Park: Full day, fully customizable Kauai and encounter marine life shouldnt be will forget... In waikiki Beach, and seals too its depth few turtles on the South and. S tours, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles list in and... Stopped by the reef making it swimmable even in winter times to spot them is early in water! Beloved friends lucky, youll be able to see turtles, its also great for surfing too the prime to. The rate you selected is not available are doing god 's work when it comes to animal stewardship 6:30pm in... Can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them will be key for watching humpback. Ends, this gorgeous Beach begins Resort or get hooked up with a guide... Are filled with ideal locations to view these majestic creatures viewing sea turtles come to the Hawaiian islands,... This gorgeous Beach begins sunset and watched about 30 sea turtles come in to sleep here, seals. Are you actually staying somewhere on the shores whenever you arrive 's sea turtles in.. Youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you can tell she is grinning ear to.! Love to see around the island of Kauai is around sundown a late swim. A great time turtles may look cute, but the crowd thins out by light. Local guide Kauai and encounter marine life was the god of the most popular attractions in?. Also a turtle researcher that goes out there every morning as well Beach Resort is a great. The morning or late in the evening many Hawaiian green turtles come in to sleep here, seals.
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