So always be aware of how close you are and make sure never to disturb them. After hatching, the turtles are kept in a tank until they are healthy enough to be released into the sea. 3) Entry Only: If youre a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Tripping is the world's largest search engine for vacation rentals. YELLOWSTONE WY If you want to experience this incredible sight, summer is the most active turtle nesting and hatching season. They also release a small batch of tickets the day before. 7 Best Turtle-Watching Beaches in Hawaii | Outrigger The five-star resort's beachfront is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, so the hotel offers two excursions for sea turtle seekers from June through August. If you aren't wanting to get in the water, you can stand and spot . Seeing a turtle in the wild (an aquarium doesnt count!) Maui Turtles - Where to see Maui's Sea Turtles & keep distance! Kalepolepo Fishpond is also referred to as it's older name Ko'ie'ie- meaning rapid current. Went back twice and the second time, saw 30-40 turtles on the beach. kihei napili This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Parking: There are large parking lots at both Ho'okipa Beach Park and Ho'okipa Lookout Public Bathrooms? While the Green turtle and the Hawksbill are seen the most commonly on the beaches and while snorkeling or diving, the other three are rather elusive. Hookipa, on the north shore, is one of their rare resting grounds and turtles show up here like clock work every afternoon. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window). wailuku (That I could see.). The kite boarders/windsurfers put on a great show! Facilities: bathrooms, showers, picnic tables. Ho'okipa Beach (Maui): The Ultimate 2023 Guide - We Dream of Turtle Town -Maluaka Beach. Look for turtle tracks, nesting mothers, and hatchlings on a guided Sea Turtle Education and Night Walk, or register for a Sea Turtle Dawn Patrol for a private morning patrol of the beach to search for turtle . There are two ways to get to Turtle Town: By Boat Turtle Town is close to shore, but still a little farther out than I'm personally comfortable swimming (especially alone) so my favorite way to go is by boat. Ive seen hundreds of them and it is no less special every time. Sorry, we were there only brieflyjust to see the green sea turtles so I did not use any of their restrooms or bathroom facilities. Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Its $5/person to enter plus $10/vehicle to park and those fees are paid when you book your time slot. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person. Wrong! 1 bedroom, Cottage Pretty beach that would likely be nice during the dry season. I visited Hookipa Beach twice, one time was right before sunset and the other time was late morning. Sea turtles have a life expectancy of 80-100 years, making them some of the longest-living creatures in the ocean. 12+ Spots You're Guaranteed to Find Sea Turtles on Maui Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours). This beach has bathroom facilities too. Its not as well known as Hookipa, but the water is usually calmer and there are a ton of turtles. Heres one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip, Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip. On all three beaches, you will find parking lots, showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards. In short, show the turtles respect! "Hatching and moving to the sea all at the same time help the little critters overwhelm waiting predators, which include sea birds, foxes, raccoons, and wild dogs.". Im there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share! This article was written by Cathy Trainor. Best places to view sea turtles on Maui There might already be a barrier set up at Hookipa Beach to let you know to not get any closer than that. hana Turtle Beach is slightly along the Hana Highway from the popular North Shore surfers town of Paia. Experience surfers are fun to watch as well with the huge waves. Maui is renowned for the chance to spot the sea turtle in its natural habitat, and there are few places better than at turtle beach. The habits of the turtles, combined with their favorite Maui beach spots, are indicative of where they're more likely to pop up. (you need a RSVP for the fish house, likely weeks in advance). wildlife@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-mauihacks_com-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mauihacks_com-banner-2','ezslot_1',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mauihacks_com-banner-2-0');report this ad, Copyright 2023 Mauihacks |Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclaimer: Your support helps keep the site running! Its not Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. Take a guided sea turtle walk with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a 20.5-mile stretch of beach designated to protect the world's most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting and North America's most significant area for green turtle nesting. snorkeling and when? During my travels to the Hawaiian Islands, I have only sighted one Hawksbill swimming in the tropical waters between Kihei and Molokini Crater. Go snorkeling during the calm mornings or catch a good wave for boogie boarding in the windy afternoons. You can often see Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles on the beaches of mainland Puerto Rico. Well, if you want the sun totally behind you I would get there between 10am and 1pm. These are my 5 favorites! There are bathrooms, showers, and port-a-potties within walking distance. Why are there people coming out of the beach right where the turtles enter the water. Probably best to skip that parking and go to the larger parking down below. That said, they are wildlife (wild marine life) so they do what they want! Hookipa Beach (Best beach to see turtles in Maui) If you spot groups of people at one end of Hookipa Beach, then expect a good sea turtle sighting. Its not necessarily unsafe and a lot of people snorkel in this area on their own, but I would recommend staying a little closer to shore than you see the people snorkeling on the boats maybe unless you have a paddleboard. Want flexible cancellation terms? Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (Oahu): Everybody loves Jurassic Park so getting to ride UTVs where they filmed the movies is very popular. Tucked into a curve of the coast just south from Napili Bay, Honokeana Bay is often missed by tourists to Maui. Explore the map. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes 6:20AM to 6:40PM. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Stay several feet away, and dont touch a turtle under any circumstances! Top ways to experience Ho'okipa Beach Park See all Recommended Tours & Sightseeing Transfers & Ground Transport Walking & Biking Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup 1,158 Recommended Full-day Tours from food trucks Swimming is acceptable at Hookipa, but swimmers tend to stick to the shallows. WIND CAVE SD Entry times are staggered in 10 minute increments from 7AM to 1:20PM with roughly 1000 slots being assigned in advance every day. transportation From Ka'anapali Beach: West Maui Half-Day Snorkel Adventure Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video E-Scooter Snorkel With Photo and Video At Turtle Town If you enjoy slipping under the waves, Maui is an ideal destination for a snorkeling tour. Is it toddler friendly? There has even been a case where a tourist was fined $1,500 for not respecting marine life that included a turtle. Hookipa Beach and Hookipa Lookout both have parking, and I suppose its really not that big of a deal which one you choose. Head to Cape Range National Park if you want to watch the sea turtles hatch at night. Awesome beach!!! 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779. Maui's Turtle Beach: 8 Tried-and-True Spots for Sea Turtle Sightings In The park posts updates on the current nesting season and projected release dates on its website. As youre facing the ocean, this will be off to the right. Hookipa on the North Shore is the home of Maui windsurfing. If youre unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. INFO & SERVICES Nearest Town: Paia and Haiku (two of the Top 10 best towns in Maui to visit !) Ho'okipa Beach. poke And there is a local sea lion that inhabits the beach as well near the lifeguard surf shack. The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. $3/vehicle. Sun, surf and turtles. The beach access is actually a few hundred feet past the parking lot. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer. Inside this ancient volcanic caldera that rises up out of the sea, you might also find manta rays, sea urchins, eels, or even a harmless shark. It probably doesnt matter too much whether you start off at the beach or the lookout, but I started at the lookout! The most well-known turtle in Maui might be the Green turtle, but there are many species that live on this island's coastline. and ending at 6PM. After incubating for around 60 days, the hatchlings emerge, following reflections of light to make it to water. Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest more at Padre Island National Seashore than they do anywhere else in the country, making it a great place to catch a sea turtle hatchling release. PICTURED ROCKS MI The Honu are exceptionally good at camouflaging themselves among the smaller boulders on the shore. Hookipa Beach is a popular beach thats located near Paia town on Maui. 18 Best Beaches in Maui - Black Sand, Hidden Coves, & More! Sea turtles hatch at sunrise at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Theyre seriously the only company I ever use. Touching the turtles is not allowed, and can result in a fairly hefty fine. culture This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are turtles at Turtle Beach a lot of the time. Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, a national park on the beautiful Playa Grande near the city of Tamarindo in Costa Rica, is an important place for leatherback turtles, which can be seen at this location year-round. Turtle Beach is slightly along the Hana Highway from the popular North Shore surfers town of Paia. Throughout the day, you have a fairly good chance of spotting a sea turtle at Turtle Beach, but the best time is at dusk. Best Spots for Sea Turtles on Maui. A quick stop at Turtle Beach will take up little of your time, but is sure to make you smile. Either way, there are a few places on Maui Sea Turtles from shore! These are normally found sunbathing at the far end of Hookipa, across from Turtle Beach. Snorkeling in Maui is Amazing See Turtles in Maui While Scuba Diving Don't forget to check out our video at the bottom of the post to see these reefs in action! This guide covers all you need to know about spotting the Hawaiian sea turtle, otherwise known as the Honu, from Turtle Beach at Hookipa. Paia town on the North Shore is known for attracting the windsurfers and surfers who flock to Hookipa beach. These rocky outcrops also attract the turtles, as does the coral thats tucked close to the shore. All rights reserved. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD It is also said to be one of the best beaches on Maui. Big and variable! There is also a turtle town in Maui, and thats where youll want to go if you want a chance to SWIM with turtles! WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Theyre wild animals, after all! FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Top ways to experience Ho'okipa Beach Park, Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup, Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour from Maui, Hawaii, Famous Road to Hana Waterfalls & Lunch by Mercedes Van, Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour, Shaka Guide Maui "Classic" Road to Hana Audio Driving Tour, Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour, Maui Tour : Road to Hana Day Trip from Kahului, Famous Road to Hana Mercedes van with Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Lunch, Road to Hana Adventure Tour w/ Breakfast and Lunch, Road to Hana Full-Circle Tour in REVERSE - a Private Jeep Tour, Maui Shore Excursion : Road to Hana Tour from Lahaina, Private Tour: Road To Hana Tour from Kahului, Lahaina Shore Excursion: Tropics of Maui & Rainforest Valley, Day Trip from Oahu to Maui: Hana Adventure, Maui Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Including Road to Hana. The beach is very nice. Keawakapu Beach (South Maui) 4. EVERGLADES FL Besides the state and national parks above, heres a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if theyre on your radar): Mamas Fish House (Maui): The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and theyve been opening reservations (and selling out) 4-6 months in advance. When is the best time to see turtles in Maui at Hookipa Beach? Keawakapu Beach 6. The 9 best beaches in Maui - Lonely Planet Best beach to find turtles near Kaanapali - Maui Forum When there are only one or two turtles about, they can be tough to differentiate from the rocks. Turtle Town. But the turtles dont care about that, and theyre frequent visitors to 5 Caves. 10 guests The beach itself is picturesque with long stretches of golden sand and swaying palm trees, which is why it's often considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui. On a good day, the waters of Honokeana Bay are teeming with honu. Youll want to snorkel along the rocks to the north of the sandy beach. The idyllic island of Maui has a reputation for being the best place in Hawaii to snorkel, which means marine life encounters are common. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS 4 bedrooms, Apartment kula kaanapali You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. Those who visit the island to go snorkeling and scuba diving are practically guaranteed to run into them, and it's one of the allures of participating in such an activity. The leatherback turtles nest between October and March, and visiting at this time gives you a unique chance to see turtles that just hatched making their way to the water. Thats a different spot on a different part of the island, and that is more so about having a greater chance to swim with turtles as you are snorkeling. It was a little in need of repair, but you can tell it gets heavy use. The Best Places To See Turtles In Maui (2022 Guide) - Flannels or Flip Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! Next: There's A Reason Food In Hawaii Is So Expensive, Here's How To Budget While You're There, Lianna boarded a plane by herself for the first time at the tender age of 12 to traverse nearly 9,000 miles halfway across the world. To hike to the top of Waikikis famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here. With over 12 MILLION vacation homes and short-term rentals on Tripping, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay. GRAND TETON WY SOUTH DAKOTA info Furthermore, it is very far from other Philippine islands and in fact closer to Malaysia; however, it is worth the trip for the beautiful turtle sightings all year round, particularly in July. The summit is spectacular during the day and you dont need reservations for sunset. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Maluaka Beach is easily one of Maui's best-kept secrets and certainly a hidden gem for snorkeling. Hidden down a dirt road behind the Kahului Airport (OGG) is a tropical paradise known as VOR Beach. The Best Places To Swim With Turtles On Maui (+ Bonus Tips To See Should You Drive the Backside of the Road to Hana? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The view at Maluaka Beach. Here are the 10 best places to see sea turtles on Maui. Although the exact location of 'Turtle Beach' may vary depending on who you ask, most are referring to Maluaka Beach in South Maui. shave ice (Speak softly, keep dogs away, turn your camera flash off.). But even aside from snorkeling and swimming with turtles, Maluaka Beach can be a good beach for hanging out at. Maluaka is the best place to snorkel in the area and has a high population of Hawaiian Green sea turtles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kapalua Bay is a real gem of West Maui, a beach with sparkling clear seas and soft sands. But walking down, you can consider it a nice coastal walk!). The Best Beaches in Maui for Sunbathing, Snorkeling, and - Travel You can purchase multiple time slots if you want to stay longer. WYOMING Where To See Turtles in Maui | Sail Maui Law enforcement can be serious about people disturbing marine life in Hawaii. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.