Honokeana Bay (West Maui) Located just south of Napili Bay, this spot is known for one thing: the overwhelming number of turtles you can find in the water. These are the most common sea turtles in the area, and they can be spotted around the beaches and shores of Kauai. However, these areas are extremely dangerous for snorkeling and swimming. Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. too crowded in February's rainy season, can't imagine how many humans flock here in their high season! We saw tons of turtles around queen's bath in Princeville and had a seal lumber up the beach for a nap while we were snorkeling at Tunnels. 4. Stay to the left for the best snorkeling. Right across Poipu Beach Park, youll find. You dip your face mask under the water and see your daughter, some 15 feet away, waving you over like mad, stirring up bubbles all around her. 1. Scuba equipment available across the street from the park. Heres a brief glimpse at some of the best places to view sea turtles, as well as the best places to swim with turtles in Maui. What's the best way to see Poipu Beach Park? good parking across from the beach that is usually full but we got lucky daily. The best time time of day for spotting sea turtles at Laniakea is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., although they may be spotted other times of day, such as just before sunset. Turtles are a sea creature that is synonymous with Hawaiian islands. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. So don your flippers, grab your gear from the resort and jump into the crystal-clear water! Kuhio Shores Though a little rocky at the entrance to the water, the bay just east of Kuhio Shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out. Please be respectful and keep a safe distance. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. Contact our on-island hosts to start planning your dream vacation. Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? The other two sea turtles you may be able to see around Kauai, the Hawksbill and the Leatherback, are both endangered. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Kauai is home to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii, and many of the island's beaches are located near popular hikes. There are plenty of amazing places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii, but Id like to focus on two islands in particular. (Youd be surprised what people attempt!). The best times to spot them is early in the morning or late in the day. Hours: 8:00a.m. The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Check out the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. The species tend to hunt for food more between midday and later afternoon, so if youre planning a trip to spot Kauai sea turtles, later in the day is the best time. Also, are there beach chair rentals? Anini Sea turtles often swim close to shore, sometimes popping up their heads to check out the scene right there in the shallows. The protected species thrive in the tropical waters that surround locations like Kauai and lay their eggs in the sand along the coastlines beaches, meaning that spotting a sea turtle is high on many visitors bucket lists when they come to visit. Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but in modern times their count has dropped dramatically. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Dolphins and pilot whales out in open water seen on tour boat. the best place to see sea turtles in Kauai? The water was shallow which made for some challenges. Click here to Learn more about snorkeling tours, Click here to Learn more about sunset tours, Click here to Learn more about whale watching tours, Click here to Learn more about raft tours, Click here to Learn more about private charters, Click here to Learn more about collaborate, Click here to Learn more about captains blog, Click here to Learn more about employment, Click here to call Toll Free: +1 (800) 733-7997, Click here to email info@kauaiseatours.com, Click here to view location 4353 Waialo Road Table of Contents. 1. It has bathrooms, lifeguards, and is right across the street from shopping/food/shave ice. We have been there many times and have not seen signs with hours. Summer months are ideal though; with warm weather and calmer ocean conditions, youve got yourself a higher chance of making some turtle friends while playing splish splash in the watery paradise. Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. Youre guaranteed to come across turtles in Oahu as you visit its northern shores where theyll be swimming in their natural habitat. Tunnels Beach is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional wandering honus. The best time to visit Kauai. The scenery here is amazing and youre sure to spot many sea turtles from a distance. She is hovering there, mostly still. Then youre looking for bottlenose dolphins, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics. Mahalo! 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. The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. Weve rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the best times of year to see them. Get in touch with our team to find out more and start planning your dream vacation. Sea turtles are my passion. Given its name Turtle Cove, this was once considered the best place to see turtles in Kauai. Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour 40 Recommended Full-day Tours from $850.00 per group (up to 6) Kauai Snorkeling Adventure 27 from $131.04 per adult Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour Adventure Tours from $9.99 per group (up to 15) Waimea Canyon Private Tour with Local Guide Bus Tours from $856.56 While you will see some fish here and even some sea turtles, the Lawai Beach area has many more fish to see when snorkeling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575321', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai last January we saw monk seals daily on Poipu beach and Shipwreck beach on the south shore. There are three species of sea turtles native to the Hawaiian Islands: the Green, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback. 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. Private snorkeling tours are also available and theyll even allow you to come up with your own itinerary. Paradise. We are going mid-May, hows that time? Never try to feed or entice a sea turtle. Poipu Beach Great for kids because even waders can spot sea turtles hanging in the reef shallows while snorkelers can see them swimming in the clearer depths. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. Native Hawaiians are doing God's work when it comes to animal stewardship. This is the period that will give you the quintessential Kauai/Hawaii experience as the temperatures are moderate (upper 70s to low 80s), the greenery is lush and dense, and the weather is sunny with little rainfall. If catching glimpses of this ancient animal is on your Hawaii vacation to-do list, there are specific rules to keep in mind due to their rarity. You should be able to find the turtles at a safe distance of 10 to 15 feet away. Waking up early will be key for watching the humpback whales breach the surface of the water. With our help, your dreams will soon come true! Snorkellers are also likely to encounter honus while swimming in clear depths. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. These creatures spend the majority of their lives in water, especially the males, so your chances of spotting one increase when you are also at sea. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Fines can set you back $100,000. Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. The sea turtle seems unfazed by your presence. A day of fun and excitement as we journey to the N Pali Coast on board Imiloa, our 40-foot Express Catamaran. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. Best Place to Snorkel on Kauais South Shore. If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded, injured or in distress, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the, Use a sunscreen that is friendly to marine life and reefs. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. Go to Poipu Beach for the beautiful sunset, then 20-30 minutes after sunset the turtles come out of the water and crawl up on the beach to sleep for the night. By philipsshane. Considered one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii for seeing turtles, Kholo Bay is famed for its dark rocks and jewel-colored tide pools, and the sea turtles that frequent here love to bask on its smooth lava rocks. Waking up early will be key for watching the humpback whales breach the surface of the water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The best time to spot sea turtles is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Here are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Hawaii: Always keep a safe distance. Not only does this sandy path provide breathtaking views, but it also comes with a bit of a workout i.e., more effort than just strolling along the beach! 10. 5) Sink Into The Sand At Shipwreck Beach. Every time we went to Tunnels we saw both turtles and monk seals. Are there any places that sell shave ice within walking distance from poiou beach? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. It was my first time snorkeling so I can't compare it to anywhere else, but a sea turtle swam right in front of me, and there were so many fish and sea urchins to look at it. Just leave lots of space for sea turtles when you see them in Hawaii. The Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii. Given its name. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. However, they do swim in the waters around Kauai year-round. This is a heritage hike in Kauai which leads to a viewpoint of a remote beach. 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. Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. Humpback whales are believed to be the embodiment of Kanaloa, who was the god of the oceans. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. The best time to see these majestic creatures is December through March. Turtles prefer calmer water conditions, so the summer months in Kauai are the best time of year to spot them when the weather is warm and the ocean is relatively flat. Pass the beach and the resort and park along the side of the road. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Read my full guide to Turtle Beach Oahu. Here are some guidelines to help keep them safe for future generations to love on: The concierge team at Koloa Landing Resort is ready to help steer you toward all the best places to see sea turtles in Kauai. Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. What is Travelers Choice Best of the Best? Weighing up to 400 pounds, the Green Sea Turtle possesses unique habits that set it apart from the other two species of sea turtle seen in the warm Kauai waters. Get ready for a morning unlike any other! Maui has several turtle tours that you can choose from that are also worth mentioning. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauais greatest highlights! 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. There is a turtle group that keeps watch over the turtles from sundown until sun up in shifts to protect the turtles from poachers and evil people who would try to harm these magnificent creatures. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. To report a marine mammal in trouble, call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline: 1-888-256-9840. Just what I was looking for. She points, and there, just beyond the rocks, floats a peaceful, gentle. 712 The Na Pali coast is one of the most spectacular sights in Kauai. In Adventure, Things To Do: Makana Charters Blog by Makana ChartersApril 9, 2021Leave a Comment. Its one of many amazing North Shore beaches. 1) Explore Waimea Canyon State Park. 6) Bask In Breathtaking Sunsets At Ke'e Beach. Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but their count has dropped dramatically due to overharvesting. . They have really sharp beaks an strong jams so their bites can case severe brusing and even break bones. 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. ! She blows water out her snorkel. We saw as many as 16. Perhaps youre looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? To truly get away from the hustle and bustle, take this path and gaze upon the iconic green honu munching on ocean snacks and sunning themselves in the rays. If youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you probably shouldnt be. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and going on a boat tour are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. Visiting Anini Beach means making an appointment with nature how cool is that? Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. Below are the best spots for seeing turtles in Kauai on the north and south shores of the island. Kauai is known for much more than just its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings, but also of course for the wildlife and marine life which calls the island and its surrounding waters home. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? DON'T FORGET THE GO PRO.. Definitely have the camera's ready . This beach is loved by locals and tourists alike for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views. You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. There are many places to see sea turtles in Kauai. If you love sea turtles, this is the place to be! Would love to see some turtles and monk seals. In Kauai, honu can often be seen swimming in the surf, hanging around the rocky shores and even napping on the beaches. Current research shows that the green turtle population has increased significantly since these federal laws began. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. Did you see that? I now understand why the Sea Turtle or Honu is revered by the Hawaiians and is considered their protector. !Its like the VRBO of cars. Who doesnt love turtles? You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. 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. If you keep 10-20 feet away from them, you can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them. The best time to see turtles on Laniakea Beach is from May to September. 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