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So go ahead and stake your claim at the beach, theres sure to be a few turtles on the shores whenever you arrive! Some of the most popular places include the Poipu Beach Park, the Maha'ulepu Beach, and the Turtle Canyon. Mahaulepu This remote, more sparsely populated beach at the end of the Heritage hike offers twinkling blue waters ideal for snorkeling with sea turtles. Dont Quit your Daydream: 5 Classic Hawaiian Drinks We Love, Stay on the Sunny Side: Why Kauais South Shore Rocks, A Match Made in Paradise: Pupus and Sunsets, Weather Challenge: Games to Play On a Rainy Day During Your Villa Vacation. Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. These turtles, which can weigh up to 400 . Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian adventure with a turtle-watching excursion. Sea turtles are my passion. My husband runs every morning and mentioned there were more turtles there in the morning than in the evening. You can either cross the grass at Poipu Beach Park where you can overlook Brenneckes beach to the left, or walk along the road past Brenneckes and look back toward the beach. Distance: 0-12 miles round trip. Unless you need your eyes checked, theres no way you could possibly miss spotting a sea turtle when you visit Turtle Beach in Hawaii. 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. Make sure to set your alarm early and head on over to Poipu Beach! For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauais greatest highlights! If youre planning a trip to Kauai and are looking for luxury holiday accommodation, Pure Kauai offers a wide range of outstanding properties. Turtle Cove A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queens Bath. It gets pretty crowded right before sunset, but the crowd thins out by last light. Don't exactly know where you're staying redfitgirl, but if you stay on the South shore, the best spot to see turtles is by Kuhio Shores. This beach is loved by locals and tourists alike for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views. With our help, your dreams will soon come true! If youre heading to Hawaii with kids and want to teach them a bit about Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, youre in luck! Im not sure if the best rental business. Hawaiian Monk Seals also sometimes spend the day sleeping and sunning on the beach. You need to be aware that in some spots the distance between rock and water surface is very very shallow and you need to be careful to "glide" over it so as not to scrape your palms or knees. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. Some say that turtles can sometimes be seen swimming below the lookout to the right, and theres even a little cove down there filled with rocks and plenty of yummy seaweed heaven for any friendly sea creature. . 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. It was an awesome experience!!! Did you see that? Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are voraciously protected. Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauais South Shore. 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. . Ultimate Adventure - Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park: Full day, fully customizable. . Tropical fish, dolphins, humpback whales, and more can be found in the waters around Kauai throughout the year. Come on! And shes back underwater to keep tabs on her new friend. Just past the gravel road that leads to Koloa Landing on your right, find parking and stand by the cement wall where you can overlook the cove. 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. You'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. The two most common species of dolphins are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Scenes from the movie The Descendants were filmed here. You can find spinner dolphins swimming near Kauai year-round. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. The mid-day munchies kick in for these sea creatures too, so late afternoon also works. The bay just east of Kuhio shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out due to the plants that grow among the rocks in this area. The mid-day munchies kick in for these sea creatures too, so late afternoon also works. Told about in many Hawaiian myths and legends, the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is a gentle-looking creature with a heart-shaped brown shell and large flippers that help it sail through the islands waters with ease. Indulge in a Slice of True Island Style with an Order of Hula Pie, Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities. While experiencing an up-close, personal encounter with Hawaii's sea turtles can be an unforgettable experience, it's important to follow all laws put in place to protect these magnificent creatives. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we dont drive. , so get there early if you want to get your group a good spot. We have gone to this beach now 4 times over the last 20 years and it continues to get more popular and crowded. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. One note of caution however is that millions of years of evolution have made sea turtles remarkably adapted for life in the ocean. While you will see some fish here and even some sea turtles, the Lawai Beach area has many more fish to see when snorkeling. Watching the many turtles crawl ashore to sunbathe was a delightful show. Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but their count has dropped dramatically due to overharvesting. During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. Have a great time! Hours: 8:00a.m. Unsure if they are technically allowed, though. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. Park at the coves public lot or along the road at Queens Bath. Our team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your family. Shell Me About It: The Best Places to See and Swim with Sea Turtles in Kauai. In Kauai, honu can often be seen swimming in the surf, hanging around the rocky shores and even napping on the beaches. Check out the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. Come on! And shes back underwater to keep tabs on her new friend. Also, are there beach chair rentals? Kauai is home to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii, and many of the island's beaches are located near popular hikes. 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. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are strictly protected. . Please be respectful and keep a safe distance. The sea turtles arrive around 6 p.m. each evening. Sea turtles are federally protected creatures, where touching them is considered the same as disturbing them. Well, you wont have to journey too far, especially if youre staying at the Koloa Landing Resort. Very cool! Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements which will startle these timid guys. Thats because they enjoy basking in the heat of the hottest part of the day. Go kayaking and snorkeling on this two-in-one-tour Explore Hanalei River, Hanalei Bay, and spot local wildlife All necessary gear and training is provided, plus lunch on the beach Lunch Use of Snorkeling equipment Water resistant dry bags Kayak Hanalei 5-5070A, Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA Open in Google Maps All of the beaches mentioned above were some of the best places for you to swim with sea turtles in Oahu. Thats because the waters are extremely clear and sea turtles are known to frequent there. Your email address will not be published. Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. This next trip with our teenagers, we plan to rent a truck so we can throw boogie boards, Kayak and surf boards in the back. Best Time and Season for Turtles at Laniakea A green sea turtle comes ashore. It is illegal to touch or harass sea turtles as they are all protected by the Endangered Species Act. The sea turtle seems unfazed by your presence. are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. So no matter where you are, if you are patient, you are likely to see one. There are some areas of the island where sea turtle populations are much higher, and it is these beaches and coves where youll have the most luck spotting groups of the animals on the sand or swimming past them on snorkeling excursions. Its such a beautiful beach paradise that even notable films such as the Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates were filmed there. There are so many stunning varieties of tropical fish for you to encounter on your vacation to Kauai. For a great chance of being able to see turtles on the Big Island without snorkeling or stepping foot into the ocean, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is the Big Island beach that you want to go to! With the protected reef making it a perfect spot for swimming year-round, you can observe these majestic creatures from the shores of Anini Beach. 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 Snorkeling, scuba diving, and going on a boat tour are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. Contact our on-island hosts to start planning your dream vacation. Waimea, HI 96796
Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. 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. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. Whether you prefer wading shoreside or snorkeling through the depths of the reef like a turtle on a mission, this beach is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Poipu Beach is a relatively small and crowded beach on the south coast of Kauai. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Viewing Green Sea Turtles on Kauais South Shore. The best thing we did was buy water shoes. Sounds like a turtle's paradise. If youre planning to soak up some sun, pick a reef-friendly sunscreen. After all, who can resist a flippered friend coming out of the blue? Do not chase, approach, or even attempt to ride a turtle. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. When we were in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. The green sea turtles found here should be seen to be living for up to 80 years. Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! And if youre patient and lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of Kauais friendly monk seals snoozing away on the beach. 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. Still a great place if you have kids. We stopped by the beach on two different days at sunset. 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. A N Pali raft adventure! This is one of the coolest ways to snorkel with sea turtles in Oahu. Kee Beach is the prime place to spot turtles in Kauai. Poipu Beach Park is very nice and so big! If you absolutely must see turtles (Honu) then you absolutely must snorkel Anini Beach. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. Whale watchers on Maui staffed 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between 8 :30 and 11 :50 a.m. Saturday. 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. There are volunteers in the area to make sure people aren't using flash photography and are respectful of the turtles by keeping marking off an area. Hike difficulty: easy - difficult. Snorkellers are also likely to encounter honus while swimming in clear depths. Is this good for beginner snorkeling, no more than 4 ft of water? Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this 2- to 3-hour tour departing from Waikiki. 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. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could end up in dangerous waters. Good Luck. Dolphins are a beautiful creature that many people associate with Hawaii, and you can find different species of dolphins in Kauai. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. There are lifeguards during the day. Federal law mandates that turtles are protected and the penalty for illegal contact is steep! Thank you for your support! If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded or injured, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the. 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. Not worth it not to mention cruel. As a resulted, turtles can safely feed in rough surf. The best times to spot them is early in the morning or late in the day. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. Makana Charters
Visiting Hawaii (the Big Island)? Her flippers have a leopard-like pattern and her green back looks as mottled as the mossy rocks beneath her. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. Snorkelers enjoy a vast stretch of ocean perfect for seeking sea turtles. Colorful birds roost in the trees and you can find various animals in the forests. Best Place to Snorkel on Kauais South Shore. When in Hawaii go swimming!! 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. They just sit in the water and cool off. Brenneckes Beach is the best place to go if youre looking for a turtle-spotting experience that doesnt involve getting your feet wet. Koloa Landing Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you are on Kauai, call the Division of Aquatic Resources at 808-645-0532 or 808-274-3344. Book the Ultimate Hiking Adventure. The best snorkeling is from shore, you don't need a tour. This helps support the website and allows us to provide free content. A visit to Kipu Kai Beach on Kauai is a must if you are looking to spot the regions famous sea turtles. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Honestly, if you stay in one spot long enough, you'll see one out in the water. This particular access point is located on private property, so you should . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. You will see a large rock wall on the ocean side of the road that separates the beachfront homes. 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