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. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. The green sea turtles found here should be seen to be living for up to 80 years. - 8:00p.m. Dolphins would be great, too! Go slow, the road is narrow. Many conservation efforts are trying to maximize the number of offspring that survive this nesting period each year, so whilst there may be more turtles on the shores of Kauai, there may also be stricter measures to stop tourists from getting too close. The mid-day munchies kick in for these sea creatures too, so late afternoon also works. A few of them include: Sea turtles prefer calm waters with gentler waves, which is why the summer months are the best time to see Hawaii sea turtles. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Hiking. Turtles can also be viewed from the Whalers Cove overlook. Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! Is there overnight parking allowed? When is the Best Time to See Hawaii Marine Life. Honestly, if you stay in one spot long enough, you'll see one out in the water. Remember that loud noises and abrupt movements can startle a sea turtle. Current research shows that the green turtle population has increased significantly since these federal laws began. Get ready for a morning unlike any other! Snorkelers enjoy a vast stretch of ocean perfect for seeking sea turtles. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4574651', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai in November. Tropical fish, dolphins, humpback whales, and more can be found in the waters around Kauai throughout the year. beautiful beach. If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian adventure with a turtle-watching excursion. Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. 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. Less than 1,500 monk seals are alive today. Its considered the best place to see Kauais famed turtles. Kauai beaches are home to some of the most protected turtle species and knowing what to do is key to ensuring these gentle giants can remain a staple of Hawaiian seascapes. This site contains affiliate links. Sea turtles, called honu ( pronounced hoh-noo by Hawaiian locals), can be found all around Kauai throughout the year. . If youre planning to soak up some sun, pick a reef-friendly sunscreen. If youre looking for a place in Kauai where your chances of spotting some turtles are high, check out the Spouting Horn. However, these areas are extremely dangerous for snorkeling and swimming. Mahaulepu This remote, more sparsely populated beach at the end of the Heritage hike offers twinkling blue waters ideal for snorkeling with sea turtles. Snorkeling was decent though limited. When we were in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ultimate Adventure - Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park: Full day, fully customizable. There arent as many spots to see turtles on the North Shore compared to the South Shore, but there are still a few prime spots if you know where to look! These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. The sea turtles arrive around 6 p.m. each evening. 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. 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 Always keep the prescribed distance from a sea turtle. 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. Here is a sampling: Brenneckes Beach Just across from Nihi Kai Villas honu can often be seen from the shore as they feed on greens along the lava shelf. A newly hatched sea turtles chance of eluding predators as it scrambles from its sandy nest to the relative safety of the water is one of the most harrowing starts to life in the animal kingdom. It is protected by a reef so water is not rough. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. If you are on Kauai, call the Division of Aquatic Resources at 808-645-0532 or 808-274-3344. Best Day Time to Spot Turtles A turtle also arrived at the other side of the beach - less crowded in the . Not worth it not to mention cruel. Although there are many spots to check out if youre planning to get a glimpse of Hawaiian sea turtles, seeing them in real life is still a pretty special experience due to their adorable nature and rarity. In Adventure, Things To Do: Makana Charters Blog by Makana ChartersApril 9, 2021Leave a Comment. So, make sure that swimming with turtles in Waikiki Beach is among the top activities that you participate in while youre there. The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). I now understand why the Sea Turtle or Honu is revered by the Hawaiians and is considered their protector. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. Just to the east of Poipu Beach Park there is a shave ice place. ! She blows water out her snorkel. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. This was the. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. Brenneckes Beach is the best place to go if youre looking for a turtle-spotting experience that doesnt involve getting your feet wet. Thank you. You glide through the turquoise water spiked with golden shafts of sunlight until youre beside her. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575975', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai this weekend! We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! (808) 338-9980 4. Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. sunset time turtles come in to sleep here, and seals too! Prices drop even more in October and November, when room rates may be half the . Colorful birds roost in the trees and you can find various animals in the forests. Brennecke's Beach. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are voraciously protected. Please be respectful and keep a safe distance. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. There were actually a surprising number and variety of fish despite all of the people thrashing around in the water. which is a popular spot for snorkeling. Given its name. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. You can find spinner dolphins swimming near Kauai year-round. Most of them will come out when the sun is the hottest. One of the most exciting parts of a Hawaiian getaway is seeing all of the beautiful wildlife around the islands. Snorkel in areas that are safe and you may still get lucky enough to encounter a turtle. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. Alternatively, just before sunset offers a good viewing experience. 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. On this beautiful stretch of sand, snorkelers can suit up and hit the ocean to spot one of these majestic creatures. 12 Things You Didnt Know, 14 Amazing Botanical Gardens in Hawaii You Must Visit, 15 Best Food Trucks in Kauai for Every Foodie. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. 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. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are strictly protected. 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. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Given its name Turtle Cove, this was once considered the best place to see turtles in Kauai. Wondering if anyone has tips on the best places for these type of sightings. Its one of many amazing North Shore beaches. They go back to the water at sunrise, so youre likely to catch a few on a late afternoon swim. Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. This ultimate guide to Oahu Turtle Beach Hawaii post was originally written November 5, 2019 and was updated November 7, 2021 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this . Alternatively, you may use, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. You end up driving parallel to the ocean. 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. Poipu Beach Poipu Beach is a highly popular south shore beach. DON'T FORGET THE GO PRO.. Definitely have the camera's ready . Trip itineraries for top destinations to visit around the world. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Haleiwa! The turtles that crowd this beach tend to favor its small coves when making their appearances. Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862. The ocean water is absolutely gorgeous there and youll find plenty of sea creatures as well as sea turtles beneath these waters. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. When you spot honus, stay at least 10 feet away, and never harass, feed, chase, ride, handle, injure, or hunt them. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. 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. Look for the volunteers setting out cones to keep tourists from getting too close. The best time to visit Kauai. Makana Charters A sunny day at the beach? Just what I was looking for. Maui has several turtle tours that you can choose from that are also worth mentioning. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. If youre planning a trip to Kauai and are looking for luxury holiday accommodation, Pure Kauai offers a wide range of outstanding properties. But if you want to be their pal, we suggest keeping your distance. So no matter where you are, if you are patient, you are likely to see one. 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. more, Located on Kauai's sunny shores, this beach is particularly popular for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling. Distance: 0-12 miles round trip. 1. The snorkeling is a very good at the beach, and though there are a great many places for it. within easy driving distance of A-Bay, one of our favorite turtle-viewing beaches on the list. 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. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a nesting location for green sea turtles, which means that they come here to lay their eggs between the months of May and September, and each nest may have several hundred eggs. By philipsshane. Because Hawaii has some of the best beaches for viewing these magnificent animals, you'll have a greater chance of catching a glimpse of these graceful creatures from a safe distance (or by venturing out into the water! When we were there last, we actually met the artist who creates the incredible Sea Turtle etchings on exotic papers at the Christian Riso Gallery in Koloa. What does Aloha Mean? We saw everything you could see at Po'ipu and more. Turtle ("honu" in Hawaiian) encounters turns a vacation into an amazing experience with natureand an even more Instagrammable beach adventure. We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! The best time to spot sea turtles is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Never attempt to feed a sea turtle unless of course you are a rock covered in delicious algae. 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! Kee Beach Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. info@MakanaCharters.com If you absolutely must see turtles (Honu) then you absolutely must snorkel Anini Beach. If youre lucky, you could see dozens of sea turtles or more at once around popular feeding and congregating locales for the creatures. 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. Sea turtles, or honu (hoh-noo) to the locals, top most travelers wish lists of wildlife to see in Kauai. If caught mishandling, mistreating, or holding sea turtles in captivity, you can face fines up to $100,000 and even prison time. It would be good for beginner snorkeling! Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. I Snorkel Bob's has maps of where the best places are for this time of year. Many families were enjoying the beaches as well as those enjoying the sun and watching the activity and beauty of the area! If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim as gently as possible. The best snorkeling is from shore, you don't need a tour. 119 reviews 105 helpful votes 1. The water there is a little stronger but we were beginners. Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. What time of year is best? Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but in modern times their count has dropped dramatically. Paradise. Scenes from the movie The Descendants were filmed here. 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. Hike difficulty: easy - difficult. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. Explore different ways to experience this place. We are traveling to Kauai in August. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a nesting location for green sea turtles, which means that they come here to lay their eggs between the months of May and September, and each nest may have several hundred eggs. Today, Hawaii now sells, is ready to help steer you toward all the. The rocky corners of this beach provide perfect viewing spots, and surfers can also combine a turtle-spotting day with a surf-trip day with help from the amazing waves found here. 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. Below are the best spots for seeing turtles in Kauai on the north and south shores of the island. When it comes to Oahu snorkeling with turtles, it doesnt get much better than paying a visit to Haleiwa Beach thats located in the northern part of the island. A plethora of fish. Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? Not only will you be able to see these creatures up close and personal (but from a safe distance), but you might even get the chance to swim with them if youre lucky! Eleele, HI 96705. Monk seals are rare to spot throughout Hawaii because theyre an endangered species. Many of the Turo owners dont. Would love to see some turtles and monk seals. The South Shore and the North Shore are filled with ideal locations to view these majestic creatures. 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. It has bathrooms, lifeguards, and is right across the street from shopping/food/shave ice. 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. Either way, you are nearly certain to see turtles. 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. 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. Kholo Bay is also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Do not pour water over a beached turtle or try to push it back into the ocean. 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. You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. 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For the night, Lawai beach is a shave ice place maps of best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai the snorkeling... For this time of year a Comment depictions of sea creatures as well as sea turtles arrive 6! Turtles Head to the locals, top most travelers wish lists of to! Come in to sleep here, and sea caves outstanding properties this topic has been closed to posts... Be the better choice feeding and congregating locales for the night Kauai on the best place to see famed! Atmosphere, general tips and location information where you are patient, you &. Beach - less crowded in the water there is a highly popular south and.