What is the best time of year to see sea turtles in Hawaii?

One of the best times of the year to see Hawaiian green turtles in the wild is in the summer – they love the calmer waters and soaking up the sun, just like most vacationers do. Here, discover the best places to see turtles in Oahu, and how to stay safe and considerate while you're turtle sightseeing.



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Across the Hawaiian archipelago, it's officially sea turtle nesting season—running from mid-April to September, sometimes extending into December.

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Ali?i Beach Park is located in the historic Haleiwa town, and probably one of the best places to check out sea turtles, besides Turtle Bay Resort. The shallow water and reefs close to the shore showcase the sea creatures feeding on seaweed and coming up for air. (Or simply napping on the shore.)

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Hawaii (Big) Island – The Kohala Coast might be one of the most abundant areas for Hawaiian green sea turtles. We've seen many both above and below the water. We have seen them from many snorkeling tours as well as from the beaches and ocean around the Fairmont Orchid, Hilton Waikoloa and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

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But it's common for snorkelers and divers on all the islands to see the honu (green sea turtle) in near shore waters. 96% of Hawai?i's green sea turtles nest in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the largest fully protected conservation area under the U.S. flag.

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You may see a turtle (honu) or two while snorkeling but swimming with the turtles is frowned upon. They are a protected species and by law, you need to give them distance. The best place for a beginner snorkeler on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. There are lifeguards there if you should get into trouble.

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The largest green turtle nesting population is found at Tortuguero, on the coast of Costa Rica where about 22,500 green turtle females nest annually. Raine Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has the second largest nesting population of about 18,000 females per season.

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July to October is the peak nesting and hatching period for green sea turtles in locations such as Tortuguero National Park, whereas it's March to October for the hawksbill turtle, which prefers the Caribbean coast and can nest up to four times each season.

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Swimming with Turtles in Hawaii Wrap Up The islands of Oahu and Maui provide plenty of opportunities to not only spot but even swim with sea turtles. It's an unforgettable experience that you'll be able to share with your family and friends back home.

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Do not enter the water too close to a sea turtle. Maintain a distance of at least 10 metres. Approach slowly and keep your distance. Back off if they start to show signs of distress like swimming away quickly, and do not chase them.

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Stay back 10 feet or 3 meters from Sea turtles. Sea turtles are protected and it is illegal to interfere with them or touch them! It can be a $10,500 fine per person. Then I talk about sea turtle & marine life biology, ecology, behavior,sightings, and natural history until they decide to leave.

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Most nesting sea turtle species come ashore at night, alone, and often during high tide. Some species, such as the Kemp's ridley, nest during the day and generally emerge from the ocean by the hundreds to lay their nests in a mass nesting event called an arribada or arrival.

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