Here, discover the best places to see turtles in Oahu, and how to stay safe and considerate while you're turtle sightseeing.
Laniakea Beach.
Electric Beach.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Makua Beach.
Haleiwa Beach.
Waikiki Beach.
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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.)
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.
Five of the world's seven species of sea turtles make their home in Hawaii's waters, including the green sea turtle (honu), hawksbill (honu'ea), leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley. The green sea turtle is by far the most commonly encountered sea turtle on Hawaiian reefs, followed by the hawksbill.
Turtle nesting season in Hawaii is typically mid-April through early October, but can sometimes extend into December. And you're probably wondering when the sea turtles hatch? After about two months in their nests, hatchlings will emerge.
Most male sea turtles never return to land unless they are stranded! However, in Hawai?i both male and female green sea turtles have been reported basking year-round.
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador, in South America, most famous for being the home to many giant tortoises and sea turtle populations. The giant tortoises of the Galápagos are among the most famous of the unique fauna of the islands.
When you see a sea turtle, keep a respectful distance. The State of Hawaii's DLNR recommends a 6- to 10-foot buffer, but we recommend a larger buffer to help protect the turtles. Never touch or chase sea turtles, as it is extremely disrespectful and irresponsible.
Maluaka Beach (AKA Turtle Town)Fronting the Maui Prince Hotel in the South Maui town of Kihei, Maluaka Beach is the ultimate destination for impromptu turtle encounters - so much so that the whole surrounding area is nicknamed “Turtle Town.”
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.
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.
When you see a turtle coming up the beach, keep your distance, turn off any lights you are using and crouch down low. Do NOT walk closer! Always approach turtles from the side. This gives them a clear view of you and a clear path ahead of them if they want to swim away.
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.