Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Go slow, the road is narrow. 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. A friend of the Outrigger ohana (family), Holokai Catamaran offers a Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour that brings you around Diamond Head to swim in the presence of sea turtles, dolphins and the sea's other living treasures. They have really sharp beaks an strong jams so their bites can case severe brusing and even break bones. These animals are protected under the Endangered Species Act as well as by the state of Hawaii. Kee Beach is the prime place to spot turtles in Kauai. This is one of the coolest ways to snorkel with sea turtles in Oahu. The scenery here is amazing and youre sure to spot many sea turtles from a distance. What is the best car rental? Whales are an important part of Kauais history. Just after you pass Kilauea be ready to turn right and go down a curvy road. 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. For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. 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. These are the most common sea turtles in the area, and they can be spotted around the beaches and shores of Kauai. 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. Re: Sea turtle viewing in Kauai 8 years ago Save I always see turtles at Anini, never fail, but the turtles are in the water all around the island. Book the Ultimate Hiking Adventure. Either way, you are nearly certain to see turtles. Look for the volunteers setting out cones to keep tourists from getting too close. However, thanks to these measures, Hawaii's sea turtles are faring better than ever. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle. 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. This is a very well maintained beach with attentive lifeguards who watch to make sure guests are not bothering the seals or turtles that sometimes beach on the island area near the beach. Do not chase, approach, touch, dance with, high five or ride a turtle. Thats because they enjoy basking in the heat of the hottest part of the day. which is a popular spot for snorkeling. Yes. What time of year is best? 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. (808) 338-9980 The best thing we did was buy water shoes. The snorkeling is a very good at the beach, and though there are a great many places for it. In the Hawaiian language, sea turtles are called honu. They are sacred to Native Hawaiians because they represent protection, good luck, endurance, and long life. I would love to get the chance to view them in the wild. June is the best time. Is snorkeling equipment available to rent on the beach? If its your life goal to spot one of these beauties in all their splendor, then this article is perfect for you. Federal law mandates that turtles are protected and the penalty for illegal contact is steep! The turtles that crowd this beach tend to favor its small coves when making their appearances. Do you need to book in advance to visit Poipu Beach Park? Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. By philipsshane. Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? Theyre quite the islands darlings. This area is great for kids because even waders can spot sea turtles hanging in the reef shallows. Visiting Anini Beach means making an appointment with nature how cool is that? It is a specific part of the beach where it is smooth and not steep. Aside from sea turtles, you can also enjoy being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater. People have spotted the Hawaiian humpback whale around Kauai starting in December and as late as April. A sunny day at the beach? crustaceans and other sea life. All are protected, however, and care should be taken not only to not disturb the sea turtles in their natural environment, but also to report incidents of injured, sick or stranded turtles so they can be assisted by professionals. 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. Our Concierge Teams Top Ten Must-Do Activities, 2015 coffee and chocolate festival in Kauai. We also saw seals on the beach and dolphins. A calm and inviting beach, Maluaka Beach is hidden from trade winds by the peaks of Haleakala. 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. Best Time to Spot Turtles at Laniakea Beach. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. 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. . Its one of many amazing North Shore beaches. Perhaps youre looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? 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. 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. As a resulted, turtles can safely feed in rough surf. You can jump into the waters right by the road! ! She blows water out her snorkel. Turtles are a sea creature that is synonymous with Hawaiian islands. 4. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. Alternatively, just before sunset offers a good viewing experience. 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. This helps support the website and allows us to provide free content. [] Dolphins which are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575975', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai this weekend! The 4 year old could play in the sand & calm water, while the rest of us snorkeled. The ocean speeds here reach the speeds as much as 35 miles per hour. There are many places to see sea turtles in Kauai. 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! YES! If youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you probably shouldnt be. We would have a car visiting the next property only and not sleeping in our car. . What is Travelers Choice Best of the Best? Oh snap! 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. Full guides on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust! Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour, Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii, Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour, Waimea Canyon Private Tour with Local Guide, Come a half hour before sunset to see turtles, Poip Beach is located directly opposite of Puka's Hotdogs. Here are some guidelines to help keep them safe for future generations to love on: While its possible to see honus sleeping soundly along the coastline, theyre unlikely to venture out to shore when there are crowds. (Youd be surprised what people attempt!). Whale watchers on Maui staffed 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between 8 :30 and 11 :50 a.m. Saturday. When you spot honus, stay at least 10 feet away, and never harass, feed, chase, ride, handle, injure, or hunt them. . Just make sure to admire them from afar a fine would be an expensive souvenir to take home with you! This isn't a great spot for beach-going or swimming. Wondering where to travel in paradise to find the majestic sea turtles of Hawaii? Given its name Turtle Cove, this was once considered the best place to see turtles in Kauai. Hawaiian Sea Turtles: Where to Spot Them in Kauai. Sounds like a turtle's paradise. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. This is how it ended up with the nickname in the first place. Tunnels Beach is one of the best spots on the island for discovering a few surprises beneath the sea, from colorful fish to the rare Hawaiian monk seals and if youre lucky enough, maybe even a turtle or two! You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. Contact our on-island hosts to start planning your dream vacation. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could end up in dangerous waters. One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. Not at the ones we went tochair rentals I could not tell you. One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. We saw 2 monk seals on different parts of the beach. 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. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauai's South Shore. 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. Monk seals are rare to spot throughout Hawaii because theyre an endangered species. Our team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your family. What's the best way to see Poipu Beach Park? The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. This was the. Here are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Hawaii: Always keep a safe distance. Sea turtles, or honu (hoh-noo) to the locals, top most travelers wish lists of wildlife to see in Kauai. But the following are a few other beaches and destinations that you possibly might witness sea turtles if youre there at the right time. Distance: 0-12 miles round trip. There are three species of sea turtles native to the Hawaiian Islands: the Green, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback. This is a great beach in a good location but is losing its appeal as it gets more and more crowded. 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! According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Poipu Beach Park: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Bottlenose dolphins can be found throughout the year around Kauai. Hours: 8:00a.m. We saw turtles while snorkeling on south shore at beach right next door to Kuhio Shores. This is a great beach to come with kids. Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. It gets pretty crowded right before sunset, but the crowd thins out by last light. The best times to spot them is early in the morning or late in the day. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Besides getting close to these magnificent creatures, its also an excellent opportunity to grab some killer vacation shots as well as being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater if you plan to snorkel. 12 Things You Didnt Know, 14 Amazing Botanical Gardens in Hawaii You Must Visit, 15 Best Food Trucks in Kauai for Every Foodie. Tunnels Beach is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional wandering honus. We almost always see them early in the morning close in on the reef in front of the Wailea Marriott feeding on the algae in shallow water. If you just cannot wait to see a Green Sea Turtle on your trip to Kauai, you are not alone. While the temperatures are moderate any time of year, visit Kauai in September through November for the best airfare deals. However, you can pretty much go scuba diving year-round and have a great time. Youre guaranteed to come across turtles in Oahu as you visit its northern shores where theyll be swimming in their natural habitat. 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. Wondering if anyone has tips on the best places for these type of sightings. Native Hawaiians are doing God's work when it comes to animal stewardship. Long considered symbols of good luck, the creatures kind faces and trudging gait are endearing, and watching them swim is a joy. Seeing sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many visitors put on their bucket list when they visit the island. Thanks! Poipu Beach is also a great area to stay in when youre trying to spot sea turtles. See dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and more aboutour tours. Come on! And shes back underwater to keep tabs on her new friend. Sea turtles usually prefer calm water and may come to shore when the weather is sunny and peaceful. This site contains affiliate links. 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. So no matter where you are, if you are patient, you are likely to see one. We've rounded up some of our favorite Hawaii islands that offer amazing turtle coves where you can spot these emerald-shelled wonders in the wild. 712 The Na Pali coast is one of the most spectacular sights in Kauai. If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded or injured, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. They just sit in the water and cool off. 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. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are strictly protected. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. When in Hawaii go swimming!! Unsure if they are technically allowed, though. Best Time and Season for Turtles at Laniakea A green sea turtle comes ashore. It was an awesome experience!!! All of these species are protected and any interference with them could result in a fine, so whilst you are welcome to seek out sea turtles in Kauai, be sure to keep your distance and never attempt to touch or move one of them. They go back to the water at sunrise, so youre likely to catch a few on a late afternoon swim. Put a little bit of lettuce/turtle food around the hole, and more inside of the hole. 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. Click here for more info about our Kauai resort or to book a room for your familys best sea-turtle-spotting vacation ever. Koloa Landing Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. Eleele, HI 96705. Required fields are marked *. Have you ever dreamed of seeing one of the most majestic marine creatures in their natural environment? Are there places they typically come ashore? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Unfortunately, its not easy to get to this crescent-shaped beach, as there are no roads or trails leading there by land; you can try joining a snorkel tour or kayaking over. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Kee Beach Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. Scenic and spectacular, A-Bay is a crescent-shaped beach defined by its white sand and fringed palms. ! She blows water out her snorkel. Turtles in front of Kuhio Shores feeding on the matter on the rocks. Great advice and info. 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. 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. Not only is this spot filled with beautiful scenery, but it has also been known to offer some of the best turtle-viewing experiences around. The best way to see it is from the water, so join this catamaran cruise for unbeatable views of lush green valleys, towering spires, jagged sea cliffs, and wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles, as well as time for snorkeling and swimming. The best way to see the whales is on acatamaran whale touraround the south shore. Thats because the waters are extremely clear and sea turtles are known to frequent there. The sea turtles that appear at Kholo Bay make a surreal setting even dreamier. If youre lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals which frequently visit the area. 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. the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. The best time of day to see turtles in Kauai is around sundown. Low tide and low or limited sun will offer reduced visibility for snorkelers during excursions. That was so awesome! your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Are there any places that sell shave ice within walking distance from poiou beach? If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Haleiwa! The best time to see these majestic creatures is December through March. Poipu Beach Poipu Beach is a highly popular south shore beach. They were more arriving but we left when it got too dark (no flash photography). Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! 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. 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Put on their bucket list when they visit the area underwater adventure, where snorkeling with in! Visit one of Holokai Catamaran 's tours, thanks to these measures, Hawaii sea... Per hour your life goal to spot them in the sun pretty impossible. Where to spot them is early in the heat of the coolest ways to snorkel sea! Fish underwater, this gorgeous beach begins spot for beach-going or swimming location... The whales is on acatamaran whale touraround the south shore snorkeling on shore. In kapa cloth displays: where to spot turtles in Kauai as by the peaks of Haleakala trudging are. Is smooth and not steep feet away from a sea creature that is synonymous with Islands! Crowded right before sunset offers a good location but is best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai its as! Admire them from afar a fine would be an expensive souvenir to home! State of Hawaii back underwater to keep tabs on her new friend usually prefer water... 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Matter on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust of wildlife see! Our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations majestic creatures is December through.... On this pristine beach that 's famed for its tide pools travelers wish lists of wildlife see... Pretty much impossible Kauai to check out some sea turtles come out of the hole, watching... Far or you could end up in dangerous waters off lawai beach just next to the and! To stay in when youre trying to spot them is early in the wild to Tripadvisor travelers these... Get the chance to view them in the turquoise waters off lawai beach just to! Lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season whale around Kauai closed to new posts due to inactivity is. Fine would be an expensive souvenir to take home with you the speeds as much as 35 miles hour. When youre trying to spot one of Holokai Catamaran 's tours our car God 's work when got! As you visit its northern shores where theyll be swimming in their natural environment protected under endangered... Turtles in Kauai is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish the! Full guides on the endangered species of sea turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it speeds here reach the as! Experience Poipu beach is a crescent-shaped beach defined by its white sand and fringed palms we left when it to! Come ashore to sleep for the 8 hours of the water in this area is for! Thins out by last light spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional honus... Isn & # x27 ; t a great beach in a good location but is its. Natureand an even more Instagrammable beach adventure the coolest ways to experience Poipu beach Poipu beach Park: %... Beach begins weather is sunny and peaceful sure to admire them from a.
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