Are you looking to spot some Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on your next trip to Hawaii? Keep scrolling to find out where you can swim with turtles in Hawaii!
This list of where you can swim with turtles in Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung. It contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Wouldn’t it be an incredible vacation experience to be able to say that you had the opportunity to swim with turtles in Hawaii?
Perhaps you’re looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? You’re in luck!
Swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii is an experience you will never forget! It’s not just the turtles that make this magical—many spots also feature breathtaking coral reefs, colorful fish, and all kinds of marine life that are fascinating for both kids and adults.
There are plenty of amazing places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii, but I’d like to focus on two islands in particular. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures.
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 you’re lucky!
These are some of the best places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii.
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Best Place to See Turtles in Oahu
Are you visiting the island and wondering where Oahu sea turtles can be found? Maybe you’re longing to swim with the turtles in Oahu?
If you know where to look, it isn’t all that difficult. Sometimes, you’ll see them basking on the beaches and swimming beneath the Oahu waves. These are a few of the best places to see sea turtles in Oahu.
Turtle Beach
Unless you need your eyes checked, there’s no way you could possibly miss spotting a sea turtle when you visit Turtle Beach in Hawaii.
Although its real name is Laniakea Beach, it’s the most reliable and best place to see turtles in Oahu. This is how it ended up with the nickname in the first place. Read my full guide to Turtle Beach Oahu.
This beach on Oahu’s North Shore is particularly known for frequent turtle sightings, especially in the early afternoon when the sun warms the sand and draws them in.
Electric Beach
If you’re planning on snorkeling with sea turtles in Oahu, Electric Beach is a fabulous destination. You may not appreciate the clearly noticeable power plant, but scenic landscapes aren’t exactly what you’re there for.
The ocean water is absolutely gorgeous there, and you’ll find plenty of sea creatures and sea turtles beneath it.
It’s also a great spot for seeing colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Be sure to bring or rent proper snorkeling equipment for the best experience.
Haleiwa Beach
When it comes to Oahu snorkeling with turtles, it doesn’t get much better than paying a visit to Haleiwa Beach, which is located in the northern part of the island. It’s one of many amazing North Shore beaches.
That’s because the waters are extremely clear, and sea turtles are known to frequent the area. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Haleiwa!
Cockroach Cove (Kaupo Bay)
Don’t allow the name to mislead you, because Cockroach Cove is another great place for Oahu snorkeling with turtles that you won’t want to miss.
Just remember that the waters there can be a bit fierce, so it’s not an ideal place for inexperienced swimmers.
Nearby cliffs are popular for rock jumping, but always check local conditions and safety signs before participating.
Waikiki
Should you be staying in the Honolulu area, you’ll be excited to hear that swimming with turtles in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a popular thing to do there. Waikiki Beach is certainly towards the top as far as the best place to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
It’s also common to spot turtles making their way towards the beach. So, make sure that swimming with turtles in Waikiki Beach is among the top activities that you participate in while you’re there.
Other Oahu Beaches Worth Mentioning
All of the beaches mentioned above were some of the best places for you to swim with sea turtles in Oahu. But the following are a few other beaches and destinations where you might witness sea turtles if you’re there at the right time.
Other spots like these may not guarantee a turtle sighting, but they’re worth exploring if you’re looking for a serene setting with occasional encounters.
- Aki’s Beach
- Halona Beach Cove
- Kawela
- Ko Olina
- Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
Hawaii Turtle Tours
Hawaii Turtle Tours is considered one of the best tours on Oahu. It promises memories that will last a lifetime.
You’re guaranteed to encounter turtles in Oahu as you visit its northern shores, where they’ll be swimming in their natural habitat.
Private snorkeling tours are also available, and they’ll even allow you to come up with your own itinerary. This is one of the coolest ways to snorkel with sea turtles in Oahu.
You’ll love seeing majestic creatures like Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles swimming through crystal clear waters surrounded by marine life.
What Are the Best Places to Snorkel with Turtles in Maui?
Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? If so, you’re also in for a treat! The island of Maui is also one of the best places to swim with turtles in Hawaii.
Here’s a brief glimpse at some of the best places to view sea turtles and the best places to swim with turtles in Maui.
- Honolua Bay (West Maui)
- Kaʻanapali Beach’s Puu Kekaa (West Maui)
- Kapalua Bay (West Maui)
- Keawakapu Beach (South Maui)
- Makena Landing (South Maui)
- Maluaka Beach (South Maui)
- Ulua Beach (South Maui)
What are the Best Maui Sea Turtle Tours?
Want to avoid not seeing a sea turtle during your entire Hawaii visit? Maui has several turtle tours that you can choose from that are also worth mentioning. Each provides a unique experience, whether you’ll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles.
Many tours take you out on a boat ride led by a knowledgeable tour guide, who ensures a safe, fun, and educational experience. You’ll often visit a nature preserve or protected bay where turtles are most active.
A few of them include:
- Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel & Whale Watch
- Lana’i: Half-Day Snorkel Sail From Ka’anapali Beach (You get to visit another island)
- Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
- Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Lunch (highly-rated)
What’s the Best Time to See Turtles in Hawaii?
Sea turtles prefer calm waters with gentler waves, which is why the summer months are the best time to see Hawaii sea turtles.
They can often be seen basking on beaches, and while they may be present during midday, sightings can occur at various times of the day.
If you’re hoping for reliable turtle sightings, plan your visit during the warmest part of the day and look for beaches known as a great spot for turtles, such as Laniakea Beach or Turtle Canyon in Oahu.
Can You Touch Sea Turtles?
In short, the answer is no—you absolutely cannot touch sea turtles in Hawaii. Sea turtles are federally protected creatures, and touching them is considered the same as disturbing them.
Even a gentle tap or unintentional brush can be considered a disturbance. Violating these laws can result in serious consequences, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,500 or even jail time. So while it might be tempting to get closer for a better photo or to gently reach out, doing so is against the law and could harm the turtle.
If you plan on swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii, know that these experiences are designed to let you enjoy them from a respectful distance, whether you’re snorkeling in crystal clear waters or observing them in a nature preserve. The idea is to swim near them, not with them in the traditional sense.
These rules are in place to keep both visitors and sea turtles safe. Touching a turtle can cause extreme stress and disrupt its natural behaviors, especially when it is nesting, feeding, or surfacing for air.
So, if you’re lucky enough to spot one during your Hawaiian adventure, treat it as a privilege. Give the turtle space, admire it from afar, and teach your kids the importance of protecting Hawaii’s marine life. That way, everyone can enjoy these magical moments for generations to come.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Educational Materials
If you’re heading to Hawaii with kids and want to teach them a bit about Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, you’re in luck! I actually have some cool materials you can use:
- Free printable sea turtle activity pack
- Free printable sea turtle life cycle lapbook
- At the beach worksheets for kids
- Under the sea activity pack
Hawaiian Sea Turtles FAQs
YES! Do not touch sea turtles in Hawaii!!! It is illegal to touch or harass sea turtles, as they are protected by the Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to chase sea turtles or invade their space. You should maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them, as they are protected by law.
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. You’ll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays.
While sea turtles aren’t traditionally aggressive creatures, they will bite people if they feel they are in danger. They have really sharp beaks and strong jaws, so their bites can cause severe bruising and even break bones. Just leave lots of space for sea turtles when you see them in Hawaii.
Swim with Turtles in Hawaii Wrap-Up
The islands of Oahu and Maui provide plenty of opportunities to spot and even swim with sea turtles in Hawaii. It’s an unforgettable adventure you can share with your family and friends back home.
Whether you choose a guided boat ride, a family-friendly turtle snorkeling tour, or a calm beach outing, the chance to swim with Hawaii’s sea turtles in crystal clear waters is a memory your kids will always cherish.
Don’t miss one of these opportunities to swim with turtles in Hawaii while visiting Oahu or Maui. Just remember to always keep a respectful distance, bring your snorkeling equipment, and enjoy the moment safely and responsibly.
Want to see more animals in Hawaii? Find out how to swim with dolphins on Oahu, how to swim with dolphins in Kona, best Maui whale watching tours, best Kauai whale watching tours, best Oahu snorkeling tours, and my review of the Honoulu Zoo.
