Heading to Maui and want to see some of the incredible Hawaiian sea life? Scroll to find exactly where to see turtles on your next Hawaiian vacation!
This where to see Maui turtles post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung 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 blog.
Want to know where you can actually see sea turtles in Maui?
I’m going to share my favorite spots after visiting Hawaii over 40 times with my family. Swimming with turtles is honestly one of those experiences that makes a Hawaii vacation unforgettable.
Hawaiian green sea turtles (called honu in Hawaiian) are protected, and for good reason. They’re a vital part of Hawaii’s ecosystem and culture.
The good news? Maui has tons of safe ways to see them in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
Let me show you exactly where to go for your best chances of spotting these amazing creatures.
Quick note: If planning your Maui trip feels overwhelming, check out my Maui Travel Guide for Families. It walks you through everything you need to know.
What You Need to Know About Seeing Turtles in Maui
Before I get into the best spots, here’s what you need to know:
Stay 10 feet away. This is the official recommended distance from NOAA, whether you’re on land or in the water. It protects both you and the turtles.
Never touch, chase, or feed them. It’s not just rude, it’s illegal. Fines can reach up to $100,000 for harassing these protected animals. I’ve seen tourists get way too close and get reminded by lifeguards or volunteers. Don’t be that person.
Best time of day: You can see turtles throughout the day, but 11am to 3pm is when you’ll spot the most. That’s when the sun is hottest and they love to come up to bask or rest on the sand.
They’re everywhere. Seriously. Once you know where to look, you’ll start spotting them constantly. The kids get so excited every time!
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
These are the turtles you’ll see most often. They’re the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world and can weigh between 300-400 pounds. Full-grown adults are about 4-5 feet long.
They’re called green sea turtles because of their green body fat (from eating seaweed), not because their shells are green.
In fact, they blend in perfectly with lava rocks on the beach, which is why you might miss them at first!
Best Beaches to See Turtles in Maui
Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
This is THE spot. Maluaka Beach is what most people mean when they say “Turtle Town” in Maui, and it’s hands down my favorite place to see turtles.
We took the kids here when they were little and did a snorkeling boat trip. The little ones used kickboards with windows built in so they could see underwater without having to put their faces in!
They absolutely loved spotting the turtles swimming below them.
The beach has calm, clear water and a huge population of green sea turtles. Walk down to the southern end of the beach where the coral reef begins. That’s your sweet spot for snorkeling.
You’ll see tons of tropical fish, marine life, and of course, turtles munching on seaweed. The coral reefs here are stunning too.
How to get there: From Wailea, head south on Wailea Alanui Drive until it becomes Makena Road. Turn right on Honoiki Street, then left on Makena Road. Park near Keawala’i Church (there’s a small lot) or at the larger south parking lot.
Best for: Families, beginner snorkelers, guaranteed turtle sightings
Need snorkel gear? You can rent equipment on-site or book a guided tour through Viator where they provide everything and take photos for you.
Hookipa Beach
If you want to see turtles without getting in the water, this is your spot. I’m talking 40-50 turtles just hanging out on the beach on any given afternoon.
Hookipa is on Maui’s north shore near Paia. The turtles come up to rest on the sand throughout the day, but you’ll see the most between 2pm and sunset.
Here’s the thing: they blend in SO well with the lava rocks that you might not spot them right away. Look for the roped-off protected area at the far east end of the beach. Once your eyes adjust, you’ll realize those “rocks” are actually turtles!
The beach is also famous for windsurfing and surfing. The waves can get huge here (like 30 feet in winter), so it’s not ideal for swimming. But for turtle watching from shore? Absolutely perfect.
How to get there: From Paia, head east on Hana Highway. You’ll see the Hookipa Lookout first (upper parking lot), or drive down to the beach-level parking.
Best for: Viewing turtles on land, families with young kids who don’t want to snorkel, combining with a Road to Hana trip
Pro tip: Stop here on your way back from the Road to Hana or after visiting Haleakala. It’s the perfect addition to those adventures.
Black Rock Beach (Kaanapali)
Black Rock is in Kaanapali on Maui’s western coast, right in front of the Sheraton. It’s a popular spot for both snorkeling and the famous cliff diving ceremony at sunset.
The snorkeling here is fantastic. The water is clear, the waves are gentle, and you’ll definitely see turtles. Some of them are huge (like 300 pounds!). You’ll often spot them munching on seaweed near the rocks.
The area can get crowded since it’s right by major resorts, but it’s convenient if you’re staying in Kaanapali. Get there early in the morning for the best conditions and fewer people.
How to get there: Head to the north end of Kaanapali Beach. Parking is tricky. There’s a small free lot that fills up early, or paid parking at Whaler’s Village ($3 for first 20 minutes, then $2 per 15 minutes, but you can get validation with purchase).
Best for: Convenient snorkeling if staying in Kaanapali, combining turtle watching with the sunset cliff diving ceremony
Want to stay nearby? Check out hotel options in Kaanapali on Expedia.
Keawakapu Beach
This is a great all-around beach for families. The waves are gentle, the water is super clear, and it’s not as crowded as some other popular spots.
Keawakapu is perfect if you have first-time snorkelers or nervous swimmers. The visibility here is amazing, so you can easily spot turtles, fish, and coral without straining your eyes.
Beyond snorkeling, you can kayak, paddleboard, or just relax on the sand. There’s free parking, public restrooms, and it’s close to restaurants.
How to get there: It’s in South Maui between Kihei and Wailea. Easy to access from the main road.
Best for: Families with kids, beginner snorkelers, anyone who wants a less crowded beach
Ulua Beach
Right next to Keawakapu, Ulua Beach is another calm, family-friendly spot. This is where I’d take kids who are just learning to snorkel.
The waves are really gentle, and you’ll often see turtles here. The parking lot is small though, so get there early.
Best for: Families with small children, first-time snorkelers
Napili Bay (Kaeleku Point)
The southwest side of Napili Bay is a hidden gem. The water is calm and accessible, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
You’ll find Hawaiian green sea turtles here in abundance. The bay is tucked away and feels more peaceful than some of the busier beaches.
How to get there: Head to Napili on the northwest side of West Maui.
Best for: A quieter turtle-watching experience, good snorkeling
Tours to See Turtles in Maui
Look, I totally get it. Sometimes you just want someone else to handle the details and take you to the best spots. That’s where tours come in.
Here are my favorite turtle snorkeling tours:
Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Morning Tour
This is the classic Maui snorkeling experience. You’ll visit Molokini (a sunken volcanic crater with incredible visibility) and then Turtle Town. Includes breakfast and equipment.
Perfect if you want to see TWO iconic snorkel spots in one trip. Check rates here.
Makena Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Small group tour where you kayak to Turtle Town and snorkel. It’s more active but gives you a different perspective seeing the coastline from your kayak first. Check rates here.
Afternoon Turtle Snorkel
Shorter than the morning tours (about 2 hours) if you’re not morning people or want something quick. Check rates here.
Tours typically provide all equipment, instruction, and some include food. They’re especially great if you have beginners in your group or want guaranteed turtle sightings.
I also talk about planning snorkeling adventures on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy.
If you’re driving to these beaches yourself, make sure you have a reliable rental car. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental to compare prices and get the best deal.
What If You Don’t Want to Snorkel?
Not everyone wants to get in the water, and that’s totally fine! You can still have an amazing turtle experience.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is the perfect alternative if you have young kids who aren’t ready for snorkeling or family members who’d rather stay dry.
It’s an incredible aquarium in Maalaea with one of the largest displays of live Pacific corals in the world. You’ll see sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks, rays, octopuses, and more. All of it is marine life found in Hawaiian waters.
The 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit has a 53-foot acrylic tunnel where you walk through and sharks and rays swim right over your head. The kids go crazy for this.
They also have a 3D Sphere Experience with humpback whales that’s included with admission. It’s pretty spectacular.
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Cost: Around $56 for adults, less for kids and seniors. Book tickets through Viator to skip the entrance line.
Location: Maalaea (centrally located, about 20-30 minutes from major resort areas)
Note: Parking is paid (managed by Parklinq), so scan the QR code when you arrive. Average visit is 2-3 hours.
The Maui Ocean Center is one of my top recommendations in my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Maui. If you’re in the planning stages, that course walks you through everything.
What to Bring for Turtle Watching
If you’re snorkeling on your own (not on a tour), here’s what I recommend:
Snorkel gear: Get a quality snorkel set or kid-size snorkel set if you’re traveling with little ones.
Flotation: For kids, I always bring a life jacket or puddle jumper. Safety first!
Wetsuit top: If you’re visiting in winter or get cold easily, a wetsuit top makes a huge difference. The water isn’t freezing, but you’ll be in it for a while.
Reef-safe sunscreen: This is required by law in Hawaii now. Regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs.
Waterproof phone case or camera: Trust me, you’ll want photos! GoPro cameras work great underwater.
Want someone to capture professional photos for you? Flytographer connects you with local photographers who’ll take amazing shots of your family. You save $20 when you use my link.
Turtle Watching Safety and Etiquette
I’m going to be straight with you: I see tourists breaking these rules constantly, and it makes me crazy. Please don’t be one of them.
Keep your distance. 10 feet minimum. If a turtle swims toward you, don’t chase it. Just stay still and let it check you out if it wants to.
Never touch them. I don’t care how cute they are. Their beaks are powerful and they can seriously injure you. Plus, it’s illegal and you could face massive fines.
Don’t feed them. Teaching turtles to associate people with food makes them aggressive and messes up their natural behavior.
No flash photography. The flash bothers them. Natural light photos work great anyway.
Watch for currents. Some of these beaches have strong currents, especially around Black Rock. Be aware of your surroundings and your swimming ability.
Respect nesting areas. If you see a roped-off area or signage, stay out. Turtle nesting season runs May through October, with peak activity August through November.
As a professional tourist who’s been visiting Hawaii for decades, I can tell you that respecting these beautiful creatures is part of being a responsible traveler. Plus, the turtles stick around longer when people give them space!
Planning Your Maui Turtle Adventure
Looking for more help planning your trip? I’ve got you covered.
Island-specific guides:
Free email courses:
Need personalized help? I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I can help you plan your entire trip based on your family’s specific needs and interests.
Your Turtle Adventure Awaits
Seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat is something your family will remember forever.
Whether you snorkel with them at Maluaka Beach, watch them rest at Hookipa, or meet them at the Maui Ocean Center, you’re in for an amazing experience.
My advice? Hit multiple spots if you have time. Each beach offers something a little different.
And remember to respect these incredible animals so future visitors (including your kids’ kids someday!) can enjoy them too.
Now get out there and find some turtles! And if you need more Maui inspiration, check out my guide to the best things to do in Maui with kids.
Aloha!
