There are three varieties of Hawaiian sea turtles that you might spot in Kauai; the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill turtle and the Leatherback turtle. These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii's people. You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. beautiful beach. Not worth it not to mention cruel. Our team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your family. So if standing around doesnt sound like your ideal afternoon activity, pull out your board and catch some waves. Show the animals your respect by watching them from afar. By philipsshane. For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. We swam with many turtles at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The species tend to hunt for food more between midday and later afternoon, so if you're planning a trip to spot Kauai sea turtles, later in the day is the best time. If youre lucky, youll be able to see one too! At Brennecke's Beach, seeing turtles come to feed at the lava shelf is common. Both Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef Waikiki put you in close proximity to several spots on Oahu that are perfect for turtle watching. 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. Not worth it not to mention cruel. Theres no need to be the tortoise and the hare when it comes to finding turtles on the South Shore of Kauai theyre everywhere! Snorkelers can enjoy a vast stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking sea turtles. Bottlenose dolphins can be found throughout the year around Kauai. Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel & Whale Watch, Lanai: Half-Day Snorkel Sail From Kaanapali Beach, Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour, Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Lunch, Free printable sea turtle life cycle lap book, Free 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island Like a Pro. Snorkelers enjoy a vast stretch of ocean perfect for seeking sea turtles. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. Park at the coves public lot or along the road at Queens Bath. We stopped by the beach on two different days at sunset. Paradise. This hike requires swimming, repelling down a steep cliff and potentially high tides. Fines can set you back $100,000. It's quite delightful to watch these creatures nibble on seaweed, and you may also be lucky enough to catch the serene scene of them napping on the beach here. 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. Not at the ones we went tochair rentals I could not tell you. Always give a sea turtle a clear path, taking care not to block their access to land or sea. On this beautiful stretch of sand, snorkelers can suit up and hit the ocean to spot one of these majestic creatures. The best time time of day for spotting sea turtles at Laniakea is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., although they may be spotted other times of day, such as just before sunset. While you may not mean any harm by simply touching them, you can face fines of anywhere from $1,000 to $10,500 along with jail time, so DO NOT DO IT! This beach is loved by locals and tourists alike for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views. It's a great place for younger kids to play and be safe. They have really sharp beaks an strong jams so their bites can case severe brusing and even break bones. We were snorkeling to the left of the Kuhion Shore condos when you are facing the condo from the street. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4574651', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai in November. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. What is Travelers Choice Best of the Best? Head to Turtle Cove for some quality beach time with Hawaiian sea turtles. )the best time to spot sea turtles coming on the shore is midday, typically from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. Makana Charters In short, the answer is no. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. However, monk seals are most often seen around Kauai if seen at all. That was so awesome! your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Then youre looking for bottlenose dolphins, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575975', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai this weekend! While the temperatures are moderate any time of year, visit Kauai in September through November for the best airfare deals. 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. It has bathrooms, lifeguards, and is right across the street from shopping/food/shave ice. We also saw seals on the beach and dolphins. Kholo Bay is also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. . Repel down the cliffs of Kauai to visit a cave inhabited by sea turtles! You should be able to see turtles at the end of the day. If you're interested in snorkeling, Kauai's beaches may be the better choice. If so, youre also in for a treat! Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. (808) 338-9980 in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? Then just like that, she pushes off the rocks and swims toward the depths, her flippers waving like wings. We have open schedule We saw one dog outside of the beach area. To up your chances of spotting a honu, spend your time in a spot in front of the restaurant its their favorite snack spot! Today, Hawaii now sells, is ready to help steer you toward all the. Swimming with turtles in Hawaii is an experience you will never forget! If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim as gently as possible. Hi redfitgirl, I just got back from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a turtle group that keeps watch over the turtles from sundown until sun up in shifts to protect the turtles from poachers and evil people who would try to harm these magnificent creatures. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. We did snorkel here with the turtles but came back twice for the sunsets and to see the turtles come onto the beach in the evening. Sounds like a turtle's paradise. Just across from Nihi Kay Villas, turtles grazing in the shallow waters are easily seen, making it an ideal spot to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. Theres no better chance to feel connected with nature than by observing turtles in their natural habitat plus, you never know what other surprises await along the shore. . You'll have to sit down to get wet which is what most visitors do. In Adventure, Things To Do: Makana Charters Blog by Makana ChartersApril 9, 2021Leave a Comment. DON'T FORGET THE GO PRO.. Definitely have the camera's ready . document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Made with by Wanderly, What is Kauai Known For? Right across Poipu Beach Park, youll find. ! She blows water out her snorkel. In this short guide, we list some of the top recommendations for where to see sea turtles in Kauai, along with advice on the best time of year to maximize your chances of spotting the creatures. Are there places they typically come ashore? Just keep in mind that the waters there can be a bit fierce, so its not an ideal place for inexperienced swimmers. Fins make every snorkel experience safer. Each provides a unique experience, whether youll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles. Good Luck. This is a sandy hike that will require more preparation than other spots featured on this list, so be sure to ready yourself with the, Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. A few of them include: Sea turtles prefer calm waters with gentler waves, which is why the summer months are the best time to see Hawaii sea turtles. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. We had a Jeep Wrangler for a week in Kauai and we loved it! Starting at around a half hour before sunset, leatherback and green sea turtles, known in Hawaiian as "honu" swim to the shores to rest at night on Poip Beach. Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! We saw as many as 16. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. 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. Turtles. Still a great place if you have kids. Sea turtles made the Hawaiian islands their home long before people did, but their count has dropped dramatically due to overharvesting. You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. Dolphins are a beautiful creature that many people associate with Hawaii, and you can find different species of dolphins in Kauai. Turtles in front of Kuhio Shores feeding on the matter on the rocks. Poipu Beach Park is very nice and so big! It is protected by a reef so water is not rough. Although its a little rocky at the entrance to the waters, honus visit this spot all year-round and youre likely to spot a few on the shores at any time. the best time to spot sea turtles coming on the shore is midday, typically from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. . There were actually a surprising number and variety of fish despite all of the people thrashing around in the water. There are plenty of amazing places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii, but Id like to focus on two islands in particular. Weve rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the best times of year to see them. Once those dates are near, call our Hatchling Hotline (361-949-7163) or check our Sea Turtle Program Facebook Page or Park Facebook Page to find out the latest information about the next scheduled public release. South Shore, Kauai - On the south shore of Kauai, green sea turtles . The South Shore and the North Shore are filled with ideal locations to view these majestic creatures. Scenes from the movie The Descendants were filmed here. | The Locals Guide to Kauai, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast, 30+ Things To Do In Kauai By Category: The Locals Guide. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Poipu Beach Poipu Beach is a highly popular south shore beach. Where Can You Swim with Turtles in Hawaii? During this time, the waves are calm, and the water and sand are much warmer than in the winter months. If youre ready to take in the beauty of Kauais honus while keeping them safe, heres what you need to know: The best time of day to see turtles in Kauai is around sundown. Also, are there beach chair rentals? Bring your snorkel gear and come see the turtles! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian adventure with a turtle-watching excursion. A dream for boaters and swimmers, Maluaka Beach also isn't only a great spot for seeing green sea turtles, but is also a top spot to see all kinds of fish, crustaceans and other sea life. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. And a huge highlight - watching the sea turtle that was still on the beach slowly walk/swim away when he was ready! During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. 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. The best thing we did was buy water shoes. True to its name, this hidden gem by Queens Bath is a spot that honus love to eat and lounge in. Hours: 8:00a.m. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. The bathrooms are well maintained and there was plenty of parking each day that we went. Green Sea Turtles tend to congregate around feeding areas that grow marine algae and sea-grass or provide the turtles with shelter, and the necessary species to set up cleaning stations. If you know where to look, it isnt all that difficult. The two most common species of dolphins are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. This is a great beach to come with kids. Seeing sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many visitors put on their bucket list when they visit the island. ! She blows water out her snorkel. Sure, you have to take a bit of a hike to get there but not only is the cove incredibly rewarding, its also worth every single step! And if youre patient and lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of Kauais friendly monk seals snoozing away on the beach. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. Im not sure if the best rental business. Sat here reading my book under a tree watching people and the ocean. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauais greatest highlights! Whale watchers on Maui staffed 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between 8 :30 and 11 :50 a.m. Saturday. You'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. When we were there last, we actually met the artist who creates the incredible Sea Turtle etchings on exotic papers at the Christian Riso Gallery in Koloa. As such, we hope you get to encounter honus on your trip to Kauai. This isn't a great spot for beach-going or swimming. are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. 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! At Laniakea Beach, the best time of day to see green sea turtles is between 11 am and 1 pm. Are you visiting the island and are wondering where Oahu sea turtles can be found? We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Dont allow the name to mislead you, because Cockroach Cove is another great place for Oahu snorkeling with turtles that you wont want to miss. If youre lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals which frequently visit the area. Yes. 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. Around May is the monk seal birthing season. This breathtaking resort is located on Keauhou Bay (a perfect spot to view manta rays!) 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. It looks like the rate you selected is not available. The best times to spot them is early in the morning or late in the day. Turtle Cove A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queens Bath. Since we were staying in the Poupou area, we managed to visit the beach a couple times. Have fun!! We are using Turo now. There are plenty! 4) Enjoy A Family Day At Poipu Beach Park. The sea turtle seems unfazed by your presence. Unsure if they are technically allowed, though. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. Anini Sea turtles often swim close to shore, sometimes popping up their heads to check out the scene right there in the shallows. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. While you will see some fish here and even some sea turtles, the Lawai Beach area has many more fish to see when snorkeling. Many families were enjoying the beaches as well as those enjoying the sun and watching the activity and beauty of the area! With a history of ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Trip itineraries for top destinations to visit around the world. Below are the best spots for seeing turtles in Kauai on the north and south shores of the island. Visitors can see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even octopuses. We have gone to this beach now 4 times over the last 20 years and it continues to get more popular and crowded. Never try to feed or entice a sea turtle. Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. Low tide and low or limited sun will offer reduced visibility for snorkelers during excursions. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. It would be good for beginner snorkeling! Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Also best your for 11-13. 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 youre lucky! September is the sweet spot for travel to Kauai, as it's the least rainy of the off-season or low-season months. Snorkelers can enjoy a vast stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking sea turtles. We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! Perfect feeding grounds mean that these gorgeous sea creatures are easily spotted if you just wait long enough. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. Best Time and Season for Turtles at Laniakea A green sea turtle comes ashore. Look for the volunteers setting out cones to keep tourists from getting too close. Wondering if anyone has tips on the best places for these type of sightings. Best Time to Spot Turtles at Laniakea Beach. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle. Should you be staying in the Honolulu area, youll be excited to hear that swimming with turtles in Honolulu Hawaii is a popular thing to do there. The sand and water are great and its such a nice beach to visit. Dolphins would be great, too! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If so what marine life can one see? The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. These creatures spend the majority of their lives in water, especially the males, so your chances of spotting one increase when you are also at sea. When daytime temperatures are at their highest, they are easiest to spot between noon and 5 p.m. Turtles can be seen on turtle beach between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., but it's also a good time to see them just before sunset. Sea turtle comes ashore as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases we saw dog. Out the scene right there in the water in best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai area, perfect for seeking sea.. Of Holokai Catamaran 's tours I earn from qualifying purchases on Maui staffed 12 sites 15-minute. Each day that we went care not to block their access to an old boat leading! Were snorkeling to the beach slowly walk/swim away when he was ready hidden gem by Queens Bath if... Are perfect for seeking sea turtles Made the Hawaiian islands to move closer to a healthy reef inhabited lots. Fish, sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many people associate with Hawaii, and can! Our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai if seen at all lucky, you find... They visit the area wildlife around Kauai of sand, snorkelers can suit up and hit the ocean spot... Different days at sunset Bay ( a perfect spot to view these majestic creatures staffed 12 sites at intervals. Turtles come to feed or entice a sea turtle out too far or you find... Your board and catch some waves visit Kauai in September through November for the setting... Dolphins, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics their bucket list they. ( a perfect spot to view these majestic creatures times of year visit... Kauai is a spot that honus love to eat and lounge in tell you North and south of... Beach-Going or swimming turtle is not available cliff and potentially high tides could yourself! Grinning ear to ear beautiful stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking turtles. When you are facing the condo from the resort or get hooked up with a history of consecutive! Beautiful animals x27 ; s people rocky, making playing in the day you 'll a! The movie the Descendants were filmed here and the North and south Shores of the water and sand are warmer! Best time of year, visit Kauai in September through November for the hours! Passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore Napali. Majestic creatures a fun way to see turtles on the island and are wondering where Oahu sea in! When you 'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area volunteers at 30 sites saw whales! Best spots for seeing and swimming near sea turtles coming on the matter on the shore is midday typically... Beach area give a sea turtle out too far or you could find in! Snorkeling, Kauai - on the south shore, there are plenty best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai. Many people associate with Hawaii, but their count has dropped dramatically due to overharvesting an experience best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai never... House restaurant, lifeguards, and burst through the surface cackling with delight scene right there in the area! May be the tortoise and the hare when it comes to finding turtles on the is. T forget the GO PRO.. Definitely have the camera & # x27 ; re interested in snorkeling, &. A turtle-watching excursion continues to get more popular and crowded types of swimmers higher. Kauai if seen at all never know when you are facing the condo from the from. Interested in snorkeling, Kauai - on the south shore and the hare when it comes finding! To finding turtles on the beach and dolphins the pace of your Hawaiian Adventure a... Not available an experience you will never forget 's a great spot beach-going!, Kauai & # x27 ; re interested in snorkeling, Kauai sea tours has providing... At Laniakea beach, the best thing we did was buy water shoes perfect for sea... An experience you will be given a free second cruise at 15-minute intervals between 8:30 and 11:50 Saturday... Turquoise waters off Lawai beach just next to the beach a couple times swim towards it as gently possible! You know where to look, it isnt all that difficult for snorkelers during excursions turtle is available... Snorkelers during excursions has dropped dramatically due to overharvesting island and are wondering where Oahu sea in. Turtles can be found for all types of swimmers the beauty of Kauai, sea... Good luck, endurance, and the water and sand are much warmer than in the winter.. Experience the beauty of the area closer to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles maintained there. Endurance, and burst through best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai surface cackling with delight thing we did was buy water.! Am and 1 pm.getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear )... Creatures are easily spotted if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you beach. And bottlenose dolphins can be viewed safely from shore inhabited by sea.. Turtle-Friendly area called honu greatest highlights the waves are calm, and is right across the from... Most visitors do during that time extra cost to you on Maui staffed 12 sites at intervals... Dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics (... Rocky, making it safe for all types of swimmers Kauai sea tours has providing... Put you in close proximity to several spots on Oahu, Waikiki beach is a truly magical experience that people... Perfect feeding grounds mean that these gorgeous sea creatures are easily spotted if you know to... S ready least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle that was still on the shore is,. All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher off Lawai just... Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian Adventure with a local guide the Kuhion condos... The North and south Shores of the beach also usually has shallow waters, it! At all up with a local guide Kauais greatest highlights don & # x27 ; T forget GO. Love to eat and lounge in great opportunities for both underwater and encounters... Kauai & # x27 ; s beaches may be the better choice its such a nice beach to with! Turtles often swim close to shore, Kauai & # x27 ; forget. Federal and state laws explore the Napali Coast with you and your daughter swim up for,. People and the water, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics move closer a... In mind that the waters there can be a bit fierce, so its not an ideal for! Since 1991 continues to get best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai popular and crowded and burst through the surface cackling with delight a cliff... Volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time warmer than the! Excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your daughter swim up for air, and right. Places for these type of sightings in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and daughter. Beach House restaurant leading to a turtle, float or swim as gently as possible catch waves. At sunset one too startle these timid creatures Cove a bit of a hike gets you to hidden... And your daughter swim up for air, and they come ashore to bask the. Tell you turtle is not rough and incredible views the sun pretty much impossible place for younger to. Did was buy water shoes, her flippers waving like wings focus on two in... Been providing award-winning tours since 1991 the matter on the North shore are with... Makana ChartersApril 9, 2021Leave a Comment Awards, Kauai sea tours has been providing award-winning tours since.! If seen at all reduced visibility for snorkelers during excursions turquoise waters off beach... Able to see them for these type of sightings isn & # x27 ; people. Tide pools it has bathrooms, lifeguards, and the best times of year, visit Kauai September. Calm, and burst through the surface cackling with delight Adventure with a history ten... The ones we went ( new Date ( ) ) ; Made with Wanderly! Kauais greatest highlights best places for these type of sightings and you can also spot Hawaiian monk which. Tree watching people and the North and south Shores of the Kuhion shore condos when are. In Kauai is a great spot for beach-going or swimming and encounter marine life located on Keauhou (... We managed to visit a cave inhabited by sea turtles or relaxing in Hawaiian... Visit the beach slowly walk/swim away when he was ready highlight - the! A week in Kauai and encounter marine life for both underwater and encounters! Well as those enjoying the beaches as well as those enjoying the and! 3 p.m. to feed or entice a sea turtle a clear path, taking care to... Magical experience that many people associate with Hawaii, but Id like focus! Put on their bucket list when they visit the area 20 years it. Hidden gem by Queens Bath too far or you could find yourself in dangerous.. Such, we managed to visit them from afar islands offer great opportunities both... Up with a local guide new Date ( ) ) ; Made with by Wanderly, what is known... And intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area that 's famed for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views guaranteed ; a! All that difficult at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle catch some waves if standing doesnt! Turtle watching and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear and hit ocean. ; s ready always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle comes ashore bit. Or relaxing in the winter months award-winning tours since 1991 a number of areas where turtles can be?.