Maui is one of the best places in the world to see sea turtles, especially the Hawaiian green sea turtle, known as honu. These majestic creatures often bask in the sun along Maui’s beaches or forage in the shallow reef lagoons, making encounters with them a magical but common part of a Hawaiian vacation. However, it’s important to admire sea turtles safely and respectfully — both for your family’s well-being and for the protection of the turtles and their natural habitat.

Best Places to See Sea Turtles in Maui

• Ho’okipa Beach Park: A famous turtle hangout on Maui’s North Shore. In the late afternoons, honu often come ashore to rest on the sand. Stay behind the barricades and enjoy the view from a respectful distance.
• Makena Landing: A popular snorkeling spot near Wailea where turtles are often seen swimming gracefully among the lava rock formations.
• Black Rock at Ka’anapali: A fantastic snorkeling location where turtles are frequently spotted near the cliff base.
• Napili Bay: A family-friendly beach offering calm waters and frequent turtle sightings just offshore.

How to View Sea Turtles Safely and Responsibly

Keep Your Distance

Federal guidelines recommend staying at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from sea turtles, both on land and in the water. Touching, chasing, or harassing a sea turtle is not only harmful but also illegal under state and federal laws. Always use your zoom lens or look from afar with binoculars to keep these protected creatures safe.

No Feeding

Never feed sea turtles. Feeding alters their natural foraging behavior and puts them at additional risk from boats and other human-related dangers.

Avoid Flash Photography

Bright lighting, including camera flashes, can distress sea turtles, especially nesting females and hatchlings. Take photos using natural light and avoid night-time disturbances entirely.

Be Mindful in the Water

If you’re snorkeling or swimming near sea turtles, avoid sudden movements and let them approach you if they choose. Don’t block their path to the surface, where they need to breathe, and always give them room to maneuver.

Protecting the Reef Helps the Turtles

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles. When you’re on Maui’s beaches or in the ocean, do your part to preserve this delicate ecosystem.

• Don’t stand or walk on coral.
• Be cautious with fins, and avoid stirring up sediment which can smother coral.
• Dispose of trash properly, especially plastic items, which are a major threat to marine life.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical pollution.

Many popular sunscreen brands contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to damage coral DNA and contribute to coral bleaching. That’s why using a mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen is one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do to help protect the marine environment. At Coco Botanicals, we’re proud to offer an all-natural, mineral sunscreen that’s safe for your skin and safe for Maui’s reefs — and of course, sea turtles too.

When to Spot Sea Turtles in Maui

Sea turtles are present all year round in Maui, but the best times to spot them include the morning and late afternoon. During the cooler hours of the day, turtles are more likely to venture onto the beach or forage near shorelines. Sunny days following a calm ocean evening can offer prime viewing conditions, especially for families looking to catch a glimpse in a relaxed, low-stress setting.

Teach Kids About Respect for Wildlife

Seeing a sea turtle up close can be an unforgettable moment for children, and it’s a perfect teachable moment. Encourage kids to respect nature, understand boundaries, and appreciate wildlife without interfering. Not only will this create lasting family memories, but it helps raise the next generation of ocean stewards.

Join a Turtle Tour or Talk

If you want a deeper understanding of sea turtles and the marine environments they live in, consider joining a marine life tour or educational talk. Many organizations on Maui, including local aquariums and conservation groups, offer guided experiences led by marine biologists. These tours often focus on observing sea turtles with minimal environmental disruption and include invaluable information about their life cycles, habitats, and ongoing conservation efforts.

In Case of a Turtle Emergency

If you see a turtle in distress — such as entangled in fishing line or stranded on the beach — don’t try to help directly. Instead, contact the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840.

Leave Only Footprints

Whether you’re visiting a secluded cove or a bustling beach, aim to leave the shoreline in better shape than you found it. Clean up after your family, avoid disturbing wildlife, and use eco-conscious products whenever possible. Little steps can lead to a big difference — especially for sea turtles who rely on healthy, unspoiled beaches for nesting and thriving.

Maui gives us the rare opportunity to connect with iconic marine creatures like the honu in their natural settings. With a touch of respect, a spirit of aloha, and some forward-thinking habits, you and your family can enjoy these magical encounters while helping ensure they continue for generations to come.