There are so many stunning varieties of tropical fish for you to encounter on your vacation to Kauai. The best thing we did was buy water shoes. Elevation gain: 0-3,000 feet. Whales are an important part of Kauais history. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4588998', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Queen bath" area. Look no further than the shores of Lawai 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. As long as you stay mindful of the rules around interacting with the species, planning a trip to some of the best beaches in the summer means youre pretty likely to spot a turtle or two and get the chance to appreciate this incredible sea creature. 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. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. Full guides on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust! The water was shallow which made for some challenges. We also saw a monk seal on the beach and whales in the distance. If not expensive rent an island taxi and have them take you to poipu beach It is a public beach and free. beautiful beach. But there are certain times of the year that youre more likely to encounter some of these beautiful creatures. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. The best time of day to see turtles in Kauai is around sundown. If so, youre also in for a treat! | 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. Snorkelers can enjoy a vast stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking sea turtles. So, make sure that swimming with turtles in Waikiki Beach is among the top activities that you participate in while youre there. In Adventure, Things To Do: Makana Charters Blog by Makana ChartersApril 9, 2021Leave a Comment. Turtles in front of Kuhio Shores feeding on the matter on the rocks. Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. After that, hit up your favorite beach-side spot to reward yourself for hard work done well! During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements which will startle these timid guys. But it is also their will that amazes us. Spouting Horn Kauai turtles are often seen congregating just below the lookout to the right of the horn in a little cove filled with rocks and delicious sea grasses. Sea turtles usually prefer calm water and may come to shore when the weather is sunny and peaceful. You'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area. 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. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. We swam with many turtles at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spinner dolphins are a little smaller in size than bottlenose dolphins but more common to see around the island. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. Given its name. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Her flippers have a leopard-like pattern and her green back looks as mottled as the mossy rocks beneath her. Going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? hump back whales, monk seals, and sea turtles. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. Sea turtles are federally protected creatures, where touching them is considered the same as disturbing them. We saw upwards of 40 turtles. This site contains affiliate links. in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Waimea, HI 96796 For the best visibility, we recommend scuba diving orsnorkeling during July and August. They might even pop their head up to check you out! Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. You will see a large rock wall on the ocean side of the road that separates the beachfront homes. June is the best time. )the best time to spot sea turtles coming on the shore is midday, typically from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Turtles can also be viewed from the Whalers Cove overlook. Somehow you know just how she will respond to friends back home who ask her What was the highlight of your trip to Kauai? Somehow you know that she will remember this moment forever. Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. A sunny day at the beach? We cant leave behind one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands! Trip itineraries for top destinations to visit around the world. However, monk seals are most often seen around Kauai if seen at all. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Kholo Bay is also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The rocky coastline provides a great vantage point where you can simply stand and watch these majestic creatures crawl along or take a nap in the sun. Thank you. Always Respect Hawaii's Endangered Turtles. Not worth it not to mention cruel. The water is protected by the reef making it swimmable even in winter. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you are lucky enough to see a turtle up close and personal, just remember that sea turtles are protected by state and federal laws, which prohibit you from harassing them. 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. The best time to see these majestic creatures is December through March. 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. Just a stones throw away from the Beach House restaurant, you can jump right in, relax and keep an eye out for some sea turtles. Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). Youre much more likely to interact with turtles whilst in the water, where they swim all year round. Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this 2- to 3-hour tour departing from Waikiki. Perhaps youre looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? These turtles, which can weigh up to 400 . 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. Keep a distance of at least 10-15 feet away at all times. These are the most common sea turtles in the area, and they can be spotted around the beaches and shores of Kauai. The best way to see the whales is on acatamaran whale touraround the south shore. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. Considered one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii for seeing turtles, Kholo Bay is famed for its dark rocks and jewel-colored tide pools, and the sea turtles that frequent here love to bask on its smooth lava rocks. YES! Always give a sea turtle a clear path, taking care not to block their access to land or sea. Is there overnight parking allowed? The BEST WAY to catch a turtle is to dig a 12" deep hole next to a pond (away from the water). Are there any places that sell shave ice within walking distance from poiou beach? 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. So grab your binoculars and hit the brakes, because you dont want to miss out! Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. We saw turtles while snorkeling on south shore at beach right next door to Kuhio Shores. If you want to learn more about Hawaiis Sea Turtles, check out the following titles: The Book of Honu by Maui authors Peter Bennett and Ursula Keuper-Bennett, Sea Turtles of Hawaii by Kauai author Patrick Ching or for your Kindle, Hawaiis Green Sea Turtles by Kauai Author Monika Mira. . 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. Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a turtle nesting destination so they arrive to lay their eggs here from May through September, but they can be seen in water and on land pretty much year round if you know where to see turtles in Kauai. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. You may not appreciate the power plant thats clearly noticeable, but scenic landscapes arent exactly what youre there for. Long considered symbols of good luck, the creatures kind faces and trudging gait are endearing, and watching them swim is a joy. Unsure if they are technically allowed, though. 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. Aside from sea turtles, you can also enjoy being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater. Please be respectful and keep a safe distance. At Laniakea Beach, the best time of day to see green sea turtles is between 11 am and 1 pm. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. If a sea turtle does beat the odds, however, they can live up to 80-plus years! Lawai Beach !Its like the VRBO of cars. Fins make every snorkel experience safer. Sea Turtles in Kaua'i Waters Gracefully gliding through the ocean current, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or honu, is one of the oldest, and most beloved creatures in the Hawaiian Islands. All of the beaches mentioned above were some of the best places for you to swim with sea turtles in Oahu. 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. This is a great beach in a good location but is losing its appeal as it gets more and more crowded. Koloa Landing Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. 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. $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. If youre looking for amazing vistas of sea turtles, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail should be your first stop in Kauai. Our team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and were excited to explore the Napali Coast with you and your family. Hours: 8:00a.m. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. However, they do swim in the waters around Kauai year-round. Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. 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