You should post your questions about (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5. Maui is the best Hawaiian Island for snorkeling. It is located just off the shore of Maui and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The beach has clear and calm waters, making it the perfect spot for amateur sea turtle spotting! Rainfall increases, but the surf season begins and whales start their migration to Maui. Read more about, You can get to Turtle Town one of two ways: by boat or by snorkeling offshore from Makena Landing. Snorkelling and Diving in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks at La Jolla, Museo Atlntico (Lanzarote Underwater Museum), Swim with Stingless Jellyfish in Kakaban Lake. If you're looking for the best deals on accommodations, spring and fall are the cheapest months to visit the island because demand is down. Maluaka is the best place to snorkel in the area and has a high population of Hawaiian Green sea turtles. Turtle Town gives an opportunity to swim with and photograph one of the largest ocean turtles. The sea turtles that appear at Kholo Bay make a surreal setting even dreamier. . Check out the training centers and sign up for this wonderful activity to see sea turtles on Maui. 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. Honokeana Bay (West Maui) 2. Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Its one of the best ways to see Hawaiian green sea turtles on Maui. Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo. With such slight variations in the weather, deciding when to travel to Maui will usually boil down to the best time for particular activities. April 03, 2023. You can also witness the Hawaiian sea turtle in abundance here, which is why its a main spot for where to see turtles in Maui. Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, Hawaii appears to be on track for record visitor arrivals in the coming years. Maui sea turtles have been around the island for nearly 150 million years and are one of the main attractions for divers and snorkelers. Where to look for turtles: Stay on the dirt path between the houses. Honu are considered sacred creatures in Hawaiian culture. Both NOAA and DLNR recommend staying at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the sea turtles at all times. The weather is idyllic year-round on Maui, so there's really no bad time to come. Maui turtles dont seem bothered by the presence of people swimming in the water with them. One time, I encountered 54 breaches in a row. Adjacent to Keawakapu Beach, Ulua Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing turtles. Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? It is situated on a small islet east of Maui, directly across from the Marara Beach Resort. (2023). Snorkel at the east side of the cove, near the rocky section, to look for sea turtles. 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. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Plus, diving allows you to go in deeper waters, so youll see turtle species, sea urchins, coral gardens, and other marine life that lots of people dont get to see! A night sky cruise in Northern Michigan, Polynesian wayfinder history lessons in Hawaii, and more. There is a shopping center nearby, making it more convenient for tourists and a place where you can spend an entire day. The 12 Best Maui Beach Hotels (+ 5 awesome beachfront condos), The 4 Best Haleakala Sunrise Tours (+ our 10% off code), The 8 Best Road to Hana Tours: Find Your Perfect Guide, The Complete Road to Hana Guide: stops, tours, map, and checklist! They weigh around 300 pounds. This is another excellent place to spot the sea turtles in Maui. Because of the crowds, parking is limited, but its free! Turtle sightings can be seen all year round, but the warmer months tend to provide more opportunities for interaction with the creatures. In fact, I suggest coming here if you have kids who will be snorkeling. There are five different species of turtles in Maui, namely the Green sea turtle (Honu), Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Leatherbacks, and Loggerheads. Hawaii Climate Guide 20 amazing things to do in Maui, Hawaii: swim with sea turtles, go surfing, drive the Road to Hana, visit Haleakala National Park, . Hurricane and tropical storms are historically rare events on Maui, but its still important to be prepared for storms if you visit during Hawaii hurricane season- June through November. One positive to extra precipitation is that this rain typically enhances the Road to Hana waterfalls. Wondering how to get the most out of your Maui vacation? The skin of the Eastern Painted Turtle will usually be covered with stripes, near the head they are usually yellow, and on the rest of the body, the color usually ranges from red to orange. Always ask at the local snorkel shop whether the season is favorable or not. Over 200 different species of fish inhabit Molokini Crater, and you have the chance to search for them all aboard this Maui snorkeling tour. Or sign up for a tour with one of the many vendors that line the street just south of the park. Scenic and spectacular, A-Bay is a crescent-shaped beach defined by its white sand and fringed palms. On average, rain falls on just six days during the month. Since Oahu and Maui both dazzle, its no easy task to decide which Hawaiian island to visit. Check the latest guidance before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice. And, of course, another reason people come here is to see turtles on Maui! They offer exceptional opportunities for different kinds of turtle sighting that well go over later! Its very common to view sea turtles munching on seaweed. Let us know about your experience as well as any tips you may have in the comments. The beach is small and narrow at Makena Landing Park. Bonus spot: Maui Ocean Center from. best family-friendly beaches on Maui. Indulge in a Slice of True Island Style with an Order of Hula Pie, Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities. The beach is super tourist-friendly, with free parking, public restrooms, and restaurants. The beach park has a convenient launching spot near the street (drop off your gear at the loading zone before you park the car). With a variety of activities, the Maui Whale Festival seeks to both celebrate and protect the humpbacks that winter here.Key events: Maui Whale Festival, The mild weather continues as the winter peak season winds to a close.Key events: Lahaina Whale & Ocean Arts Festival, The rain dials down as the month rolls on. Advertisement October 3, 2022 by Alex C. Huhn There are many places where you can see turtles while snorkeling in Maui. While you could make your way to this snorkeling spot on your own, we recommend joining a boat tour for easiest access. Heres what to expect from Maui month by month. Rainbows are always said to be a sign of good luck in the islands, meaning you'll return one day if you spot one. They can weigh between 300 and 400 pounds and are around 4 to 5 feet long at full growth. Brennecke's Beach At Brennecke's Beach, seeing turtles come to feed at the lava shelf is common. What you can expect: Depending on who you ask, Turtle Town can refer to one of several spots along the coastal waters of South Maui. The rocky corners of this beach provide perfect viewing spots, and surfers can also combine a turtle-spotting day with a surf-trip day with help from the amazing waves found here. When snorkeling with kids, I also recommend alife jacketorpuddle jumper, just to be safe. Turtles are known to spend most of their time in the sea since they feed and sleep in the water. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Thank you, Lucia You'll love the privacy and intimacy offered by this turtle-friendly area. This Maui travel guide has been divided into 9 sections to make it easier to navigate. And if youre lucky, you might come across Volkswagen the 300-pound sea turtle named for his resemblance in size to the motor vehicle. Summer is when the water tends to be clearest so this is the best time for scuba diving. We'd love to hear from you! Winter is prime surfing season on Maui Thomas Barwick / Getty Images, The best time to visit Maui for whale watching, hitting the beach or avoiding crowds. Turtle Town, Maui, is the pivotal location for sea turtles on the island. When Im not on the island at my Kihei condo, you can find me planning my next travel adventure from my home in the Pacific Northwest. During our last visit, we brought our own stand up paddle boards. Resort sunset ceremonies begin between 5:30pm and 6:30pm with the blowing of a conch shell (pu in Hawaiian), followed by a traditional chant and the lighting of tiki torches. Located on the South Side of Maui, this tropical paradise is brimming with sea turtles and is also a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy one of Mauis most relaxed destinations. Sea turtles glide through the waters nearby, unfazed by the throng of humans wading into the water. This particular beach is ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Its a great beach if you have small kids or if youre new at swimming or snorkeling. Or, stay to the left at the fork and walk to the rocky outcropping. Find more stops along Hana Highway at 18 BEST ROAD TO HANA STOPS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VACATION | INSIDER TIPS, MAP & PHOTOS. Its one of the most popular beaches on the island and parking fills up early. Hawaiian Green sea turtles are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world! sea turtles in Mauiweighing nearly 300 pounds! 2023 Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure in Maui - Tripadvisor Maui vs Oahu: which is the better Hawaiian island to visit? The Sentry Tournament of Champions, a stop on the PGA Tour, comes to Kapalua.Key events: Sentry Tournament of Champions, Chinese New Year, Typically the coolest month of the year. That makes Slaughterhouse Beach one of the prime spots on Maui for seeking out turtles. The water there is also shallow enough that it allows sunlight to penetrate and enhance the visibility underneath. While you can swim with turtles in Maui all year round, the best time of day to see Hawaiis sea turtles is usually between 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Plus, the beach is not overcrowded like the usual popular beaches in Maui. *Maui monthly Visitor Statistics are provided by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. When people think of where to find Maui sea turtles, they think of Turtle Town. Visiting the Maui Ocean Center is Worth the Trip! Maui offers the most protected bays, calm seas, translucent waters, year-round snorkeling, and vibrant sea life. Ulua Beach is a popular tourist spot and those visiting are advised to arrive early in the morning to avoid any parking issues. Get here early! On May 1, Hawaii celebrates Lei Day with the making and giving of lei (flower garlands) to honor the spirit of aloha the Hawaiian concept of fellowship. Maui - best month to see turtles - Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor Ive regularly seen 15-20 turtles napping on the sandy shore at any one time. Maui honu are a great way to experience island culture. When it comes to viewing turtles, always do so from a distance to avoid disrupting their routine. So, you might see them on the beaches between 11 AM and 3 PM. This means the island is less crowded as well, which is another benefit of visiting during these months. 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the sea turtles at all times. The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Another way to see turtles is with aMaui scuba tour. You may find turtles in both the shallow and depths. Wondering when is the best time to visit Maui? But for many locals, Maluaka Beach holds the accepted official Turtle Town designation. It is the best spot to see Paia beach turtles. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. This tour also stops at a spot called Turtle Town along the Maui coastline, where you have the chance to swim . So, the best time of the day to see sea turtles in Maui is between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Have you ever seen sea turtles in Maui? Black Rock Beach is open to the public all year round and is an amazing place to swim in Hawaiis deep waters away from the beach. All Rights Reserved. This Species was almost completely wiped out in the 18-1900's as trade for meat, turtle Skin, and the Shells, along with habitat destruction, nesting site interference, and pollution all put intense pressure on the creatures. The reef along this particular destination is teeming with aquatic animals and various turtle species. Some call these Maui's 'off-season periods' or the 'shoulder months.' Nest density here is about 32 nests per square kilometre, but further south density for other types of turtles can get as high as 160 per square . The Hawaiian green sea turtle is one of the most endangered species on earth and a vital part of Hawaiis ecosystem and culture. The best places in the world to see turtles | Bradt Guides ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~, Typical Maui Visitor Arrivals (2019 & 2022) - Click to Enlarge. There are five different species of turtles in Maui, namely the Green sea turtle (Honu), Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Leatherbacks, and Loggerheads. There are also species that range in a variety of characteristics: carnivores, yellow-spotted, two inches long, a foot long or those that live 50+ years. Its a busy beach with tourists all around the year round. Check out the latest prices and more details. One of the best places is at Molokini Crater. When youre at the end of the sand, where the coral reef begins, youre at the right spot. Here is some of my best advice when looking for sea turtles on the island of Maui: No Hawaiian vacation is complete without experiencing a turtle snorkel tour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Each January - March, they migrate down from Alaskan waters to mate, calve, andbirth their young. They are back under the sun on the beach, and lots of people take selfies with turtles in the background! I grew up visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium (ranked the best in the world) on school trips, so it says something when an aquarium impresses me. Start by choosing one of the categories below to explore the best of Maui and useful travel tips to help you make your trip an enjoyable and memorable vacation. Be sure to also regularly check our Maui current eventpages for: The months leading into fall, specifically October and early November, can be a good time to visit. The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide Updated 2023 - Shaka Guide This is a great spot for turtle watching from the shore. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If youre looking for places where you can snorkel, this beach is ideal. Tips for Ethically Seeing Sea Turtles in Maui Snorkeling will give you a better view of the turtles, but the tide gets rough close to this section of land. Learn how to make a sea turtle life cycle lap book! Although there are a few beaches in Maui where you can see turtles in their natural habitat on land, the ocean is the best habitat to view them in. What you can expect: I spoke to a few local diving instructors recently, and they revealed that the water at the ill-constructed Mala Wharf is a prime spot for seeing sea turtles. or the Honu. 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. We curated this list of guided experiences for seeing sea turtles during your Maui vacation. Our favorite. Can't find what you need?Try our Search Box . It's confusing. 1. While youre encouraged to keep your distance whenswimming with turtles, they wont really be bothered by your presence. Both Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef Waikiki put you in close proximity to several spots on Oahu that are perfect for turtle watching. Lanai is the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, covering 140 square miles. 32 reviews 12 helpful votes Turtle egg hatching?? What you can expect: It gets crowded at Black Rock with both snorkelers and cliff jumpers, thanks to the clear water and typically calm conditions. Summertime, when the water is clear and calm, is typically the best time to snorkel if you want to see the turtles. Dont come here for snorkeling or swimming unless you have lots of experience. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. NextisHawaii.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. At a cleaning station, sea turtles hover in the water and await algae-eating fish that clean their shells of algae and other debris. You can take pictures with them, on the land or in the water. On days when its beach weather at sea level, it can be 30F at the volcanos 10,023ft summit, a prime location for watching the sunrise. Daytime highs average 81F (27C), with overnight lows still a pleasant 65F (18C). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Black Rock Beach was formed at the end of the Ice Age, and it has tree skeletons and incredible geological wonders. In fact, ninety percent of female turtles will make the 600 mile journey to lay their eggs on the French Frigate Shoals. Here are four places for you to find them, with or without going into the water. Check out the latest prices and more details.