Where to See Sea Turtles on Maui: A Honu Guide
If spotting sea turtles is on your Maui must-do list, you’re in luck — the island is one of the best places in Hawaiʻi to see them both in the water and resting along the shoreline. From Makena to Kīhei to the northern stretches of the island, Maui offers plenty of viewing opportunities year-round.
And the best part?
Some of the top turtle spots are just minutes from our condo, Makena Surf C1-07.
Here’s your laid-back guide to where we think the best spots are to meet these gentle “honu” — Maui’s cherished green sea turtles.
1. Our Beach (a.k.a. “Turtle Town”)
Distance from the condo: Just a few hundred feet!
Our first spot is truly the beach right in front of the condo! It’s famous for a reason. Po‘olenalena Beach is one of the most reliable places to swim with sea turtles on the island. The water is usually calm in the morning, the visibility is great, and the reef systems here are rich with food sources turtles love.
Best for: Snorkeling with turtles, calm-water days
Tip: Get there early before the crowds roll in — mornings are magical but the tour boats and kayaks show up quickly!
2. “The Dumps” aka Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Distance from the condo: 5.1 miles
This protected area teams with fish, eels, sea slugs, and countless other underwater animals, making it our favorite Maui snorkel spot! We often spot sea turtles in the water here, though you have to keep a sharp eye out as they often will just go gliding by.
Best for: Snorkeling with adults, snorkeling in calm water
Tip: Wear protective snorkeling footies as the entry to this water is very rocky.
Local’s tip: There are often fruit stands set up between our condo and this snorkeling spot! Grab some fresh fruit on your way home- it’s a refreshing way to end a morning swim!
3. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Distance from the condo: 24 miles
If you want to see turtles on land, this is your spot. Ho‘okipa is famous for its turtle “resting beach,” where dozens of honu haul out in the late afternoon to warm up in the sun while surfers and windsurfers catch waves behind them. If you get there and think you’re just looking at a beach full of rocks- look again! Those rocks are actually all turtles. It’s an unforgettable sight.
Best for: Turtle watching from shore
Tip: Visit at sunset — the numbers are incredible, and volunteers are often present to answer questions.
4. Honolua Bay
Distance from our condo: 41 miles
While this beach isn’t necessarily known for the plethora of turtles that Po‘olenalena Beach and Ho’okipa boast, it makes our favorites list simply because the entire experience of Honolua Bay gives a unique view of Maui! A trip to Honolua Bay combines driving along Maui’s beautiful Honoapiilani Highway that follows the coastline with a trek through Hawaiian forest, followed by snorkeling in a protected bay teeming with fish, and the occasional turtle.
Best for: A full Maui experience with an occasional turtle
Tip: Low-clearance vehicles may have a hard time entering the parking lot. There are outhouses at the trial head, but not at the bay. There is no sand along this Bay, only bigger rocks.
You can see huno anywhere!
While these are OUR favorite locations for experiencing Maui’s green sea turtles, you truly have the possibility of seeing them anywhere, whether you are snorkeling or peering down into the water from the shore. Keep your eyes open as you explore Maui, and these gentle sea creatures are bound to show up to be a part of your experience!
Green Sea Turtle Etiquette
A few quick reminders to keep both guests and honu safe:
Stay at least 10 feet back — they’re protected wildlife.
Never touch or chase turtles.
Don’t block their path to or from the ocean.
Give them space in the water so they can surface and breathe comfortably.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect their habitat.
A little respect goes a long way — and Maui’s turtles will thank you for it.
