One of the most sought-after and mesmerizing experiences when visiting Kauai is seeing the majestic green sea turtles, or honu, as they are known in the Hawaiian language. Whether you are familiar with Kauai or this is your first time visiting, we’ll break down all you need to know about these marvelous animals.
As recounted in the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumuilipo, the honu was born in the realm of pō, or darkness, where life is created and to which spirits return. The honu continue to be sacred to many Hawaiian families and for some, they are considered ‘aumākua or spiritual guardians.
These large, endangered marine turtles can be found throughout the year in Kauai, resting or basking on the island’s beautiful golden beaches and swimming along the vibrant, rocky shores.
Be sure to bring your snorkel gear to experience the joy of watching these gentle giants gracefully glide through the turquoise waters. If seeing these iconic creatures is on your Kauai wish list, read on. . . .
Ancient Creatures on Land and Sea
All modern sea turtles evolved from a common ancestor who lived long ago – we’re talking 110 million years ago! The Hawaiian green sea turtle is one of the world’s largest, with adults weighing upwards of 350 pounds and growing up to four feet in length.
They can live 80-plus years — a happy consolation given that life for hatchlings can be quite the obstacle course.
On shore, crabs, mongooses, seabirds, rats, dogs and cats can be a threat. Rough surf, and hungry sharks and fish can also make oceanic survival a challenge. If they make it to reproductive maturity (usually in their 20s or 30s), they swim hundreds to thousands of miles to return to their birthplace to nest.
For most Hawaiian green sea turtles, the natal homing place is the French Frigate Shoals, about 400 miles northwest of Kauai.
Related: Encountering Spinner Dolphins in Kauai
A map of the Hawaiian Archipelago
Can you imagine being able to dive in depths up to 1500 feet, or holding your breath for four to five hours while you sleep?
These amazing marine creatures are adaptable and resilient. When not migrating or nesting, they spend most of their time foraging in shallow reefs and bays, and basking on sandy beaches on the main Hawaiian Islands.
Where to See Sea Turtles in Kauai?
If visiting during winter, Kauai’s south shore seas are generally more calm and better suited to snorkeling. The ocean is variable so check the conditions before you go. Here is a list of places you can go to find sea turtles in Kauai.
- Poipu Beach, one of Hawaii’s premier beaches, is great for kids who can spot turtles from the natural wading pool. Snorkelers are afforded a terrific view below in the crystal clear waters and this exceptional location usually hosts many basking turtles around sunset. Frequently calm surfs, shallow reefs and beautiful golden sand add to the magic of this favorite spot.
- Brennecke’s Beach, located on the eastern end of Poipu Beach Park, is a perfect place for beach-side honu viewing. Known for its significant waves, this famous beach is also a great venue for experienced surfers and bodyboarding. Some say it’s a wonderful spot to see basking turtles late in the afternoon and they also can be seen foraging along the lava shelf.
- Lawai Beach is a picturesque spot in a quiet rural community near Poipu, which offers excellent snorkeling. It’s a great place to see these graceful swimmers in the water. Take care entering and exiting due to rocks and be mindful of riptides on the right side of the bay. Located next to the Beach House Restaurant, it’s also a great place to enjoy breath-taking sunsets. If you’re lucky, you might even see a rare Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtle! (For those interested in Hawaiian culture, this beach is at the end of the Heritage Trail where you can enjoy a relatively easy, two-mile coastal trail and learn about the rich history of the area through interpretive signs and points of interest.)
- Spouting Horn, near Lawai Beach, is a famous lookout where a large blowhole sprays seawater up to 50 feet in the air when the tide crashes to shore. You can often see turtles swimming in this iconic spot to the right of the horn and below the lookout in a little cove. It’s especially lovely when the sun is setting.
- Kuhio Shores offers stunning views and good snorkeling right in front of the condo complex, near Lawai Beach. You can enter the water at the bay on the east side or from the beach to the west. This rugged coastline offers an ideal feeding spot for local honu, just be mindful of rocks as you enter. When you stay at Kuhio Shores you can whale watch, enjoy beautiful Kauai sunsets, count dolphins and turtles, or enjoy some of the best surfing action on the sunny south. Some of the units at Kuhio Shores have floor-to-ceiling walls where you can get a 180-degree ocean view. Many travelers in Poipu have raved about how magnificent their experience was, in particular how they were able to see marine life from the comfort of their vacation home.
- Kipu Kai Beach is a remote beach with a beautiful crescent-shaped bay with clear turquoise waters and typically calm surf. Located between Lihue and Poipu, this serene and secluded spot is often accessed by water so you might enjoy a boat tour unless kayaking is more your style. This pristine and rugged coastline is surrounded by sea cliffs – a tranquil escape!
- Koloa Landing is a great place for snorkeling, even though it’s more boat ramp than true beach. With a thriving, vibrant reef, this protected marine sanctuary is a prime spot for seeing turtles, as well as an abundance of colorful coral and fish. Come early for parking and take note that the water gets deep pretty quickly — a great place for diving, too. You could potentially see a Hawaiian monk seal here or even a spotted eagle ray! Right in front of Koloa Landing Resort near Poipu Beach Park.
Best Places for Turtles on the North Shore
Summer months on the north shore offer calmer seas for snorkeling and diving – check reports for conditions. These are some of the best spots to witness the Hawaiian green turtle on the north shore.
- Anini Beach with its long coastline, large reef and shallow waters — is another turtle hot spot. This protective coral reef provides excellent shelter to these gentle creatures and it’s often calm, even in the winter. Also known as a great spot for picnicking, camping, and beautiful sunsets, too. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for honu sightings.
- Tunnels, also known as Makua Beach, is on the north shore at Ha’ena Point. This popular spot is renowned for its clear water and vibrant sea life, and it’s one of the most beloved beaches in the area. Snorkelers and divers frequently see turtles, especially around the outer reef. With the stunning backdrop of Makana Mountain, this lush jungle destination is named for the underwater lava tubes that resemble tunnels. Parking at Ha’ena Beach Park fills up quickly but no reservations are needed unless you decide to park at Ha’ena State Park.
- Ke’e Beach, located in Ha’ena State Park, is at the end of the road that leads to the beautiful Napali Coast. This special beach offers breathtaking views and ample opportunities for turtle viewing. With its popularity, visitors now need to purchase both parking and entrance reservations for all passengers. Most visitors feel it’s worth the effort to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and green mountains. A shallow reef makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach also serves as a starting point for the Kalalau Trail, one of the most famous and challenging hikes on the island.
Art From Marionette Taboniar
Guidelines to Consider
These ancient creatures arrived on the islands long before humans and as our numbers increased, their population plummeted. Since hunting was banned and they were placed on the endangered species list in 1978, they have been rigorously protected.
Thanks to long-term collaboration between various agencies, researchers and local volunteers, the honu population has been recovering.
Here are some guidelines to ensure future generations also get to enjoy these beloved marine mammals:
You should keep a safe distance and always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle (some beaches may have even more stringent guidelines). Do not approach, chase, touch, feed or attempt to ride a turtle. It’s not cool or pono, and fines can be significant.
- If you would like to move a little closer to a turtle, float or swim as gently as possible, remembering to give them at least 10-15 feet of space.
- Avoid making loud noises and abrupt movements that will startle them.
- Do not pour water over a beached turtle or try to push it back into the ocean. If you’re concerned about the condition of a turtle or its situation, immediately reach out to a lifeguard or contact https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report
- Always give sea turtles a clear path; do not block their access to land or sea.
- Avoid following a sea turtle out too far — you could find yourself in dangerous waters.
- Use reef-friendly sunscreen on yourself and your family to protect your aquatic neighbors. Today, Hawaii now sells only environmentally safe sunscreens.
If you’d like to learn more about Hawaii’s green sea turtles, one intriguing resource is The Book of Honu by Peter Bennett and Ursula Keuper-Bennett. Knowledge, respect and aloha will go a long way in making your time with these majestic creatures memorable and magical!
