Ultimate Guide to Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi
When you hear our resort name, you assume turtles (honu) are here - and you're right! Check out our guide on Hawaiian sea turtles, including where to see and swim with sea turtles, turtle nesting season in Oʻahu, and more.
About Our Local Sea Turtles
The two types of sea turtles most spotted at The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay are green sea turtles (honu) and Hawksbill sea turtles (honuʻea). Turtle nesting season in Hawaii is typically mid-April through early October, but can sometimes extend into December. And you're probably wondering when the sea turtles hatch? After about two months in their nests, hatchlings will emerge.
Sea Turtle Etiquette
Before we share where to see sea turtles in Hawaiʻi, make sure to review these guidelines on how to act around our friendly endangered species.
- Keep your distance. Stay at least 15 feet away from honu and honuʻea, and don’t block their access to or from the ocean.
- No touching! It is illegal to touch sea turtles.
- Don’t harass the sea turtles. Don't chase them, swim directly at them, make loud noises in their presence, or feed them.
- Do not use flash photography. When snapping photos, make sure flash is off. We recommend using a GoPro - which you can rent here at Turtle Bay's Surf House for free.
Where To See Sea Turtles at The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay and Around O‘ahu
There are three main locations on the property to spot honu and honuʻea, plus a few places around the North Shore and driving distance from Turtle Bay.
Kuilima Cove
Photo: Zachary Delacruz
Honu are often spotted in this cove located right next to the resort's main building. Grab your snorkel set and explore! (Masks are available for rent or purchase at the resort.) Make sure to check in with our beach staff for current weather and water conditions before you dive in.
Stables Beach
Our local sea turtles are known to enjoy napping on the warm sand and basking in the sun at Stables Beach, the shoreline between our resort and our horse stables. Be sure to say “howdy” to our horse friends while you're there, too.
Kawela Bay
Located about a mile from the resort's main building, Kawela Bay is home to dozens of sea turtles. Book a Turtle Kayak tour and spot turtles in their natural habitats.
Shark's Cove
Photo: Zachary Delacruz
14-minute drive from The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Despite its name, you’re more likely to see more sea turtles and fish, rather than sharks. Shark’s Cove is a Marine Life Conservation District and marine life flourishes here - which makes it a great place to snorkel and explore tidepools during the summer months.
Haleiwa Aliʻi Beach Park
Photo: John Starrett
22-minute drive from The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Aliʻi Beach Park is located in the historic Haleiwa town, and probably one of the best places to check out sea turtles, besides The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. The shallow water and reefs close to the shore showcase the sea creatures feeding on seaweed and coming up for air. (Or simply napping on the shore.)
Electric Beach
60-minute drive from The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Located on the west side of Oʻahu, the official name of this beach is actually Kahe Point - but locals know it by its nickname, Electric Beach. The beach is next to an electric power plant, which warms the water and attracts plenty of marine life, including turtles and spinner dolphins.
Waikiki Beach
70-minute drive from The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. We recommend bringing your swimsuit and snorkeling gear when you visit the world-famous Waikiki - you'll want to dive right into the shore to spot sea turtles.