Ultimate Guide to Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi

Activities

When you think of our name, you naturally imagine turtles—and you’re absolutely right! Discover our guide to Hawaiian sea turtles, where to spot and swim with them.

Respectful Turtle Viewing Guidelines

Keep your distance: Stay at least 15 feet away from honu and honuʻea. Don’t block their access to or from the ocean.
No touching: It is illegal to touch sea turtles.
Avoid harassment: Don’t chase, swim directly at, make loud noises, or feed the turtles.
No flash photography: Turn off the flash when snapping photos. Consider renting a GoPro from the Surf House for underwater shots.

Turtle Spotting Locations
Explore top turtle-spotting sites on-property and around Oʻahu, from Kuilima Cove to Waikiki Beach.

Kuilima Cove: 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: 14-minute drive from 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: 22-minute drive from 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 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 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 Turtle Bay. We recommend bringing your swimsuit and snorkeling gear when you visit the world-famous Waikiki - you'll want to dive