Best Maui Beaches To Swim With Turtles

Maui offers several exceptional spots where you can swim with sea turtles (honu) in their natural habitat.

Malu'aka Beach in Wailea and located in South Maui is also called Turtle Town. This beach is famous for its abundance of sea turtles. Snorkelers can often spot turtles feeding on algae near the rocky areas. It's accessible from Makena Landing or Maluʻaka Beach Park.
Makena Landing is a popular spot for snorkeling and turtle sightings, offering calm, clear waters ideal for observing marine life. Ample parking and restroom facilities are available.
Kaʻanapali Beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, including sea turtles feeding off the rocks.
Kapalua Bay is ideal for families and beginners, with calm waters and vibrant coral reefs hosting a variety of fish species and frequent turtle sightings.
Mokule'ia Beach (Slaughterhouse) Adjacent to Honolua Bay, this secluded beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with a chance to spot turtles, especially in the rocky areas.

Respect Wildlife: Snorkeling with sea turtles or seeing them on the beach is a magical experience. However, it’s vitally important to their health to remember to respect them and their natural habitat. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable encounter:
Keep Your Distance: Maintain a respectful distance from the turtles to avoid disturbing them. Touching or harassing turtles is not only harmful but also illegal, and can incur hefty fines.
Exercise the Golden Rule: Treat sea turtles the way you would want to be treated by strangers. Be calm and courteous around them as you might be when encountering a new person. If what you’re doing would freak out a person you don’t know, it definitely freaks out a sea turtle!
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the marine environment by using reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life.
Pick Up Trash: Sea turtles suffer greatly from human trash polluting the ocean and beaches. You can make a big difference by being sure to pick up all of your trash and any other stray items you encounter while adventuring.
Be Aware of Ocean Conditions: Some areas may have strong currents or rocky entries. Always assess ocean conditions and your swimming abilities before entering the water.