Shell Yeah! 9 Best Maui Sea Turtle Spots In Nesting Season

Shell Yeah! 9 Best Maui Sea Turtle Spots In Nesting Season

There’s something truly magical about encountering a sea turtle (honu) while exploring Maui’s beautiful coastlines. With their graceful movements and ancient wisdom in their eyes, sea turtles are some of Hawaii’s most beloved marine creatures. But did you know that sea turtles also nest in the Hawaiian Islands?

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes sea turtle nesting season so important, what you can do to help protect them, and some of the best places to spot sea turtles in Maui—especially beaches featured in our Maui Beach Guides. So grab your snorkel gear and a camera and let’s go turtle spotting!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Who, When, and Where

While Hawaii isn’t the busiest nesting ground in the world, the islands are still a vital home for several sea turtle species. In fact, 5 of the 7 sea turtle species in the world can found in Hawaiian waters! The most common species in nearshore waters in Hawaii is the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), known locally as “honu.” Though much more rare due to their endangered status, you might also spot the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), called “honuʻea.”

Nesting season typically runs from April through November, with some variation depending on conditions. Unlike many sea turtles that prefer remote sandy shores, Hawaiian sea turtles have been observed nesting on both secluded beaches and more public areas across the islands—including in Maui.

Most Hawaiian sea turtles actually nest in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly on remote atolls such as French Frigate Shoals in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. However, in recent years, nesting activity has increased on the main Hawaiian Islands. Last year, a sea turtle nest was discovered for the first time in modern history on Kaho’olawe, marking significant progress in the efforts to restore the health of an island devastated by 50 years of U.S. Navy bombing practices. On Maui, known nesting beaches include Baldwin Beach, Kealia Pond, Makena, and a few remote North Shore spots, though it’s still considered uncommon.

Population Numbers & Threats

Thanks to conservation efforts, Hawaii’s honu population has made an encouraging comeback over the last few decades. In the 1970s, sightings were rare, but now thousands are observed throughout the islands. According to NOAA, the Hawaiian green sea turtle population is growing at about 5% per year, with around 500 females nesting annually.

Despite these gains, honu still face many threats, including:

• Predation
• Entanglement in fishing gear
• Boat strikes
• Habitat loss from coastal development
• Pollution and plastic ingestion
• Climate change, which affects nesting success and hatchling sex ratios (warmer sand tends to produce more females)

These factors are why the Hawaiian green sea turtle remains listed as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Nesting Behavior

• Female turtles return to the beach where they were born to nest.
• Nesting occurs at night, when the turtle crawls ashore, digs a pit in the sand, and lays around 75–125 eggs.
• She may nest multiple times in a season, spacing them out over several weeks.
• After about two months, hatchlings emerge and make a mad dash to the ocean.

These tiny turtle hatchlings face intense odds—only 1 in 1,000 is expected to reach adulthood. That’s why protecting nesting areas is so crucial.

How to Be a Turtle-Friendly Beachgoer

Whether you’re snorkeling, sunbathing, or just enjoying a beach day, here’s how you can help protect sea turtles during nesting season:

• 🐢 Don’t disturb turtles: Stay at least 15 feet away and never touch or feed them.
• 🌙 Limit nighttime lighting: Artificial light can disorient nesting females and hatchlings.
• 🚫 Don’t drive on the beach, walk on dunes, or dig deep holes: Nesting areas could be crushed, and holes can trap new hatchlings.
• 🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens harm marine life, including sea turtles.
• 🪧 Respect posted signage and barriers: Some beaches may have temporary nesting zones roped off by local conservation groups.

If you see turtle tracks or a nesting turtle, call Hawaii’s marine wildlife hotline at (888) 256-9840.

If you would like to volunteer to help sea turtles while in Maui, check out the many volunteer opportunities available through Hawai’i Wildlife Fund. Volunteers are especially needed during nesting season!

Where to See Sea Turtles in Maui

While sea turtle nesting itself is rare to witness, you can often spot honu resting on the sand or feeding in shallow waters around Maui. If you happen to spot one with an alpha-numeric etching on its shell, take your photos and videos from at least 10 feet away, and check out this Maui Moments with more information about contributing your sighting to the NOAA’s Honu Count! Wondering how to create super special AND respectful honu photos? Check out some inspo here. 

Finally, here are some of the best Maui beaches—featured in our Maui Beach Guides—for spotting honu in their natural habitat.

1. Kapalua Bay (West Maui)

A calm and sheltered bay ideal for beginner snorkelers and turtle watchers alike. Honu are frequently spotted cruising the beautiful reef.

➡️ Check our Kapalua Bay guide

2. Napili Bay (West Maui)

Gently sloping shores and calm waters make Napili a sea turtle favorite. You might see them grazing on algae-covered rocks or cruising the outer reef. This is also a great spot for beginner snorkelers to catch a glimpse of honu.

➡️ Check our beach guide for Napili Bay

3. Black Rock at Kāʻanapali Beach (West Maui)

A hotspot for snorkeling, this area also attracts an abundance of sea turtles thanks to its vibrant reef system. Keep your distance, especially when they surface for air—don’t hover or chase!

➡️ Get the scoop in our Kāʻanapali snorkeling guide

4. Kamaole Beach Park I, II & III (South Maui)

These family-friendly beaches have lots of turtle sightings, especially early in the morning. Snorkelers near the rocky outcrops might get exceptionally lucky! These beaches are just a short walk away from Auntie Snorkel Kihei.

➡️Check out our Kamaole I Beach guide

➡️Check out our Kamaole II Beach guide

➡️Check out our Kamaole III Beach guide

5. Ulua Beach (South Maui)

Located near Wailea, Ulua Beach offers excellent snorkeling with reef structures that are a turtle magnet. It’s a top spot for underwater encounters and easy access makes it popular with families.

➡️ Read our Ulua Beach guide

6. Makena Landing (South Maui)

Makena is home to “Turtle Town,” one of the most famous sea turtle habitats on Maui. These gentle giants love the coral-covered lava formations and often rest in the rocky shallows. Bring floatation along with your snorkel gear, as you might want to swim out along the lava fingers that extend out from shore. To skip the longer swim at this spot, book a Molokini & Turtle Town snorkel boat tour that will take you right to this honu hotspot!

➡️ Dive into our Makena Landing guide

7. Maluaka Beach (South Maui)

This picturesque gem near Turtle Town is another excellent spot for turtle sightings, especially while snorkeling along the rocky points at either end of the beach. Exercise caution when close to rocks, and only go out if the surf is calm.

➡️ See our Maluaka Beach guide

8. Ho‘okipa Beach Park (North Shore)

A favorite hangout for sea turtles in the early morning and early evening, Ho‘okipa’s rocky shoreline makes it easy for honu to haul out and rest on shore. Check out the easternmost corner of the beach by the lifeguard tower for the honus’ favorite gathering spot. It’s also a popular surf spot, so you’ll get a double show, especially in the winter months.

➡️ View our Ho‘okipa Beach guide

9. Baldwin Beach Park (North Shore)

Known for its long sandy stretches and turtle nesting potential, Baldwin offers occasional sightings both in the surf and on shore. Check out the protected coves at either end of the beach for your best chance at spotting a honu. Respect all posted signs and do not approach resting turtles.

➡️ Explore our Baldwin Beach guide

Why Sea Turtles Matter

Sea turtles are a keystone species—meaning they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. In Hawaii, honu are more than just wildlife; they are part of cultural identity and spiritual heritage. According to Hawaiian traditions, honu are regarded as aumakua (ancestral guardians), and their protection is a shared kuleana (responsibility).

While honu populations have rebounded significantly since receiving federal protection in the 1970s, they still face threats from plastic pollution, fishing gear, boat strikes, and habitat loss—including the impacts of climate change on nesting beaches.

How Auntie Snorkel Helps

At Auntie Snorkel, we’re not just about fun in the sun—we’re about respectful, eco-friendly ocean adventures. From offering reef-safe sunscreen, to quality snorkel gear and flotation options, to educating guests through our Maui Guidebook and in-store resources, we’re proud to support responsible marine tourism.

If you’re lucky enough to see a sea turtle while snorkeling, remember: stay calm, give it space, and count yourself blessed by the aloha of the ocean.

Bonus Tip: Want More Turtle Time?

Try booking one these spectacular snorkel tours or renting quality snorkel gear for your best chances to see honu living their best life! We’ve got plenty of options at auntiesnorkel.com and friendly Fun Specialists ready to help.

🛥️ Calypso Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour 

⛵️Teralani Premier West Maui Snorkel Sail Tour

🚤Hawaii Ocean Rafting Lanai Snorkel Tour

⛵️Four Winds Afternoon Snorkel Tour

🛥️Quicksilver Turtle Town Snorkel Tour

Mahalo for doing your part to protect Maui’s marine life—and for sharing the beaches with our shell-covered friends.

Stay safe, snorkel smart, and don’t forget to say aloha to the honu. 🐢