Swimming with Turtles
 

I wondering what is the best spot to snorkel with Turtles on Maui and the Big Island. Is there anywhere that you are very likely to see them? I have not heard anyone really mention seeing Turtles too often at either Molikini or Captain Cooks.

Sbmrb,

First keep in mind it is illegal to touch, feed or go near turtles in Hawaii. If they come near you, one is supposed to slowly back away.
That being said the best bet on the Big Island is at Kahalu’u early in the morning. Just keep your distance and allow them to eat in peace, as they are usually feeding when spotted there.
For a photo op of honu, check out Punalu’u black sand beach, where frequently honu are sunbathing and sleeping.

Good luck and happy travels!

Keep in mind that those beaks can take off a finger or hand very quickly. They may be slow on land but can move fast enough to latch on to something that looks tasty. They are big enough that it's not likely that they will be afraid of you.

Kahalu'u on the big island is the best bet or the lagoon at the Hilton if you're staying there.

There are several snorkeling trips that will take you to "Turtletown" on Maui (several combine a nice trip to Molokini, lunch, then the turtles). (But as others say, you don't snorkel "with" them, just hope to see them up close!)

We just returned from Maui last week and the last poster is correct in that most snorkel trips stop at "Turtle Town" which is actually a variety of spots depending on the snorkel boat - most are off of the Wailea/Makena area. We took the Seafire rigid raft over to Molokini and then stopped there and saw many turtles in the water (I would definitely recommend that trip for the price - not crowded like the big kats and they let us snorkel over to the crater edge which was a first). Also, we snorkeled right out front of the Makena Surf where we stay and saw 6 turtles very close to shore on the reef. Anywhere along the coast from Makena to Polo Beach is a good bet.

We have snorkeled at Hapuna Beach on the Big Island several times on 2 different trips, and we saw turtles there more often than not.

"don't snorkel with them, just see them up close!"

What does that mean ??

Rusty~that means if you are snorkeling and see a turtle, don't chase, follow or annoy it. let it go it's own way and you go yours, but let's face it, anyone who does see one will more than likely follow it for awhile.

We saw one huge (6feet)turtle near the Sheraton @ Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach. I'm not sure if this is the norm. But, It was unreal to see it below us in 12 feet of water. PS... We asked the locals about snorkeling at Turtletown & they didn't suggest it because sharks like to eat the turtles!After watching some shows on this week's Discovery Channel during Shark Week, it seems like they were right.Tiger sharks love them.

Often there are several large turtles in the Champagne Pond at Kapoho Beach in Puna.

We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid on the BI and saw lots of turtles while snorkeling off the beach at the hotel.

topping

"Turtle Town" on Maui is the south end of Makena Beach, on south Maui, where the Maui Prince Hotel is. You can snorkel there from the beach, (there is beach access and parking) or take a commercial trip.

like Merrytravel, e stayed at the Orchid on the BI and saw lots of turtles while snorkeling off the beach at the hotel every day. In fact, they would come right up to the sand and hang out a while... it was amazing!

"Keep in mind that those beaks can take off a finger or hand very quickly."

If you're a guy, don't go skinny dipping if there are turtles in the water.

In Maui I saw many turtles at Kahekili beach on West Maui. Some were so big that they frightened me at first glance. I also saw many at Po'olenalena beach in Makena.

as a local boy we never like when we see a lot of turtles in the deep. That ususally means that a visit from the man in the gray suit is near as the honu are one of their favorite meals. Surfers feel the same way. Ever look up from under water at surfers waiting to catch a wave? Looks like turtles at the top of the water to the hungry.

Aloha!

On the BI, I saw a large number of turtles while at snorkeling at the Captain Cooks - In fact they were hard to avoid in the shallows on the left side of the shore near the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge ). Also regularly saw some in the mornings along the rocky shoreline between the Hapuna Prince and Mauna Kea hotel beaches.