Oahu is recognized as one of the best places to find turtles in the world. If you love turtles, you’d know that every experience keeps you coming back!
In this article, I’ll give you the details of beaches with turtles in Oahu.
Are you Intrigued? Then this article must be for you.
Things to Note About Oahu
Oahu is an island in the Central Pacific. Besides being one of the eight islands of Hawaii, it is also the third-largest.
Oahu is home to Honolulu, Hawaii’s state capital. With a population of 1,401,709, Oahu is the business citadel of Hawaii. It is also the most visited of all the eight islands.
Every year, up to 9 million tourists come to the island to view Oahu’s magical sites. But out of that number, two-thirds come specifically to Oahu.
Oahu houses many breathtaking beaches in the world. These beaches are also rife with some of the most beautiful turtles.
These turtles are an important part of the culture of the Hawaiian islands.
Top Beaches With Turtles in Oahu
There are three major turtle species in Hawaii — the leatherback turtle, the green turtle, and the hawksbill turtle.
Of all three, the most popular among them is the green sea turtle. This species is locally known as honu.
Here are the top beaches with turtles in Oahu:
Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
Laniakea is one of the best turtle spots because of its offshore reefs, clear waters, and white sands. It’s also known as Turtle Beach.
As the name suggests, there are plenty of turtles to see on the beach. Laniakea Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This makes it a preferred hub for tourists. If you love snorkeling, Laniakea beach is the perfect place to experience turtles on the island.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach also tops the list of beaches with turtles in Oahu. Tourists tag it as one of their favorites.
From about 9 am, there’s a lot of turtle activity on the Waikiki shoreline. It boasts of having several smaller beaches around it and about 4 million visitors yearly.
Because of its soft waves, you can spot a turtle waddling close to the shore in search of warmth.
Wouldn’t that be grand?
Electric Beach
The name of this beach shouldn’t fool you. With 20-40 feet of salty deep clear waters, Electric beach, like the Lanaikea, is abundant in turtles.
However, the electric beach is known for something else other than turtles. The presence of other exciting marine life like the angel fish and dolphins makes it more exciting.
The electric beach houses some giant sea turtles. If you’re lucky enough, you’d see them during a visit.
Fun Fact: Electric Beach was given its name because of the electric power plant located nearby.
Cockroach Beach
The cockroach beach is one of the interesting beaches in Oahu. And this is simply because it looks nothing like its name.
Ironically, it boasts of clear still waters that are wonderful to snorkel in. The Cockroach beach is a deep, sunny terrain, natively called the “Kaupo Bay”.
Cockroach beach is also a neighbor to the famous Halona Blowhole. To cap it, it houses the famous honu sea turtle.
What a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon in the sun!
Makua Beach
Makua Beach is one of the most aesthetic beaches on the Oahu coastline. It is an amazing place for both viewing the gorgeous honu turtles and snorkeling.
Federal laws require that visitors keep a distance of up to 10 feet from the turtles. This however does not prevent you from taking pictures.
With its breathtaking terrain and clear waters, Makua Beach is known to inspire photography.
Some Other Places To Find Turtles In Oahu
Apart from the popular beaches above, some other islands where you can find turtles include:
- Aki’s Beach
- Kuilima Cove
- Kalewa Bay Beach Park
- Ko Olina Lagoon
- Haleiwa Beach
Finally
The innate benefits of seeing turtles are endless. The peace that fills your mind at the sight of turtles is inexpressible. If you’re ever looking, Oahu remains the best place to find turtles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turtles
Is Laniakea Beach the same thing as Turtle Bay?
They are not the same. While Turtle Bay is a resort located on the North Shore of Oahu, Laniakea Beach is a beach in Oahu.
Can I touch the sea turtles?
The Honu (Hawaiian green turtle), is a very protected species on the Oahu islands.
As a result, a lot of federal regulations have been made. One of such is that humans are not allowed to touch or feed the turtles.
If you go to the beaches for a snorkeling adventure, you will be reminded of these guidelines.
From federal requirements in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (Chapter 195D) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (13-124), it is important to keep between 6-10 feet away from the turtles.
In October 2017, two tourists from the U.S. held and took a picture of a honu. They were fined $750 for their action.
These regulations are enforced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. They are also protected by the Endangered Species Act.
What are turtle guardians called?
In Laniakea Beach, marine volunteers on the island are known as Honu Guardian Volunteers.
They take shifts looking after the sea turtles and organize public awareness on the protection of sea turtles.
These guardians even go as far as tacking and photographing each turtle to ensure their return after the day.
If you visit these beaches, you’d see some warning signs at the beach corners. These signs are for visitors who may want to come too close to the honu.
What is the best time to see turtles?
The best time to visit the turtles would be in the day between early in the morning from 11:00 am and 1 pm. Visitors especially to Laniakea Beach will not be allowed to see the turtles beyond these times.
Do sea turtles bite?
While it may take some time to debunk this myth, sea turtles do not actually bite. They aren’t even aggressive.
Most would only bite when they are extremely upset or feel threatened. However, the bite is not lethal. But bites from bigger turtles can still be serious.
One can prevent an episode of biting by obeying federal laws on safe distancing during a visit.
Can anyone visit the beaches?
Most of the turtle beaches are open to the public and it’s completely free. Adults and children are allowed to swim and snorkel with the turtles. It is surely a nice place for a vacation or a sightseeing experience with the family.
What is the best time of the year to see turtles?
The best time of the year to see the turtles is in the summer. This is because of the calm waters that come with the warm climate of summer. The turtles prefer these waters.
While most turtles sleep underwater, some sleep near the surface. You’ll find them coming up to the surface of the beach to enjoy the sun.
While the winter climate doesn’t harm the turtles, it brings colder winds and massive waves.
Sadly, most marine creatures like the turtles don’t like cold weather.
