Turtle Town Maui Hawaii
Swim with majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) in the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Town, Maui. A must-do for marine life lovers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility and fewer crowds
Turtle Town Maui Hawaii
Best Time
Best visibility and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swim with majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) in the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Town, Maui. A must-do for marine life lovers!
"It feels like soaring when you get to dive nearby these sweet shelled friends :) wouldn’t trade it for the world!"
Respect the Honu Distance
Always give turtles 10ft space. Never touch or feed them! :turtle:
Book Snorkel Tours Early
Popular tours sell out. Consider e-scooter snorkel tours for a unique experience. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swim with Green Sea Turtles
Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
Encounter majestic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) in their natural habitat. A truly magical and unforgettable experience.
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Snorkel Crystal Clear Waters
Various spots within Turtle Town
Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including tropical fish, octopuses, and sometimes even sharks.
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Explore Maluaka Beach
South Maui
Often referred to as Turtle Town, this beautiful beach is a prime spot for turtle sightings and offers excellent snorkeling.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Honu
Book Tours in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the Honu Distance
Always give turtles 10ft space. Never touch or feed them!
Book Snorkel Tours Early
Popular tours sell out. Consider e-scooter snorkel tours for a unique experience.
GoPro for Clear Footage
Capture amazing underwater moments with a GoPro or similar waterproof camera.
Consider a Motorized Tour
For more efficient exploration, motorized snorkel tours can cover more ground.
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the Honu Distance
Always give turtles 10ft space. Never touch or feed them!
Book Snorkel Tours Early
Popular tours sell out. Consider e-scooter snorkel tours for a unique experience.
GoPro for Clear Footage
Capture amazing underwater moments with a GoPro or similar waterproof camera.
Consider a Motorized Tour
For more efficient exploration, motorized snorkel tours can cover more ground.
Check Wind Conditions
Wind can affect water clarity and paddling conditions. Rescheduling might be necessary. :windblowingface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the incredible opportunity to swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in Turtle Town, describing it as a magical and unforgettable experience. The clear waters and abundant marine life are major draws, though some note that tours can be crowded and expensive. Respecting the turtles' space is a recurring theme in positive feedback.
"The crew was very helpful. Our scheduled day for paddling it was very windy. They worked with us to reschedule and Saturday were able to learn to paddle. The crew was very patient to train our kids to paddle. The kids loved it and had a great time."
Jennifer Henderson
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Christian Lopez
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Kaulana Kalama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turtle Town is primarily located off the coast of Maluaka Beach in South Maui. You can drive to Maluaka Beach and access the snorkeling spots from there. Many visitors opt for boat tours that depart from various harbors like Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina.
Yes, you can drive to Maluaka Beach, which is often considered the main access point for Turtle Town. Parking can be limited, especially during peak times.
The most popular way to experience Turtle Town snorkeling is via a boat tour. These tours often combine visits to other sites like Molokini Crater and provide gear and guidance.
Public transportation directly to Maluaka Beach is limited. Renting a car or booking a tour with transportation is generally recommended for easier access.
From Kahului Airport (OGG), take Highway 380 West to Highway 30 South towards Lahaina. Continue on Highway 30, which becomes Highway 31 (Piilani Highway) as you head south. Follow signs for Maluaka Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Accessing Maluaka Beach is free. However, if you plan to join a guided snorkeling tour, you will need to purchase tickets for the tour.
There are no specific entrance fees for Turtle Town itself. Maluaka Beach is a public beach. Tour operators will have their own pricing.
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and what's included. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200+ per person for a comprehensive tour. Some e-scooter tours are around $139.
Yes, you can snorkel from Maluaka Beach without a tour. You'll need to bring your own gear or rent it nearby. However, tours often take you to better spots and provide safety.
Most tours include snorkel gear, flotation devices, and often a light meal or snacks. Some may offer additional activities like kayaking or e-scooter snorkeling.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll primarily see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). You can also spot colorful tropical fish, octopuses, sea urchins, starfish, and occasionally reef sharks.
Yes, Turtle Town is generally considered good for beginners due to its calm waters and abundant shallow areas where turtles are often found.
Turtles are often most active in the morning and late afternoon. They tend to come closer to shore to feed and bask.
You can swim near turtles, but it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet and never touch or disturb them.
The main safety concern is respecting marine life and ocean conditions. Always be aware of your surroundings, stay hydrated, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Boat tours provide safety briefings.
📸 📸 Photography
A GoPro or other waterproof action camera is ideal for capturing clear underwater footage. Ensure it has good low-light performance.
Absolutely! Swimming alongside turtles, vibrant coral, and the clear blue water offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos, but always from a respectful distance. Avoid using flash, as it can disturb the turtles.
Some tours offer professional photo and video packages, allowing you to focus on the experience while capturing memories.
Try to capture turtles in their natural environment, swimming or resting on the seabed. Wide-angle shots can showcase the marine ecosystem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Choose a tour with a patient crew: Look for tours that specifically mention being good with kids, as they can help ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe in the water.
* Bring waterproof cameras: Kids will love seeing the turtles up close (from a distance!), and capturing those moments will be a treasured memory.
* Pack reef-safe sunscreen and hats: Protect your little ones from the Hawaiian sun.
🐠 Budget Travelers
Budget-friendly tips:
* Pack your own snorkel gear: Renting gear daily can add up. If you plan to snorkel multiple times, consider purchasing your own set.
* Look for shorter tours: Some operators offer shorter, more affordable snorkeling trips that still include Turtle Town.
* Consider self-catering: Pack snacks and drinks to avoid purchasing them at inflated tourist prices.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Romantic highlights:
* Sunset snorkel tours: Some operators offer sunset or twilight tours, providing a more intimate and magical atmosphere.
* Private charters: For a truly special occasion, consider a private boat charter for a more personalized and secluded experience.
* Combine with a beach picnic: After your snorkeling adventure, enjoy a romantic picnic on the shores of Maluaka Beach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle)
Seeing a Honu glide through the water is a truly magical experience. They are herbivores, feeding on algae and seagrass, which is why they frequent areas like Turtle Town. Their presence is a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. Many visitors describe the encounter as deeply moving and a highlight of their Maui trip.
+1Remember, touching or feeding the Honu is illegal and harmful. It can disrupt their natural behaviors, make them dependent on humans, and spread disease. By adhering to responsible viewing practices, we ensure that future generations can also marvel at these incredible creatures.
Choosing the Right Turtle Town Tour
+1Many tours depart from Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina and often combine Turtle Town with a visit to the Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera renowned for its exceptional visibility and diverse marine ecosystem. This combination offers a full day of aquatic exploration.
+1When booking, consider factors like group size, duration, included amenities (like meals or gear), and the specific focus of the tour. Some tours emphasize wildlife encounters, while others might focus on the geological formations. Reading reviews and checking what's included can help you find the perfect fit for your adventure.
+1Snorkeling Gear and Tips
For capturing memories, a waterproof camera, like a GoPro, is highly recommended. The clear waters of Turtle Town offer fantastic opportunities for underwater photography. Ensure your camera is fully charged and has sufficient storage space.
When you're in the water, remember to breathe through your snorkel and relax. Practice in shallow water if you're new to snorkeling. Look down frequently to spot turtles and other marine life. If you see a turtle, approach slowly and maintain your distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit