Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach Park: Maui's premier spot for spotting sea turtles and watching elite surfers ride powerful waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Turtles often come ashore
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Best Time
Turtles often come ashore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ho'okipa Beach Park: Maui's premier spot for spotting sea turtles and watching elite surfers ride powerful waves.
"A must-visit for turtle lovers and surf enthusiasts, offering stunning views and free access."
Respect the Honu 🐢
Maintain a 10-foot distance from sea turtles. Never feed or touch them!
Watch, Don't Swim 🌊
Waves are strong; best for experienced surfers. Not ideal for casual swimming.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Beachfront
Witness dozens of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the sand. A truly magical wildlife encounter!
+1
World-Class Surfing & Windsurfing
Ocean
Watch skilled athletes ride impressive waves and perform aerial maneuvers. A dynamic spectacle for spectators.
+2
Scenic Lookout Points
Cliffs overlooking the beach
Enjoy panoramic ocean views and dramatic sunsets from the park's elevated vantage points.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Etiquette is Key
Surf's Up (for Experts)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the Honu 🐢
Maintain a 10-foot distance from sea turtles. Never feed or touch them!
Watch, Don't Swim 🌊
Waves are strong; best for experienced surfers. Not ideal for casual swimming.
Free Parking & Entry 💰
Enjoy the park without admission fees. Parking is usually plentiful.
Bring Binoculars 🌟
Great for spotting turtles and surfers from a distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the Honu 🐢
Maintain a 10-foot distance from sea turtles. Never feed or touch them!
Watch, Don't Swim 🌊
Waves are strong; best for experienced surfers. Not ideal for casual swimming.
Free Parking & Entry 💰
Enjoy the park without admission fees. Parking is usually plentiful.
Bring Binoculars 🌟
Great for spotting turtles and surfers from a distance.
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Enjoy a meal with a view at the picnic areas and pavilions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ho'okipa Beach Park for its incredible opportunities to see Hawaiian green sea turtles and witness world-class surfing and windsurfing. The scenic views and free access are major draws, though the strong waves make it less ideal for swimming. Some note that respecting the turtles' space is crucial, as not everyone adheres to the guidelines.
"Nice long park along the ocean with some beach but the environment lends itself to attract the surfing crowd. Lot of boards and windsurfing taking place with a pretty consistent surf coming off the windward side of Maui. There are bathrooms and shelters available from the sun. The park is right outside Paia at the start of the Road to Hana. Plenty of parking if the beach area is not overly crowded. Enjoy the experience!"
Mike Stoehr
"Beautiful beach to see the sea turtles, watch surfers in action and just enjoy what the ocean has to offer. A little too rough for snorkeling or a relaxing dip, but fun for buggie boarding and offers a pretty view for the sunset."
Arielle Pacheco
"Cool beach to watch the surfers and the wind surfers. Less so for swimming. The bonus as you get to see lots of sea turtles. Nobody follows the rules and doesn’t keep a 10 foot distance as they should even though the section is cordoned off. So sad to see that people can not read simple instructions. Well worth going to this cool beach. Free parking and lots of locals so it must be good right?!"
Samir Basaria
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ho'okipa Beach Park is located at Mile Marker 9 on Hana Highway (179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779), just outside of Paia town. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors stop here as part of the scenic Road to Hana drive.
Yes, Ho'okipa Beach Park is a popular stop at the beginning of the Road to Hana, making it a convenient place to visit before or after exploring further down the highway.
Driving your own rental car offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, many guided tours of Maui include a stop at Ho'okipa Beach Park.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Ho'okipa Beach Park directly. Driving or booking a tour is generally recommended.
Ho'okipa Beach Park offers ample parking, often free of charge. However, the lots can become full, especially during busy periods, so arriving earlier is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or parking fee to enter Ho'okipa Beach Park. It's a state park that is free for all visitors to enjoy.
Ho'okipa Beach Park is typically open daily from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach and its activities throughout the day.
Reservations are not required to visit Ho'okipa Beach Park. It's a public park accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
The park is open from early morning until early evening, so you can access the beach and its facilities during these hours.
The main restriction is respecting the wildlife, particularly the sea turtles. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ho'okipa is famous for watching sea turtles bask on the shore +1 and observing skilled surfers and windsurfers. You can also picnic, relax, and enjoy the scenic views.
Due to strong currents and large waves, Ho'okipa is generally not recommended for casual swimming. It's better suited for experienced surfers and bodyboarders.
While some reviews mention snorkeling, the rough conditions often make it less ideal for a relaxing snorkel. The focus is more on wildlife viewing and watersports.
Yes, Ho'okipa Beach Park provides restrooms and picnic shelters to enhance your visit.
The lookout points offer stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The beach itself is perfect for capturing shots of turtles and surfers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Ho'okipa Beach Park. However, the nearby town of Paia offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Absolutely! Ho'okipa has picnic areas and pavilions, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed meal or snacks while taking in the ocean views.
Paia town, just a short drive away, has popular spots like Paia Fish Market and various cafes. Some visitors also mention places like The Cinnamon Roll Place and Maui Brewing Company.
Typically, there are no vendors selling food directly at Ho'okipa Beach Park. It's best to come prepared with your own food or dine in Paia.
You can find casual seafood, bakeries, and breweries in Paia, catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still great for capturing wildlife action.
Sea turtles basking on the beach, dynamic surfing and windsurfing action, and the stunning coastal landscapes are prime photography subjects.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing surfers and distant turtles. However, a standard smartphone camera can capture great shots of the scenery and closer wildlife.
The main restriction is respecting the wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance from turtles and avoid disturbing them for a photo.
Expect vibrant shots of marine life, action-packed water sports, and breathtaking ocean vistas, especially during the magical light of dawn and dusk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The park also has picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing. While swimming can be challenging due to the waves, families can enjoy watching the skilled surfers and windsurfers, which is often captivating for kids. The scenic lookout points also provide beautiful views for everyone to enjoy. Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting the turtles and keeping a safe distance.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersports Enthusiasts
+3 If you're a seasoned rider, this is a must-visit break. Beginners, however, should be cautious. As noted on Reddit, attempting to surf the whitewater here can be difficult and may not be the best environment for learning.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
+2 The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide magical lighting for capturing the landscape and wildlife. Bring your telephoto lens to capture the action of surfers and windsurfers, or simply use your smartphone to document the serene moments of turtles basking on the sand.
+1 Remember to always prioritize the well-being of the wildlife and maintain a respectful distance. The park's lookout points offer excellent vantage points for capturing sweeping ocean vistas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: The Honu of Ho'okipa
+4It is crucial to remember that these are wild animals and require our respect. Strict guidelines are in place to protect the honu, emphasizing a minimum distance of 10 feet. Getting too close, touching, or feeding the turtles can cause them stress, harm their health, and result in significant fines. Always observe from a distance and follow posted signs.
Seeing these ancient mariners in their natural habitat is a truly special experience. The best times to spot them are typically in the late afternoons when they come ashore. Remember to bring binoculars for a closer look without disturbing them.
The Thrill of the Waves: Surfing and Windsurfing
+3While the advanced conditions are thrilling to watch, they are not suitable for beginner surfers. Redditors have noted that attempting to surf whitewater here as a novice can be challenging and potentially out of place.
The energy of the surfers and windsurfers adds a dynamic element to the beach, making it an exciting place to visit even if you're not participating. The constant action provides endless entertainment and fantastic photographic opportunities.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Best Times
While there are no restaurants on-site, the nearby town of Paia provides a variety of dining options. For the best experience, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds. Late afternoons are often ideal for spotting the sea turtles as they come ashore to rest.
While the beach itself can have rough conditions unsuitable for casual swimming, the park's lookout points offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
+2 Remember to always respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from the honu. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit