turtles in ho'okipa

When on Maui, it’s almost impossible not to encounter sea turtles, especially while snorkeling. Catching these beautiful prehistoric creatures on shore however, requires a bit more luck. One place where you can almost always find turtles relaxing in the sand is Ho’okipa beach on the North Shore of Maui. Hookipa Beach is the beach in Maui that is known as a location where tons of turtles frequently come up onto shore and lay on the beach.

So if you’re looking for a “turtle beach” in Maui, Hookipa Beach can be it!

Other notable spots to see turtles include the Cove at Baldwin Beach in Paia.  The Cove is also a great place for swimming since the waves don’t get too big here.  Another ideal spot is Baby Beach which is on the far west end of Baldwin Beach.  This is a great place for children to splash in the water because the large pool of water is protected by a natural reef.  And one more awesome spot where you can typically see lots of sea turtles is Tavares Beach which is also known as Kū’au Beach Park.  This is a small but lovely stretch of beach just east of Paia town and before Ho’okipa. 

Respect the honu. Honu means turtle, more specifically, it refers to the green sea turtle. We take the safety of turtles very seriously, show the turtles respect, allow them to peacefully rest, and try not to bother them or get too close to them. Mahalo. 

turtles in ho'okipa

When on Maui, it’s almost impossible not to encounter sea turtles, especially while snorkeling. Catching these beautiful prehistoric creatures on shore however, requires a bit more luck. One place where you can almost always find turtles relaxing in the sand is Ho’okipa beach on the North Shore of Maui. Hookipa Beach is the beach in Maui that is known as a location where tons of turtles frequently come up onto shore and lay on the beach.

So if you’re looking for a “turtle beach” in Maui, Hookipa Beach can be it!

Other notable spots to see turtles include the Cove at Baldwin Beach in Paia.  The Cove is also a great place for swimming since the waves don’t get too big here.  Another ideal spot is Baby Beach which is on the far west end of Baldwin Beach.  This is a great place for children to splash in the water because the large pool of water is protected by a natural reef.  And one more awesome spot where you can typically see lots of sea turtles is Tavares Beach which is also known as Kū’au Beach Park.  This is a small but lovely stretch of beach just east of Paia town and before Ho’okipa. 

Respect the honu. Honu means turtle, more specifically, it refers to the green sea turtle. We take the safety of turtles very seriously, show the turtles respect, allow them to peacefully rest, and try not to bother them or get too close to them. Mahalo. 

some fun facts about hawaiian green sea turtles:

  • The Hawaiian name for the indigenous reptile is “Honu”. For Hawaiians, honu is a symbol of good luck and wisdom.
  • Hawaiian green sea turtles have been a protected species since 1978, and it is illegal to touch them or disturb them, or you may risk a $10,000 fine. Always stay at least ten feet away, whether on the shore or in the water.
  • Sea turtles have been around for 150 million years, making them inhabitants of this planet long before humans. They even survived after dinosaurs were extinct.
  • Sea turtles live very long lives, up to 80 years old.
  • An adult sea turtle weighs 300 pounds on average.
  • Unlike what you see in cartoons, sea turtles cannot retract in their shells.

some fun facts about hawaiian green sea turtles:

  • The Hawaiian name for the indigenous reptile is “Honu”. For Hawaiians, honu is a symbol of good luck and wisdom.
  • Hawaiian green sea turtles have been a protected species since 1978, and it is illegal to touch them or disturb them, or you may risk a $10,000 fine. Always stay at least ten feet away, whether on the shore or in the water.
  • Sea turtles have been around for 150 million years, making them inhabitants of this planet long before humans. They even survived after dinosaurs were extinct.
  • Sea turtles live very long lives, up to 80 years old.
  • An adult sea turtle weighs 300 pounds on average.
  • Unlike what you see in cartoons, sea turtles cannot retract in their shells.

why do sea turtles come ashore?

As reptiles, sea turtles are cold blooded animals and, in tropical regions such as Hawaii, they like to come ashore and bask in the sun as a way to regulate their body temperature.

Females come to shore to dig a nest in the moist sand and lay their eggs. You might even see the same turtle more than once as females like to return to the same beach to lay their egg.

why do sea turtles come ashore?

As reptiles, sea turtles are cold blooded animals and, in tropical regions such as Hawaii, they like to come ashore and bask in the sun as a way to regulate their body temperature.

Females come to shore to dig a nest in the moist sand and lay their eggs. You might even see the same turtle more than once as females like to return to the same beach to lay their egg

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Thank you for interest in joining our community!

Suscribe with your email and recieve updates for the Island Fresh Café. We will get you know about our island Maui and what’s new at the Café! Discounts, specials and much more!