The Hawaii Beach Famous For Its Population Of Sea Turtles
By Megan Shute|Published August 21, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Hawaiian green sea turtles, most commonly known to locals as honu, as well as the other species of sea turtles out there, can be elusive. Home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle, and hawksbill are the most commonly found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It seems obvious, then, that Hawaii is the perfect locale to witness these gorgeous creatures from afar. While you will likely spot sea turtles in a variety of coastal areas across the islands, the easiest place to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitat is this stunning stretch of sand. Please remember to always be respectful of these endangered animals and give them plenty of space.
Oahu’s north shore might be famous for its massive waves and professional surf competitions during the winter months, but this phenomenal stretch of coastline also happens to be home to one of the best beaches in the world for viewing sea turtles: Laniakea Beach.
In the Hawaiian language, Laniakea translates to "wide sky," and you’re sure to understand once you arrive and look beyond the horizon. And though the sky is gorgeous, it is the sea turtles lounging on the shore you’ll be fixated on.
Hawaiian green sea turtles have frequented Laniakea Beach more than any other spot on Oahu for the last several decades, which is why the stretch of rocky coastline is more commonly known as Turtle Beach.
Depending on the time of day you visit this small, rocky beach, you’ll likely witness green sea turtles lounging on the shore, poking their heads out of the water, or eating the seaweed that grows on the surrounding rock.
The parking area is found across Kamehameha Highway and because there is no traffic light here, you’ll want to be careful crossing the road. Many locals prefer you not visit this beach at all, though it is a public beach.
Many circle island bus tours stop here, and while the honu don’t seem to mind the visitors, it is important to remember that these creatures are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and Hawaiian state law. It is illegal to hunt, chase, handle, injure, or harass the turtles in any way.
You see, sea turtles were once hunted almost to extinction and put on the endangered species list. Though they have grown back in great numbers, and are now spotted across the islands, it is important that we protect these gentle giants.
To ensure the safety of the honu, volunteers inform visitors about the turtles and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has put up informational signs. While we understand it is exciting to see these sea turtles up close, please keep your distance from these sweet creatures — the zoom function on your camera is there for a reason!
Thanks to calmer waters and warm temperatures, summer is the best time to spot sea turtles at Laniakea, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Always remember to keep your distance and don't bother the honu — especially when they're sleeping.
Have you heard of Turtle Beach? Have you seen sea turtles in the waters off the coast of Hawaii before? Share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments, along with your favorite north shore destination.
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