Turtles are a sea creature that is synonymous with Hawaiian islands. The protected species thrive in the tropical waters that surround locations like Kauai and lay their eggs in the sand along the coastline’s beaches, meaning that spotting a sea turtle is high on many visitors’ bucket lists when they come to visit.
TL;DR — Where to See Turtles in Kauai
You can see sea turtles on both the North Shore and South Shore of Kauai, especially at beaches like Poipu Beach, Brennecke’s Beach, Lawai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Ke’e Beach, and Anini Beach.
The best time to see turtles is May through September during nesting season, and you’re most likely to spot them in the water during the calmer summer months, especially from midday to late afternoon.
Always keep your distance — Hawaiian sea turtles are a protected species, and touching or disturbing them can result in fines.
🌺 There are three varieties of Hawaiian sea turtles that you might spot in Kauai; the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill turtle and the Leatherback turtle. All of these species are protected and any interference with them could result in a fine, so whilst you are welcome to seek out sea turtles in Kauai, be sure to keep your distance and never attempt to touch or move one of them.
In this short guide, we list some of the top recommendations for where to see sea turtles in Kauai, along with advice on the best time of year to maximize your chances of spotting the creatures.
Where is the Best Place to see Turtles in Kauai?
Obviously, the best places to see turtles in Kauai is on the beach or out in the water. There are some areas of the island where sea turtle populations are much higher, and it is these beaches and coves where you’ll have the most luck spotting groups of the animals on the sand or swimming past them on snorkeling excursions.
Below are the best spots for seeing turtles in Kauai on the north and south shores of the island.
- South Shore
- Brennecke’s Beach
- Lawai Beach
- Poipu Beach
- Koloa Landing
- Mahaulepu Beach
- Whalers Cove
- North Shore
- Tunnels Beach
- Ke’e Beach
- Anini Beach
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What is the Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Hawaii?
Although you have a reasonably good chance of seeing sea turtles in Kauai whatever month of the year you visit, there are certain times when the creatures are more active or congregate in larger groups that make them easier to spot.
Nesting season for sea turtles happens between May and September each year, so the chances of seeing turtles on the beaches are much higher. Many conservation efforts are trying to maximize the number of offspring that survive this nesting period each year, so whilst there may be more turtles on the shores of Kauai, there may also be stricter measures to stop tourists from getting too close.
You’re much more likely to interact with turtles whilst in the water, where they swim all year round. Turtles prefer calmer water conditions, so the summer months in Kauai are the best time of year to spot them when the weather is warm and the ocean is relatively flat. The species tend to hunt for food more between midday and later afternoon, so if you’re planning a trip to spot Kauai sea turtles, later in the day is the best time.
Summary
Seeing sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many visitors put on their bucket list when they visit the island. As long as you stay mindful of the rules around interacting with the species, planning a trip to some of the best beaches in the summer means you’re pretty likely to spot a turtle or two and get the chance to appreciate this incredible sea creature.
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FAQs: Where to See Turtles in Kauai
Q: Where can you see sea turtles in Kauai?
A: You can see sea turtles on both the South Shore and North Shore of Kauai. The most reliable beaches include Poipu Beach, Brennecke’s Beach, Lawai Beach, Koloa Landing, and Mahaulepu Beach on the South Shore, and Tunnels Beach, Ke’e Beach, and Anini Beach on the North Shore. Turtles are often seen resting on the sand or swimming near reef areas.
Q: What is the best beach to see turtles in Kauai?
A: Poipu Beach is widely considered the most consistent and accessible beach for turtle sightings. Turtles frequently rest on the sand in the late afternoon and feed in the nearshore waters. On the North Shore, Tunnels Beach is another strong location due to its reef system.
Q: What time of day are turtles most active in Kauai?
A: Sea turtles are most active between midday and late afternoon, especially in calm ocean conditions. Early evening is also a common time to see turtles resting on the beach.
Q: What is the best time of year to see sea turtles in Kauai?
A: You can see turtles year-round, but May through September is prime season. This period includes nesting season, when turtles are more frequently seen near shore. Summer also brings calmer ocean conditions, improving visibility for snorkeling.
Q: Can you swim with turtles in Kauai?
A: You may encounter turtles while snorkeling, but you must stay at least 10 feet away. Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected, and touching, chasing, or disturbing them can result in significant fines.
Q: What types of sea turtles live in Kauai?
A: The most commonly seen species is the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu). Less commonly, visitors may see Hawksbill turtles or Leatherback turtles, though these are rare sightings.
Q: Are turtles protected in Kauai?
A: Yes. All Hawaiian sea turtles are protected under federal and state law. It is illegal to touch, harass, or interfere with them. Visitors should observe quietly and give turtles plenty of space on land and in the water.
Updated: February 2026
