Join us on this incredible animal encounter adventure where we see wild Hawaiian sea turtles in their natural habitat. In this Turtle Beach travel guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about watching sea turtles at Laniakea Beach in Oahu. We’ll include some helpful tips on where to find them, how to spot them, where to park and turtle etiquette.
Turtle Beach (also known as Laniakea Beach) is one of the best places to experience sea turtles up close and personal. Located north of Oahu, Turtle Beach is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, known for their incredible beauty and ancient lineage.
Are you trying to find Hawaiian sea turtles in Oahu?
Enter these coordinates on your GPS:
- Latitude: 21.61784606427093
- Longitude: -158.0858051776886
Address: 574, 61-574 Pohaku Loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Note: You’ll see public parking, typically with a lot of cars, across the street from where you can see the turtles
Laniakea Beach, known as Turtle Beach
Laniakea Beach is arguably the best beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. This Oahu, Hawaii beach is known for its clear blue waters, golden sand, and Hawaiian green sea Turtles (where it gets its name). The history of Laniakea Beach is rich and fascinating, spanning back to the time of the ancient Hawaiians.
Importance of Laniakea Beach
Over the years, Laniakea Beach (Laniakea means “wide sky”) has become a popular destination for tourists and locals. Today, the beach is known for its surfing opportunities and the presence of Hawaiian green sea turtles.
These magnificent sea creatures have made a home at Laniakea Beach, and visitors can often see them sunbathing on the sand or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
In recent years, a concerted effort has been made to protect the turtle populations at Laniakea Beach. Visitors are asked to respect the turtles and obey the rules and regulations to ensure their safety and well-being.
Native Hawaiian history at Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach has a rich history dates back to the ancient Hawaiians, who considered the beach a sacred site and a place of worship and offering to the gods.
Honu
Honu means green sea turtle in Hawaiian. It’s a sacred animal that connects people, land, and the ocean. Hawaiian legend states that the hero Aiai made honu by drawing on rocks near the water. Since honu was made from stones, they had to return to land to lay eggs. Hawaiians still consider honu sacred.
Sacred site and place of worship for ancient Hawaiians
The ancient Hawaiians believed the beach was a place of great spiritual power and connected to the gods. They would come to the beach to offer prayers and perform rituals, often leaving offerings of fish, flowers, and other items.
Importance of offerings and rituals
The beach was also used for other activities, such as hula dancing, an essential part of Hawaiian culture. Hula dancers often visited the beach to practice and perform, and the area became known for its vibrant cultural scene.
Traditional uses of Turtle Beach
The area was also used as a fishing ground, where native Hawaiians would fish for various species, including the ulua, a prized fish of the Hawaiian people. Today, Laniakea Beach continues to be an essential part of Hawaiian culture and history.
The beach is located on the traditional land of the Hawaiian people, and visitors are encouraged to respect the area’s cultural significance. Overall, the native Hawaiian history of Laniakea Beach is fascinating, and it serves as a reminder of the great cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.
The modern history of Turtle Beach
Early use of the beach as a landing point
In the early 1900s, the beach was used as a landing point for boats bringing supplies to the sugar plantations in the area. During this time, the beach was not well-known and was only accessible by boat.
Popularity among surfers in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Laniakea Beach became popular among surfers drawn to its consistent waves and beautiful scenery.
Beach’s name change to Laniakea Beach
Around this time, the beach became known as Laniakea Beach, meaning “immeasurable heaven” in Hawaiian.
Location and access to Turtle Beach
On the North Shore of Oahu
Laniakea Beach is on the North Shore of Oahu. Specifically, it is situated between Haleiwa and Waialua on Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83).
Distance of Turtle Beach to Waikiki
The beach is just a short drive from Waikiki beach, about a 45-minute drive away. With its stunning beauty and unique wildlife, Laniakea Beach is a bucket-list destination for anyone traveling to Oahu.
Directions to get to Turtle Beach
- Take the Kamehameha Highway from Honolulu, which will take you past several other North Shore beaches.
- Once you reach Turtle Beach, park your car along the highway (make sure you’re not blocking any driveways) and cross the road to get to the beach.
- Be careful when crossing the highway, as it can be busy and dangerous.
- If you pass Waimea Bay you’ve driven too far.
Parking and Hawaii turtle viewing area
Address: 574, 61-574 Pohaku Loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712
The exact coordinates to Turtle Beach
- Latitude 21.61784606427093
- Longitude -158.0858051776886
Map of Turtle Beach parking and turtle viewing area
Climate and weather at Turtle Beach
The area’s georgraphy
The area’s geography is characterized by a combination of beaches, mountains, and lush greenery. The beach is a long stretch of white sand backed by palm trees and other vegetation.
Climate classification
The water at Laniakea Beach is clear and blue, and visitors can often see schools of fish swimming in the shallows. The climate at Laniakea Beach is classified as tropical. It has warm temps and high humidity throughout the year.
Average temperature and warmest months
The average temperature at the beach is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 C), with the warmest months being June through September.
Water temperature at Laniakea beach
The water temperature at Laniakea Beach is also warm and comfortable, averaging around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) year-round.
The weather at Laniakea Beach is typically sunny and pleasant, with occasional rain showers during the winter months. The trade winds that blow across the island provide a refreshing breeze and help to keep the temperature comfortable.
Read more travel tips and guides
Tips spotting sea turtles at Laniakea Beach
Two types of turtles found at Laniakea Beach
- Green Sea Turtles (honu): Hawaiian green sea turtles are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and are among the most fascinating animals on the planet. These creatures can weigh up to 500 pounds and grow up to 4 feet long. They have been around for millions of years and are essential to Hawaiian culture.
- Hawksbill Turtles (honuʻea)
Why do they feed here?
The shallow waters and tide pools (ie. kelp and green moss seagrass) of this beach make it an ideal feeding ground for sea turtles, and when food sources are abundant, you’ll find them lounging on the sand.
From late October to May, Turtle Beach in Oahu, Hawaii is a great spot to see these turtles basking on the beach. They can often be seen resting on the sand or swimming calmly in the waves.
Best times to go to see the turtles
If you’re looking for the best place to see sea turtles in Hawaii, Laniakea Beach should be on your list. Located a short drive from Haleiwa Town on Kamehameha Highway, this beach is easily accessible by car or bike.
It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals, so be prepared to share the space with others. The turtles are usually found in the shallow waters near the beach, tide pools, or just sunbathing on the sand. Just remember to respect the animals and give them plenty of space.
Seasons
Laniakea Beach, home to the Hawaiian green sea turtles, is open to the public all year round. However, the best time to go there is during the winter months, from November to February, when the waves are calmer and the water is more transparent.
You’ll have a better chance of spotting sea turtles basking on a sunny beach or swimming in the shallow waters close to the shoreline.
Time of Day
If you’re looking for sea turtles in the wild, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot them. During the day’s heat, turtles retreat to deeper waters, making them harder to see.
Other Beaches on Oahu for Turtle Watching
If you can’t make it to Laniakea Beach during turtle season or want to explore other North Shore beaches, there are still plenty of other places on Oahu to see sea turtles.
The best North Shore beaches for turtle-watching include Chun’s Reef Beach, Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Turtle Bay Beach. If you’re staying in Waikiki, add Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Kailua Beach to your list of turtle spots. And if you’re visiting the Big Island, you can see turtles at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Hapuna Beach.
Protection of Turtles at Laniakea Beach
Threats to Turtle Populations
Sea Turtles have been protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1978. Sea turtles have started to make a comeback. However, young sea turtles, hatchlings, and eggs face problems like habitat loss, pollution and climate change.
Turtle etiquette
- Visitors should not touch or harass the turtles in any way.
- Keep a safe distance of at least ten feet from any turtles.
- Visitors should be mindful of the nesting season (mid-April through October) for the Hawaiian green sea turtles. Disturbing their nesting sites can cause irreversible damage.
Note: The sea turtles at Laniakea Beach typically have local “turtle protectors” that volunteer their time to look after these sea creatures. Listen to them, they are a wealth of knowledge.
Making the most of your visit
What to bring to Turtle Beach
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Swimsuit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sandals (the area walking to the beach is rock and you’ll have to cross the road)
What to wear
- Wear long clothes for sun protection
- Avoid bright colors (wear earthy tones) for turtle viewing
Are you planning a last minute trip near Turtle Beach?
If you’re planning a last minute trip to Turtle Beach, make plans immediately! Below are some recommendations on where to stay and what to eat.
Best accommodations near Turtle Beach:
Turtle Bay Resort: 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Best places to eat near Laniakea Beach:
- Famous Kahuku Shrimp: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
- Kula Shave Ice North Shore: 57-146 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Things to Do Nearby
While seeing sea turtles may be the highlight of your trip to Oahu’s North Shore, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Take a hike in Waimea Valley, go zip-lining at the nearby Turtle Bay Resort, or rent a vacation and spend your days exploring all the North Shore offers.
Surfing and Snorkeling Opportunities
In addition to watching turtles, Laniakea Beach is also an exceptional spot for swimming and snorkeling. The waters here are calm and clear, with plenty of rocky tide pools to explore.
However, be aware that during the winter the waves at Laniakea Beach are big. Snorkeling may only be safe for experienced swimmers. If you’re a beginner or need clarification on the conditions, visiti during the summer. The waves are calmer then.
Surfing
While Laniakea Beach is an excellent spot for seeing sea turtles, it’s also one of the best North Shore beaches for surfing. The big waves and shallow waters make it a popular place for surfers of all skill levels.
If you’re new to surfing, you can take surf lessons from one of the local surf schools or rent a board from one of the many surf shops in Haleiwa town. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters of Kuilima Cove.
Other Attractions
The main attraction of Turtle Beach is, of course, the sea turtles, which you can see either from the beach or by swimming and snorkeling in the tide pools.
However, if you’re looking for more activities, you can visit the nearby Waimea Valley, a botanical garden and cultural site that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and cultural activities. Another beach worth checking out is Chun’s Reef Beach, a popular surf spot with big waves.
Hiking trails
1. Kuilima Cove
One of the best hiking spots near Laniakea Beach North Shore is Kuilima Cove, located within the Turtle Bay Resort. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes, with a trailhead just off Kamehameha Highway.
This trail takes you through the resort’s gardens, golf courses, and a tranquil cove spilling into the ocean. Remember to pack your swimsuit, as the cove has calm waters.
2. Waimea Valley
If you’re looking for something more challenging, head to Waimea Valley, around 20 minutes by car from Laniakea Beach.
The valley hike is around 1.5 miles, and you’ll pass through the lush botanical gardens, crossing streams and tide pools before reaching the top of a waterfall. Waimea Valley is also a cultural center that offers tours to educate visitors about Hawaiian history and traditions.
3. Chun’s Reef
Another great spot close to Laniakea Beach is Chun’s Reef. The beach is just a short drive from the park, and the hike is around 1.5 miles. This hike will take you to the top of a cliff that offers stunning panoramic shoreline views. Be prepared; this hike can be tricky as you navigate the rocky terrain, so bring sturdy hiking shoes.
- Parking nearby across the street
- Life guard station
- No bathrooms
- Plenty of shade under surrounding palm trees
Go see the turtles at Laniakea Beach!
Visiting Laniakea Beach, or Turtle Beach, is necessary for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. During winter, you’ll see Hawaiian green sea turtles up close and personal while also enjoying swimming and snorkeling in the shallow waters.
Remember to respect the sea turtles and their habitat, and leave the beach better than you found. With its stunning natural beauty and fascinating marine life, Laniakea Beach is one of the best North Shore Oahu beaches and a true treasure of the Hawaiian Islands.
To experience other incredible animal encounters check out our adventures in nature page. The great thing about Laniakea Beach is that there’s so many things to do there, not just look at turtles. Snorkeling and diving, swimming, and surfing are all popular adventures. We hope you get to Laniakea Beach and we’re sure you’ll enjoy seeing turtles in their natural environment as much as our family did.
