How to see sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii! Introducing tours where you can swim with sea turtles and points where you have a high chance of encountering them!

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

There are eight inhabitable islands in the Hawaiian Islands, the largest of which is the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is larger than the other seven islands combined, about half the size of Shikoku. For this reason, it is also known by the nickname "Big Island.

You should expect to spend a full day just circling the island.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island has two mountains over 4,000 meters high, and in some areas at higher elevations, snow accumulates. Many people may be surprised to learn that Hawaii has a strong image of everlasting summer.

There are mountains where you can experience snow, and there are jungles that look like rainforests.

Because of such diverse topography, Hawaii Island has many climates and is famous for its climatic treasures.

There are also volcanoes that continue to pour lava and world-class coffee plantations, and the Big Island of Hawaii is dotted with points of interest to see here and there.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two international airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, one in Kona on the west side and the other in Hilo on the east side.

Tourists are more likely to use Kona International Airport because of the concentration of large resort hotels on the west side.

From Japan, there are direct flights from Narita and Haneda airports to Kona International Airport.

From major regional airports, there are two ways to transfer in Tokyo and Honolulu.

There are many daily flights from Honolulu Airport to the Big Island of Hawaii, so it is convenient to transfer in Honolulu.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the newest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. This island is filled with amazing attractions.

Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, beautiful black sand beaches, and Mauna Kea, which is said to be the closest to the stars in the world, are just some of the many attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii is simply massive in scale. Witnessing the mass of lava from Kilauea Volcano will give you a sense of its grandeur.

Another attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii is that it is not easily accessible, with beaches that can barely be reached after an hour's hike from the parking lot.

 

A powerful volcano

It is volcanic activity that makes the greatest impression on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There was a major eruption in May 2018 and many of you may have seen the news of the flowing lava. Today, the eruptive activity has calmed down and red lava is no longer visible.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open, but some areas are closed, so advance confirmation is required.

Seeing the crater of the volcano and walking on the lava will overwhelm you with its power. Lava chunks left on the side of the road and swallowed signs are all amazing.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The beaches of the Big Island of Hawaii are characterized by a variety of colors, including black sand, white sand, green sand, cobbled gravel, and coral stone beaches.

Particularly common are black sand beaches (black sand beaches), where lava has been broken up and turned into sand. The color of the seawater also appears deep blue, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The west side of the island is less affected by lava, so there are white sand beaches in various parts of the island. The contrast between the deep blue of the deeper areas and the crystal blue of the shallows is beautiful.

There is also a rare green sand beach called Green Sand Beach. The sand looks olive-colored due to the presence of a green mineral called olivine (peridot) mixed in the sand.

As you can see, Hawaii's beaches are diverse and very beautiful.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Although there are no outlet malls on the Big Island of Hawaii, there are stores where you can shop for souvenirs that are as good as outlet prices and unique to the Big Island of Hawaii.

You can also enjoy meals and snacks. Not only fine dining, but also B-class gourmet food unique to the Big Island of Hawaii are excellent.

Enjoy Kona coffee, Big Island candy, malasadas, loco moco, and other unique Hawaiian delicacies.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many interesting cultures and histories.

The west coast, which is a popular tourist destination, is home to a collection of historically significant buildings.

Examples include Hulihee Palace, once a royal villa, and Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii.

The Keauhou area south of Kailua-Kona is home to many important historic sites, including a restored heiau (temple) and the birthplace of King Kamehameha III.

At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visitors can learn about Kilauea Volcano, which continues to erupt, and the culture associated with the volcano.

In the mountainous area of Waimea, "paniolo" cowboys from California during the reign of King Kamehameha III seem to have left a unique culture in Hawaii.

By learning about the historical and cultural background, you will gain a deeper understanding of the island of Hawaii today.

 

Watch for sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Hawaii's beaches are ideal for sea turtles because of the warm ocean water temperatures and mild weather conditions.

In addition to this, the Hawaiian people have treated sea turtles with great care as guardians of the sea, and have cherished an environment that is comfortable for them to live in.

By protecting the sea turtles' living environment in this way, they will be able to breed, and they will not be afraid to run away even when humans are nearby.

Thanks to the Hawaiian people, you can meet sea turtles and observe them up close.

By taking precautions when you see sea turtles, you will respect not only the sea turtle ecology, but also the wishes of the Hawaiian people.

 

Sea Turtle Ecology

It is said that there are seven species of sea turtles in total, and Hawaii is home to five of them.

Especially common are green sea turtles, known as honu in Hawaiian.

Green turtles are herbivores, growing up on a diet of seaweed and other plants. They grow to a maximum length of 1.5 meters and weigh from 90 kilograms to 200 kilograms in the largest turtles, making them the largest of the sea turtle family.

 

How to see sea turtles

What are some ways to see sea turtles? Here are some of the things you can do to see sea turtles during marine activities.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling, which provides a peek into the ocean, offers a great chance to encounter sea turtles.

While snorkeling, you may spot sea turtles feeding on seaweed and other marine life. This is a great way to observe marine life in a casual setting.

You may be startled when a sea turtle suddenly surfaces, but please keep a quiet distance and watch its graceful swimming.

 

diving

Encountering sea turtles in the blue ocean is mysterious. Diving is the only way to see sea turtles swimming gracefully from the side or looking up from below.

It seems that you may be swimming surrounded by several sea turtles at once, and you may feel as if you are being taken to the Dragon's Palace.

You might even feel like you could get some special power from the sea turtles.

 

cruising

You can travel by boat to areas where sea turtles are abundant and observe them by snorkeling or diving.

The famous point is called Turtle Pinnacle, a spot where sea turtles gather.

This is a natural cleaning station, where seaweed and parasites on the body are eaten by fish such as yellow tangs.

During the cruise to the sea turtle spot, please enjoy feeling the Hawaiian breeze and admiring the blue ocean.

 

Observation from the beach

Sea turtles often feed on seaweed on the rocks in the morning and come up to the beach to sunbathe when the sun is shining.

They say that drying the shell makes it healthier.

You can see sea turtles in various locations on the Big Island of Hawaii, but depending on the season, it may be difficult to see them.

In such cases, we recommend that you go to the beach where you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles.

 

Point to see sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can see sea turtles.

 

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a black sand beach located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is believed that the black sand beach was formed by lava that broke off and formed sand.

Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are often seen sunbathing on this beach.

 

Point Features

Since this is an easily accessible beach, tourist buses arrive one after another during the day, but it is usually a quiet beach.

Barbecue facilities and restrooms are also available.

In the morning, they are often feeding on seaweed among the rocks and do not seem to come to the beach very often. Chances of encountering them will be much better in the afternoon.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes south by car.

About an hour south down Highway 11, you will see a sign directing you to the parking lot. Follow the signs, turn left and go one mile to the parking lot.

 

Maha'ula Beach

Maha'iula Beach is located in the northwestern part of the Big Island of Hawai'i. It is a beautiful white sand beach located in Kekaha Kai State Park.

 

Point Features

If you go to the rocky side of the beach, you will find sea turtles feeding on seaweed and occasionally peeking out of the water.

This beach is known as a place where you can swim with sea turtles. You can swim with the turtles by gently approaching them from a distance.

 

Access

Maha'iula Beach is a 10-minute drive from Kona International Airport. Exit the airport and continue north on Route 19.

You will see a sign that says Kekaha Kai State Park, so turn left there. The road is not paved, but turn left toward the coast and go for a while.

It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot on the trail.

 

Kahaluu Beach Park

Kahaluu Beach Park is located in the western part of the Big Island of Hawaii, about a 15-minute drive south of the town of Kona.

The coral reefs in the sea attract many snorkelers, and tropical fish and sea turtles can be seen.

It is also a good place for surfing beginners. There is a surf store nearby and they also offer surf lessons offshore.

 

Point Features

The attraction here is the high probability of encountering sea turtles. Since the beach is rocky, it is a spot where sea turtles come to feed on algae.

Therefore, in the morning you will be able to look out over the ocean and spot sea turtles peeking out of the water.

You may be surprised to see a sea turtle right next to you when you are swimming. In the afternoon, you may even see sea turtles napping in the sun on the beach.

 

Access

It is a 15 minute drive south on Alii Drive from Kailua-Kona. It takes about 30 minutes to get there, even from the airport.

The parking lot can hold 30-40 cars, but be aware that it is crowded at certain times of the day.

 

Richardson Ocean Park

This beach is easily accessible from Hilo on the eastern side of Hawaii Island, and is a familiar black sand beach park on the Big Island.

Because the lava flows in and hardens into a natural breakwater, there are many rocky areas where the waves are calm, and the beach is known as a place where sea turtles come in search of food.

 

Point Features

You are sure to see sea turtles on this beach. If you have limited time but want to see sea turtles, this is the beach for you! If you have a limited time but want to see sea turtles, this is the beach for you.

You will probably have a high probability of seeing sea turtles as they are often seen on the black rocks.

The beach is crowded with locals, but there are also a fair number of tourists, so it is a beach where you can easily go to have fun. If you are planning to stay in Hilo area, please visit this beach.

 

Access

From Hilo, it is about 15 minutes east on Kalanianaole Avenue.

As you drive along the ocean, you will see various beach parks along the way, but Richardson Ocean Park is located at the far end.

 

Time of year and time of day when encounter rates are higher

If you go to the beach to see sea turtles, consider the season and time of day to increase your chances of seeing them.

In the morning, sea turtles are often feeding on seaweed in the ocean, so if you want to see sea turtles in the ocean, morning is a good time to visit.

They often sunbathe in the afternoon and can be seen napping on the beach. The reason they sunbathe is to keep their shells dry and healthy.

Therefore, they take a nap on the beach during the hours when the sun is shining and return to the sea in the evening.

It is hard to say, but you are most likely to see them on the beach from noon to around 3:00 pm. The best season is summer, from April to November.

 

Notes on observing sea turtles

Sea turtles are an endangered species and we must do everything we can to ensure that they can continue to breed on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Because of this, they are designated as specially protected animals and there are several precautions that must be taken when observing them.

First, never touch them. Never approach or feed them within a specified distance.

Please keep your distance from sea turtles sunbathing on the beach and observe them. If you keep your distance, it is safe to stare and take pictures.

If you are swimming in the ocean and find yourself in close proximity, leave quietly. Please be aware that violations will result in fines of $500 or more.

The distance you can approach varies from beach to beach, so be sure to check the recommended distances on the warning signs at each beach.

 

If you want to see sea turtles, you have a high chance of encountering them.
Taking a tour is highly recommended to get the most out of the tour.

 

If you have come all the way to the Big Island of Hawaii, it would be a shame to leave without seeing sea turtles. To have a high probability of seeing sea turtles, we recommend that you join a tour.

A local guide who is familiar with the spots and times when sea turtles are present will be a great source of reassurance.

 

Three recommended tours

Here are three tours that offer the best chance of seeing sea turtles.

 

Wild Dolphin & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling tour to see wild dolphins & sea turtles.

You may be able to snorkel with dozens of dolphins swimming close by, and sometimes even swim with sea turtles.

There is a chance to see whales from November to March.

We will cruise in search of dolphins and explore snorkeling spots. Look forward to seeing what dolphins you can spot, including long-beaked dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins.

Prices are $120 for adults (12+), $90 for children (3-11), free for infants (0-2), and $90 for visitors (3+).

 

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

This tour offers snorkeling through coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and sea caves in Kealakekua Bay, which has been designated a marine protected area.

The boat will take you to the area around the "Captain Cook Monument," the best snorkeling point in Kealakekua Bay.

During the cruise, enjoy the clear blue waters of the Big Island of Hawaii. Sea turtles and wild dolphins can often be seen, and whales may be seen during the winter months.

Staff will explain to you in advance how to interact with the dolphins when you encounter them. Safety checks will also be conducted, so please feel free to participate.

Prices are $106.63 for adults (13+) and $95.86 for children (8-12).

 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

This is a cruise tour to experience the history and culture of the Big Island of Hawaii while enjoying the ocean at sunset.

After leaving Kamakahonu Bay, we will move on to view historical sites and head to the Captain Cook Monument. We will then anchor offshore for dinner.

If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. In winter, you may even encounter whales.

Prices are $149.19 for adults (18+), $95.14 for children (6-17), and free for infants (0-5).

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed this article on Hawaii Island, which focuses on information on meeting sea turtles.

Sea turtles are called Honu in Hawaii and are valued as guardians of the sea that bring good luck.

We hope you will meet Honu on the Big Island of Hawaii and receive your share of good luck.