How to see sea turtles on Oahu☆Introducing the points where you have a high chance of encountering sea turtles and the tours where you can swim with them.

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

After a busy day, many people would like to go to a resort and relax in the everlasting summer sea.

There are many visitors to Hawaii from Japan, and Oahu is the most popular resort area in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, many myths and legends have been passed down through the generations, and many people visit the island as a power spot.

Many people at the resort will be healed not only by the spectacular scenery but also by shopping and dining.

Oahu is popular because of its many such pleasures.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is an island bustling with tourists year-round, seeking healing and inspiring experiences.

There are many tourists from Japan, and you will often see them featured on social networking sites and television.

The area around Waikiki Beach is lined with hotels and shopping malls, and the streets are beautifully landscaped.

Many tours allow you to participate in activities from your accommodation, so you will not feel inconvenienced.

There is a lot of information about tourism in this resort area, making it easy to choose what kind of purpose you want to travel for.

 

How to get to Oahu

When visiting Oahu from Japan, direct flights are available from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports.

It takes 7 hours from Japan to Honolulu Airport and 9 hours from Honolulu Airport to Japan.

There are also flights via via, so it is a good idea to compare airlines to choose from.

There are also a wide variety of package tours that include hotel and sightseeing packages, so you can plan your trip according to your objectives.

Oahu also has some application requirements at the time of entry, so please find out in advance or consult with your tour operator.

 

Attractions of Oahu

The appeal of Oahu is its balance of resort and natural attractions, both of which can be enjoyed.

The pleasures of the resort area include seaside vacations, shopping and dining, and a wide variety of marine activities are also popular.

When you visit Oahu's many legends and historical anecdotes of the spectacular landscapes, you will feel that you have shared in the magnificent power of the earth.

It is a resort area where you can enjoy both the beautiful ocean and lush green mountains, as well as shopping and dining.

Thus, Oahu is an easy place for tourists to spend time.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Among resorts, a beach resort must have clean waters.

In addition to Waikiki Beach, Oahu has many other beaches that are beautiful and rich in marine life, including tropical fish.

Oahu is famous as a surfing and diving spot because of its special ocean terrain.

There are rock walls that have been raised in the sea and craters in the water where large waves are created.

There is also vast nature around the beautiful beaches, where you can enjoy trekking and forest bathing.

Both will be beautiful because the landforms created by volcanic and tectonic movements have influenced the sea and mountains, leaving behind a rich natural environment.

Oahu is a resort island where you can enjoy both beautiful beaches and vast nature.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is bustling with visitors from all over the world.

There are beaches where famous surfers congregate and luxury hotels where celebrities make themselves at home, and many Japanese tourists visit.

With art throughout the district and development in the cross-cultural neighborhoods, Oahu will continue to grow.

This attitude of valuing both the past and the future is the reason why it has become one of the world's leading resort destinations.

It is a wonderful island that preserves many myths and traditions, while creating new cultures one after another.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu has many well-stocked shopping malls and boutiques.

There is a wide variety of products, from standard items such as chocolate and coffee to Hawaii's limited edition cosmetics, making it difficult to choose the right souvenir.

However, for those who love shopping, Oahu is a very pleasant place to visit.

With high-brand and Oahu-only stores, this is your chance to find limited-edition items and your favorite gems, so you can enjoy shopping at its best.

There is also a wide variety of restaurants, and at the hotel's BBQ you can dine while watching a Hawaiian dance show.

As for Hawaiian gourmet food, you can try the classics such as poke, loco moco, spam rice balls, and garlic shrimp, but also try the gourmet foods that locals like to eat, such as malasada (Hawaiian fried bread).

There are many flavors that the Japanese like, and teriyaki sauce is a favorite of Hawaiians as well. If you miss Japanese food, try teriyaki sauce.

 

Watch for sea turtles on Oahu!

Many people will see sea turtles swimming leisurely in dive photos and snorkeling videos on social networking sites.

Even on Oahu, you can see the sea turtles that you have seen in photos and videos right in front of you.

Sea turtles in aquariums can be seen in Japan, but the turtles seen in their natural ecosystem are different in both power and excitement.

In addition, there is a specific time of year when sea turtles can be seen on Oahu, so visiting during the summer months of April through October will increase the likelihood of encountering sea turtles.

 

Sea Turtle Ecology

The sea turtles that live on Oahu are gone in the winter because of large waves.

Please note that April, May, and June are spawning months and protected beaches may be designated off-limits areas.

On Oahu, sea turtles are actively protected and it is good manners to observe them from a distance of 2 meters. This is not a law, but should be observed for the protection of sea turtles.

Direct touching or feeding of sea turtles is prohibited, and this is punishable by a fine. Turtles can stay underwater for 5 hours without doing anything, but they appear in the shallows from the sea bottom because they visit to gather seaweed attached to the rocks.

It is said that only one in a thousand fish has a chance of surviving, and its ecosystem is still shrouded in mystery.

In Hawaii, sea turtles are called "honu," which means "guardian god of the sea. To avoid damaging the ecosystem, please be careful when observing sea turtles.

 

How to see sea turtles

Here are some ways to see sea turtles on Oahu.

It may be difficult to encounter them on your own, but a tour will help you with the knowledge of experienced boatmen and others.

Please refer to the various ways to observe sea turtles.

 

snorkeling

Oahu has many snorkeling spots, and there are points where sea turtles frequently appear.

Seaweed on rocks is their favorite food, so beaches with rocky shores are recommended.

Beaches with rocky shores provide abundant food and shelter for tropical fish.

Tropical fish are abundant, and snorkeling can be enjoyed at beaches with sea turtles.

Electric Beach, a snorkeling spot, is a favorite spot for sea turtles because the effluent from the thermal power plant warms the water and raises the temperature.

Tours also offer snorkeling experiences that include sea turtle observation, which is a good option.

Swimming near sea turtles is recommended, as you will feel as if you are swimming with them.

 

diving

Diving allows you to observe sea turtles on the ocean floor, and the encounter rate is higher than snorkeling.

At diving stores and experience diving tours, instructors may be able to take you to spots where sea turtles are found, so it is best to consult with them beforehand.

Diving allows you to spend more time underwater, so you can observe more closely. You may see sea turtles feeding on seaweed collected in the shallows at the bottom of the sea.

The spectacular underwater topography of Oahu and the sight of sea turtles swimming around the coral reefs will impress you.

 

cruise

There are many tours that take you on a cruise ship to observe sea turtles. Many plans are combined with dolphin watching, allowing visitors to observe Oahu's marine life from the ship.

You can observe sea turtles and dolphins while enjoying the spectacular view of Oahu, even if you can't swim.

If you are worried about seasickness, take an anti-sickness medicine 30 minutes before boarding.

 

Observation from the beach

For those who are not comfortable with underwater observation or observation from a boat, observation from the beach is recommended.

Sea turtles can be seen drying their shells on the beaches of Oahu. There are always warning signs posted at locations where sea turtles can be seen from the beach, so please observe the rules.

Also, some beaches do not have parking, so check to see if parking is available before visiting. Beaches with sea turtles are expected to be crowded.

If there is no or little parking on the beach, public transportation is recommended.

 

Points on Oahu where sea turtles can be seen

The best places to see sea turtles on Oahu include rocky beaches, shallow waters with lots of seaweed for food, and warm sandy beaches.

If you want to observe sea turtles in the water, snorkeling and diving are recommended.

The beach is the best place to observe them on land.

Please refer to the following list of some beaches on Oahu where you can observe sea turtles.

 

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach

On the North Shore, there are many beaches where sea turtles can be seen, and tours are often offered.

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach is a famous surfing beach on the North Shore. Surfing takes place on the right side of this beach, and sea turtles rarely appear here.

Sea turtles come to the left side of this beach, where there is a large grassy area.

Since this is a beach park, toilets and showers are available free of charge, but food and beverages are not sold, so it is advisable to buy them in advance.

There are also lifeguards and lifeguards on duty, so please follow the rules on the signs.

 

Point Features

Sea turtles that have come up from the sea to the beach are napping while drying their shells.

If your timing is good, you will be able to see the moment they come up from the surf, allowing you to observe a more powerful natural ecosystem.

There are a few rocky areas, but the beach is sandy, so it is safe to visit with sandals.

 

Access

It can be reached by bus, but it is not recommended as it is very time consuming. A rental car or cab will take about an hour.

 

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach has one of the highest rates of sea turtle encounters on the North Shore.

This beach is so rocky that the rugged rocks could be mistaken for sea turtles.

It is difficult to walk in sandals, so marine shoes are recommended.

 

Point Features

Sea turtles at Laniakea Beach spend the mornings swimming in the shallows and the afternoons drying their shells and relaxing.

There are volunteers on the beach who use ropes to enclose the area where the sea turtles are protected as they come up out of the water.

Visitors can take pictures and observe from outside the ropes, so please follow the rules written on the sign. Snorkeling is also allowed, but a watchman is always watching and will warn you if you get too close to sea turtles.

It is a pristine beach, so there are no toilets or showers.

 

Access

If you take the bus, you can go to Ala Moana Center first, and from there you can go right to the beach.

A rental car or cab takes about 50 minutes from Waikiki.

The parking lot is on the opposite side of the beach, so be very careful when crossing. Also, the parking lot may be closed, so please check in advance.

 

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

The highest rate of encounters with sea turtles is probably during the summer months, from April to October. Before visiting in April, May, and June, when the turtles are spawning, it is necessary to check to see if the beach is closed.

Sea turtles can be seen on some days during the winter months, but the encounter rate is probably lower than during the summer months.

The time of day when sea turtles can be seen varies from individual to individual, but most turtles come to the shallows in the morning to feed and are drying their shells in the afternoon.

These information should be used as a guide when visiting to observe sea turtles.

 

Notes on observing sea turtles

Beaches where sea turtles can be seen always have warning signs.

It warns in large illustrations not to get too close (2 to 3 meters away), not to touch, and not to feed them. Note that violations will result in fines.

For Hawaiians, sea turtles are the guardian gods of the sea. Even if you are excited about your trip abroad, please be sure to behave with manners as a Japanese person.

 

If you want to see sea turtles
For tours with a high probability of observing sea turtles.
Participation is recommended.

Those who wish to observe sea turtles and swim with them underwater will have a better chance of meeting them if they join a tour.

It is recommended because you can observe a variety of sea turtles swimming gracefully around coral or sleeping on the ocean floor.

The instructors who guide you on snorkeling/diving cruises know Oahu's waters inside and out. Local guides can be helpful in increasing your chances of encountering sea turtles.

 

Three recommended tours

If you are not familiar with the area or if you want to observe sea turtles efficiently, a tour is recommended.

We have selected three tours that offer a high probability of seeing sea turtles for your reference during your trip to Oahu.

 

Dolphins & sea turtles in the wild
Snorkeling Cruising

Dolphin and sea turtle snorkeling tour off the coast of Wai'anae on a Kalamataan boat with minimal turbulence.

A snorkeling experience with dolphins and sea turtles will be a memorable one. Sea turtles swimming around living coral reefs are beautiful and graceful.

Bringing a waterproof camera will make snorkeling more enjoyable.

This plan allows you to enjoy both cruising and snorkeling.

 

Sandbar Sea Turtle Watch Cruise

This is a special tour that includes a sandbar cruise, known as the Sea of Angels, and sea turtle watching.

Board the boat and go through the sea area where sea turtles are abundant, and observe sea turtles from the boat.

Afterwards, visitors can enjoy beach volleyball, photography, and other activities at the sandbar with its spectacular view.

If your plan includes lunch, you can have a BBQ burger on board.

This is a popular tour that allows visitors to take a walk with spectacular views and observe sea turtles.

 

Kailua + North Shore Sightseeing
What is this tree & sea turtle watch &.
B-Grade Gourmet 1-Day Tour

This tour allows you to visit selected popular spots in the Kailua area and the North Shore.

Popular gourmet foods such as Hawaiian pancakes, pineapple ice cream, garlic shrimp, and Renner's malasadas can be taken out and eaten in the scenic area.

This tour is unique to the area and includes a stop at Sea Turtle Beach and sightseeing to observe sea turtles. This tour is recommended for efficient sightseeing.

 

summary

How about the sea turtles that can be seen on Oahu?

The experience of observing sea turtles in their natural habitat will be a good memory of your trip to Oahu. If you are concerned about the likelihood of encountering sea turtles, you can take a tour for an efficient way to see them.

Also, although sea turtles can be seen at close range, please try to observe quietly and without shouting. Observe the rules and manners, and watch over the sea turtles so that you can observe them forever.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.