Snorkel in areas that are safe and you may still get lucky enough to encounter a turtle. ... beautiful live coral, and amazing green sea turtles! Not many people at the beaches knew the sea turtles were there, just a few yards off shore. How to help a Turtle. You dip your face mask under the water and see your daughter, some 15 feet away, waving you over like mad, stirring up bubbles all around her. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. Turtle Island Restoration Network is forging alliances to protect Hawaiian sea turtles, other marine life and the oceans. There are between 6-8 nesting females that lay their eggs on the north and south shores of Kauai. The different species of sea turtles in Kauai waters also differentiate by their eating habits. We would first walk over to Brenneckes deli and pick up some ice creame snacks for desert, and then roam along the rocky shoreline up on the grass, between poipu and breneckes beach. As a resulted, turtles can safely feed in rough surf. The green sea turtle and hawksbill sea turtle are the species most frequently observed in Hawai‘i. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. What time of year is best? LIHUE (AP) — Wildlife officials in Hawaii have euthanized a green sea turtle who was hit by a vessel and stranded on Kauai. However, these areas are extremely dangerous for snorkeling and swimming. Leatherbacks and Hawksbill turtles are carnivorous, eating jellyfish, sponge, and other soft invertebrates. An injured green sea turtle is examined by a veterinarian on O‘ahu after being recovery from Mahaʻulepu. Tunnels — One of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands, this is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional sea turtle. Long considered symbols of good luck, the creatures’ kind faces and trudging gait are endearing, and watching them swim is a joy. Not many people at the beaches knew the sea turtles were there, just a few yards off shore. But best of all are the green sea turtles! Here is a sampling: Brennecke’s Beach — Just across from Nihi Kai Villas honu can often be seen from the shore as they feed on greens along the lava shelf. Fines can set you back $100,000. – Go on a snorkel tour that advertises seeing green sea turtles. You dip your face mask under the water and see your daughter, some 15 feet away, waving you over like mad, stirring up bubbles all around her. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. ). This is another great turtle viewing location. Eggs incubate in the nests for about two months. Even if they make it to the sea, hatchlings are a favorite snack of bigger creatures, and only one in 1,000 eggs will survive to adulthood. She points, and there, just beyond the rocks, floats a peaceful, gentle. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a turtle nesting destination so they arrive to lay their eggs here from May through September, but they can be seen in water and on land pretty much year round — if you know where to see turtles in Kauai. A green sea turtle struck by a boat off of Kauai this week had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries, wildlife officials confirmed today. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim as gently as possible. Her flippers have a leopard-like pattern and her green back looks as mottled as the mossy rocks beneath her. Sea turtles, or “honu” (hoh-noo) to the locals, are at the top of most travelers’ wish lists of wildlife to see in Kauai. Given its name. This Kauai Adventure Tour Bundle comes with four socially-distanced audio driving tours:
• Waimea and Na Pali Tour ... slippery, rooted trail to Queens Bath is the pleasure of seeing the giant sea turtles in Turtle Cove. Kauai Sea Rider's owner and Marine Biologist, Captain Tara, has always focused on providing Eco Tours to our guests, with an emphasis on education while at the same time having a great time on our navy seal zodiac. The turtle suffered a spinal cord injury and a … Great advice and info. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. On Kauai’s sunny South Shore, they are occasionally seen sunning on a wide, sandy beach. Oahu Those tour companies know where turtles tend to congregate for feeding or cleaning. This hidden gem neighboring Queen’s Bath is where many of the native sea turtles come to shore to eat and relax in the sand along the shore. The sea turtle seems unfazed by your presence. !” She blows water out her snorkel. You can either cross the grass at Poipu Beach Park where you can overlook Brennecke’s beach to the left, or walk along the road past Brennecke’s and look back toward the beach. If you have any exceptional Hawaii photos you would like to share with readers at Beat of Hawaii, just let us know. Turtle Cove – A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queen’s Bath. Mahaulepu — This remote, more sparsely populated beach at the end of the Heritage hike offers twinkling blue waters ideal for snorkeling with sea turtles. Kuhio Shores — Though a little rocky at the entrance to the water, the bay just east of Kuhio Shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out. Cleaning and safety practices. Anini — Sea turtles often swim close to shore, sometimes popping up their heads to check out the scene right there in the shallows. If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded, injured or in distress, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the, Use a sunscreen that is friendly to marine life and reefs. ” your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Honu visit this spot year round to snack on the plants growing among the rocks. Spend a day at the center and get to experience the underwater view and the famous Hawaiian green sea turtles. Green sea turtles can live up to 80 years of age. If you are lucky enough to see a turtle up close and personal, just remember that sea turtles are protected by state and federal laws, which prohibit you from harassing them. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauai’s South Shore. Just past the gravel road that leads to Koloa Landing on your right, find parking and stand by the cement wall where you can overlook the cove. Lawai — Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Shell Me About It: The Best Places to See and Swim with Sea Turtles in Kauai. Green turtles nest only at night and can be frightened away by lights or movement. One note of caution however is that millions of years of evolution have made sea turtles remarkably adapted for life in the ocean. In Kauai, honu can often be seen swimming in the surf, hanging around the rocky shores and even napping on the beaches. • Remember that loud noises and abrupt movements can startle a sea turtle. The water is protected by the reef making it swimmable even in winter. Low tide is best for maximum turtle viewing! If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. Spouting Horn — Kauai turtles are often seen congregating just below the lookout to the right of the horn in a little cove filled with rocks and delicious sea grasses. Sea turtles, or “honu” (hoh-noo) to the locals, top most travelers’ wish lists of wildlife to see in Kauai. !” She blows water out her snorkel. Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements which will startle these timid guys. Scenes from the movie. Kauai Sea Tours is unique among the boat tour operators on Kauai and an originator of NāPali coast tours. Apparently, this is part of the fascinating way that sea turtles lay their eggs. These green sea turtles (honu) come close to shore to feed on the seaweed growing on the rocks. Poipu Beach — Great for kids because even waders can spot sea turtles hanging in the reef shallows while snorkelers can see them swimming in the clearer depths. She turns her head slightly toward you, and the line of her beak almost looks like a smile, too. If you want to learn more about Hawaii’s Sea Turtles, check out the following titles: The Book of Honu by Maui authors Peter Bennett and Ursula Keuper-Bennett, Sea Turtles of Hawaii by Kauai author Patrick Ching or for your Kindle, Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtles by Kauai Author Monika Mira. Answer 1 of 22: Is there some kind of fish cleaning station around Hanapepe where I would have a good chance of seeing sea turtles? Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. But it is also their will that amazes us. On Kauai’s South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. The creatures’ kind faces and trudging gait are endearing, and to watch them swim is a joy. We are traveling to Kauai in August. Best Place to Snorkel on Kauai’s South Shore. Somehow you know just how she will respond to friends back home who ask her “What was the highlight of your trip to Kauai?” Somehow you know that she will remember this moment forever.