Turtles around Hawaiian Islands

Kauai may be known for its emerald cliffs and dramatic coastline, but beneath the waves lives a quieter kind of magic. Hawaiian green sea turtles, called honu, patrol the island's reefs and shorelines year-round, and the Garden Isle gives you some of the best chances in all of Hawaii to cross paths with one. Whether you are snorkeling a shallow reef or watching the sunset from a beach park, here is where to look and what to expect when the moment arrives.

The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other island in the chain. Lava fields meet the ocean, black sand beaches stretch along the southeastern coast, and right in the middle of it all, Hawaiian green sea turtles have made themselves very much at home. From the volcanic sands of Punaluu to the crystal-clear reef at Two Step near Honaunau, the Big Island offers some of the most unforgettable sea turtle encounters in the entire Pacific. Here is where to find them and what every visitor needs to know before getting close.

Maui is home to some of the most turtle-rich waters in all of Hawaii. From the famous Turtle Town at Makena to the sweeping reef at Olowalu on West Maui, the Valley Isle offers unforgettable encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles at almost every turn. Here is where to find them.