Sea turtles are one of the most exciting animals you can encounter in Hawaii. Known locally as honu, these gentle creatures are often spotted resting on beaches or swimming close to shore. While Maui has several well-known turtle hotspots, one of the best — and least crowded — places to see them is Wahikuli Wayside Park.
Located just outside Lahaina, Wahikuli is a quiet park that does not attract as many tourists as the famous snorkeling beaches. But for those in the know, it offers excellent opportunities to see turtles both in the water and occasionally basking on shore.
This guide explains why Wahikuli Wayside Park is a top turtle-spotting location in Maui, along with practical tips for visiting.
About Wahikuli Wayside Park
Wahikuli Wayside Park sits between Lahaina and Kaʻanapali, along Honoapiʻilani Highway. It is easy to miss, which is part of its charm.
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and shaded areas
- Beach: Narrow but accessible, with rocky entry points to the water
- Crowds: Fewer than Kaʻanapali or Napili, making it a peaceful stop
The park is popular with locals for picnics and fishing, but snorkelers come here for one reason: turtles.
Why Turtles Love Wahikuli
The nearshore waters at Wahikuli are shallow, rocky, and filled with algae — perfect feeding grounds for green sea turtles.
- Algae beds: Honu graze on algae growing along rocks and coral.
- Calm waters: Usually calmer than open-ocean spots, making it easier for turtles to rest.
- Protection: The reef structure provides safe areas for turtles to avoid predators and boat traffic.
Because of this combination, turtles are spotted here almost daily.
Best Times to See Turtles
- Morning: Clearer water and calmer seas make morning snorkeling ideal.
- Midday: Turtles are often in the shallows feeding on algae.
- Late afternoon: Some turtles come ashore to rest, though this is less common at Wahikuli than at beaches like Ho‘okipa.
There is no bad time of day to look for turtles, but visibility is best before afternoon winds pick up.
Snorkeling at Wahikuli Wayside Park
Snorkeling is the best way to see turtles here.
- Entry: The beach is rocky, so wear reef-safe water shoes or enter carefully with fins.
- Depth: Most snorkeling is in shallow water, usually less than 15 feet deep.
- Visibility: Good in the morning, but can be reduced by wind and waves later in the day.
- Marine life: Along with turtles, you might see parrotfish, triggerfish, and surgeonfish.
Stay close to the reef edges, where turtles feed and swim gracefully between rocks.
Safety and Etiquette Around Turtles
Hawaiian green sea turtles are a protected species under U.S. law. Visitors must follow strict rules:
- Distance: Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away. Do not touch or chase turtles.
- On land: If a turtle is basking on the beach, give it space and avoid blocking its path back to the ocean.
- Photography: Use zoom lenses instead of getting closer.
- Snorkeling safety: Be mindful of currents, sharp rocks, and other snorkelers.
Respecting these guidelines helps protect the turtles and ensures future visitors can enjoy them too.
Other Places to See Turtles on Maui
While Wahikuli Wayside Park is excellent, turtles can be seen at other Maui locations:
- Ho‘okipa Beach (North Shore): Famous for turtles basking on shore in the late afternoon.
- Maluaka Beach (South Maui): Nicknamed “Turtle Town” for its frequent turtle sightings.
- Black Rock, Kaʻanapali: Popular snorkeling site with turtles, though often crowded.
- Napili Bay: Calm waters make it a good spot for beginner snorkelers and turtle sightings.
Still, Wahikuli stands out for its quiet setting and consistent turtle activity.
Facilities and Practical Tips
- Parking: Free parking lot, but limited spaces — arrive early.
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQ grills
- Shade: Several trees and covered picnic areas make it a comfortable spot for breaks.
- Nearby: Close to Lahaina’s restaurants and shops for post-snorkeling meals.
What to Bring
- Snorkel mask and fins (rentals available in Lahaina or Kaʻanapali)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii bans sunscreens with harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate)
- Water shoes for rocky entry points
- Waterproof camera or GoPro for turtle photos
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks for breaks
Pros and Cons of Wahikuli Wayside Park
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable turtle sightings | Rocky beach entry can be tricky |
| Less crowded than other Maui snorkeling spots | Visibility drops in afternoon winds |
| Free parking and good facilities | Smaller beach, not ideal for lounging all day |
| Close to Lahaina and Kaʻanapali | Can be overlooked by tourists, fewer rentals on-site |
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Arrive early, snorkel along the reef to spot turtles in clear water
Midday: Picnic lunch under shaded trees in the park
Afternoon: Relax on the beach, explore Lahaina town, or head north to Kaʻanapali for sunset
This makes Wahikuli a perfect half-day excursion during a Maui trip.
Conclusion
Wahikuli Wayside Park may not have the fame of Maui’s bigger beaches, but it is one of the island’s best places to see turtles. Its rocky reef is a reliable feeding ground for honu, making sightings common for snorkelers and swimmers. With its quiet setting, free parking, and close proximity to Lahaina, it is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers.
If swimming alongside sea turtles is on your Maui bucket list, Wahikuli is well worth a stop.
FAQs
Are turtles always at Wahikuli Wayside Park?
Turtles are seen frequently here, but sightings are never 100 percent guaranteed. Morning and midday visits offer the best chances.
Can you swim at Wahikuli Wayside Park?
Yes, but the beach entry is rocky. It is better suited for snorkeling than casual swimming.
Do turtles come onto the beach at Wahikuli?
It is less common than at Ho‘okipa, but occasionally turtles rest on the sand.
Is snorkeling at Wahikuli good for beginners?
Yes, though rocky entry points require care. Calm mornings are best for beginners.
What is the best season to see turtles in Maui?
Turtles live in Hawaiian waters year-round, so you can see them any time of year.
