Before I went on my cruise ship trip to Hawaii, I researched where to see Turtles in Maui. I discovered a park that was within walking distance of Lahaina, where my cruise ship was to dock/tender. Here are the details on how to snorkel with sea turtles on Maui for FREE and some ideas on what to do after your sea turtle snorkeling experience.
Getting to Wahikuli Wayside Park, Maui
It’s super easy to find this park. From the cruise ship & tender port in Lahaina, go one block inland to Front Street. Take a left and walk about 35 minutes. In the morning, this street has virtually no traffic and has shade on the east side of the street. After 35 minutes you will come to the junction of Front Street and Highway 30. From here you will be able to see the Wahikuli Park. Turn left and walk about 5 minutes to be at the south end of the park. Another 5 minutes will bring you to the beach from where you will snorkel. Alternatively,it’s possible to get to this park by Taxi, Uber, or the West Maui Islander public bus (route 28).
Getting Your Snorkel Gear
This post contains affiliate links. This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent a set for $19 per day at Snorkel Bobs which is located on Front Street about half way on the walk to Wahikuli. However, for just a few dollars more and buy your own Snorkel Set (See Prices at Amazon). If you plan on carrying a few valuables (for example, when cruising, I needed to take my cruise card, ID,and a bit of money ashore), I recommend using a Watertight Valuables Holder, which you can wear as you snorkel so there’s no worry that your important stuff is stolen.
Where to See the Turtles at Wahikuli Wayside Park
The best place to snorkel at Wahikuli Wayside Park is from the small black sand beach at the northern end of the park. This is by far the easiest place to enter and exit the water. Turtles can be found north or south of this beach in the reef and rocks. I recommend you view the water from above and look for turtles raising their heads for breath before entering the water and give you the best chance to swim with turtles on Maui. Wahikuli Park is one of the best places to snorkel with turtles on Maui because the turtles are near the shore and there is very little current so it’s a safe place to swim. As always, it is not advised to snorkel solo.
How to Snorkel With Turtles
Sea Turtles are some of the friendliest creatures in the sea. They don’t swim the other way when you approach. In fact, they may even approach you. It’s super easy to follow behind a friendly sea turtle. They often swim at a pace, slow enough for you to follow closely. Stay a fair distance away, don’t touch, and especially don’t harass the sea turtle. If you are caught, there will be high fines assessed.
Watch this video of my Sea Turtle Snorkeling Experience.
Other Things Under the Sea
The reef at Wahikuli Wayside Park doesn’t rival some of the reefs I’ve seen in the tropics around the world in Indonesia, Philippines, etc., but it does have some nice fish and colorful urchins (photo of a Slate Pencil Urchin).
Other Amenities at Wahikuli Wayside Park
Wahikuli Park has two public restrooms with showers available. There are grills and covered picnic tables with incredible views of Lanai. The sunsets here must be divine.
What to do After Swimming with Turtles
If you still want some more snorkeling, you might want to swim at Baby Beach on the walk back to Lahaina. This is a good spot to see more fish, but be aware that it is impossible to snorkel here at low tide as it is too shallow. Back in Lahaina, you should try a Hawaiian Shave Ice from Ululani’s. The Passion Orange Guava flavor was very tasty!
If you have more time in Maui, check out this Maui Packing List and these other Maui Hawaii activities.
Do you have any other suggestions on where to see turtles in Maui? Please comment below.
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