ALOHA!
Before you go out on a quest in search of sea turtles in Oahu, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Green sea turtles are a threatened species
The most commonly seen types of turtles on Oahu are green sea turtles. The other less commonly seen turtles on Oahu are hawksbill sea turtles. Green sea turtles are listed as a threatened species, while the hawksbill sea turtles are listed as an endangered species.
Threatened species vs endangered species: What’s the difference?
If a species is threatened, it means that if things keep up the way they’re going, the species is on its way to becoming an endangered species.
If a species is endangered, it means that if things keep up the way they’re going, the species is on its way to not ever existing at all in the world.
This means that the next category up from being an endangered species is being an extinct species.
So whether the sea turtles are on the threatened species list or the endangered species list, there are things that you can do when you’re in Hawaii to help the sea turtle population count in the world from heading in the wrong direction.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Don’t touch the sea turtles
It’s best to do what you can in order to not disturb the turtles so they can rest. This includes not touching them, and it also includes not getting too close to them. For the protection of the turtles and for your own safety, NOAA recommends that you stay at least 150 feet away. You also want to try to avoid making any sudden movements when you’re nearby the sea turtles.
If you see someone touching the sea turtles, educate the person!
It could be an innocent act of the tourist being curious to touch the turtle. After all, at tourist destinations in other parts of the world, the touching of wildlife is not discouraged and in some cases is even encouraged.
So the best thing to do in this situation if you do see someone getting close to a turtle looking like they are going to touch it is to educate! In a friendly manner of course. Some people really don’t know any better, and the only way they will know is if someone informs them.
If you see a turtle in distress, report it
When you’re on Oahu, NOAA lists the following phone numbers to report a sea turtle that’s injured, sick, or even dead:
Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
808-725-5730
You would be calling the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program at the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service.
Any other time
808-286-4377
You would be calling Marine Option Program contractors at the Univeresity of Hawaii, Manoa.
For contact numbers on other Hawaiian islands, as well as further tips on reporting a sea turtle in distress, see the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
Tip: Put the numbers in your phone!
Resources on sea turtles
If you’re looking to learn more about sea turtles, here are a few more resources for you:
- Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (Sea turtles)
- Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (Hawksbill sea turtles brochure)
- NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (Sea turtles)
- NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office (Protected species)
Learn more about Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtles from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources! (Download)
Where to see turtles on Oahu
So, with all this in mind, what are the best beaches on Oahu that can you spot sea turtles in the wild?
There’s never a guarantee that you will be able to see sea turtles when you’re in Hawaii. But for your best chances of snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu, try out these beaches!
Laniakea Beach – North Shore
Sharks Cove – North Shore
Ali’i Beach – North Shore
Papaoneone Beach – West Oahu
Hanauma Bay – East Oahu
Queen’s Beach – Waikiki
Map of where to see turtles in Oahu
Explore the map of turtles in Oahu below!
Be sure to check out the Oahu planning map too!
HAPPY TURTLE SIGHTING!
oahu things to do >> oahu beaches – oahu snorkeling | oahu hikes | oahu hawaiian culture | oahu driving || what to pack for hawaii
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling