Turtle Town, Maui

Turtle Town is one of the most popular and recommended snorkeling destinations in all of Maui, and for good reason. Located conveniently along Maui’s south shore, Turtle Town is a wonderful place to witness a wide variety of marine life, some of which is endemic to Hawaiian waters and found nowhere else on Earth. On your next trip to Maui, we encourage you to join us to explore what makes this area so unique. Perhaps best of all, turtle sightings are guaranteed!

History of Turtle Town

Turtle Town may have gotten its name from the large population of honu in the area, but long before it became a top recommended snorkeling destination, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles made their mark in the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. Considered ‘aumakua, or guardian spirits, by some ancient families, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles were once used as a food source and utilized for medicine, tools, jewelry, containers, utensils, and as an offering to Kanaloa, God of the Ocean. On the Big Island in the Pu’u Loa lava fields, there is even an ancient petroglyph of a turtle swimming.

Since turtles are known for their remarkable ability to find their way home after long stretches of time in open ocean, Hawaiians have related this to the same skills involved in ocean navigation, a longstanding source of pride for the Hawaiian population that originated with the first Polynesian settlers. Commonly featured in Polynesian art and tattoo design, honu continue to be highly respected as an integral part of Hawaiian culture today.

Feeding on a mixture of seagrass and several varieties of algae, known as limu, sea turtles can be seen in large numbers everywhere throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and especially Turtle Town, where algae grows in abundance on the coral reef formations. Watch as they glide effortlessly over shallow reef, through breaking waves and into underwater caves and you’ll see why they remain one of Maui’s most beloved animals.

What Else Will I See at Turtle Town?

Turtle Town developed underwater lava formations as submerged volcanoes erupted over time, creating the perfect swimming, feeding and resting place for several species of fish, including Parrotfish (Uhu), Butterflyfish, Trumpetfish (Nunu), Wrasse, Tang, Triggerfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and more. You may also see larger species such as Octopus (He’e Mauli), Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins (Nai’a), Manta Rays (Hahalua) and Spotted Eagle Rays (Hihimanu). Lately we’ve even been lucky enough to come across a couple of Hawaiian Monk Seals (‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua)!

Protecting Turtle Town

In 1978, after suffering a rapid decline in population growth, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles became federally protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Under this rule, it is illegal to hunt, harass or harm the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population, and feeding, chasing or riding the turtles is always strictly forbidden. When snorkeling or swimming at Turtle Town, make slow and calm movements and you’ll find that they often don’t mind approaching you.

Another major threat to the sea turtle population in Hawaii is toxic runoff from nearby golf courses, resorts and homes, which can cause Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a debilitating disease which causes tumor growth, present on some green sea turtles found at Turtle Town. Fishing nets, plastic, boats and sharks are also threats to the Hawaiian sea turtle population, so please help us in keeping our oceans a clean and safe environment!