Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: turtles (90) beach (75) parking (22) turtle (19) water (12) beautiful (12) road (11) spot (11) time (11) waves (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Epic W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful beach. You can’t or shouldn’t complain when this is a free to all beach. Yes parking is rough but again it’s free and the walk if you have to do it, is well worth it. We arrived at 11am and turtles were starting to come up. Took almost 30 minutes but they started to beach themselves to have a snack. Breathtaking really to see them up close and in the wild. The sand gets lava hot so have flip flops ready. Be patient and you will see turtles. The water was beautiful and if you head further down the beach there is plenty of areas to swim as well. Worth the drive!
    19 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cindy Fu (. 1 year ago on Google
    TL;DR: sea turtles 11am-3pm. Good for stopping by, not staying. Small beach. WATCH YOUR STEP. Great place to stop by and view sea turtles grazing on sea lettuce in the shallows or sunning themselves on the beach. Best to view between 11am and 3pm. The sea turtles are protected by law. You have to be at least 10 feet away and no, you cannot touch them. So keep your grubby human hands to yourself. You see with your eyes, not your hands. There is also a fine for touching a sea turtle. Yup, someone went and ruined it for us all. So don't make it worse and make turtle viewing a banned thing too. There is not much of a beach here at all. It's a small sandy area that immediately turns into smooth slippery rock filled with holes and toe jamming crevices. This is where the sea lettuce grows and where the turts hang. Always be aware of your feet. The waves plus poor sea turtle-distracted-you can be caught by surprise while playing "turtle paparazzi" and you'll end up getting wet or hurt if you slip! I'll say it again: always be aware if your feet, especially while you creep towards a turtle while snapping a photo. Parking: across the street from the beach. A two lane road splits the beach and the parking lot -- be mindful of peak hours, there can and WILL be a line of cars waiting along the road and backing up traffic. Bring some entertainment for the little ones because it can be a boring wait for that parking spot.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean N. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome beach to see some sea turtles, unfortunately the water is not for swimming or kids, is really dangerous, with big waves! We were there between 10 and 11 am and could saw the turtles leaving the ocean to the sand! Always there is the volunteers to keep the turtles safe!
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bojan B. 8 months ago on Google
    Turtle Beach , you will definitely see turtles I come around noon here , see 3 turtle outside on beach in the end where is rocks. You can see a lot of them on ocean swimming You have parking across the street from the beach, or on the side of road I’m not sure if is beach so perfect for swimming, but definitely need to visit if you want see turtles. You have beautiful beach like 8-10 min from here (sunset beach ) You can bring own snorkeling equipment, and swim and see all turtles in ocean like 20-40 feet from beach . DO NOT PAY +100$ for that tour online 😀 , just come here and do the same thing.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allison R. 4 years ago on Google
    This beach is so calm and peaceful. The water is a beautiful mix of different shades of blue. If you come around 10 or 11 you can see the turtles come up to shore. Give them about 2 meters of space. Please don't touch them. If you come early enough the beach is empty, and you can enjoy the water in peace. The water is a nice temperature, not quite as warm as bath water, but close enough. Pack out any trash you bring with you, please.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jackie N. 4 months ago on Google
    We knew from a previous visit that there are turtles that come up on the beach here every day! They normally come around noon-ish and then stay until after sunset. There is an organization there that monitors the turtles that come up. They are able to identify them and keep everyone a safe distance. The beach is large with plenty of space to spread out and perfect to watch the sunset. There are also quite a few people surfing here as well. If you want a sure fire way to see turtles, this is your spot! We found this during my research of beaches to stop at on a drive around the island as we wanted to visit the north shore. We also saw that this is a great place to spot turtles as well. There is a lot of parking on the side of the street leading up to the beach, and there is also a decent size gravel lot across the street. We arrived about 30 minutes before sunset. We found a spot to just sit on the beach and watch the surfers and the sunset. We saw a sign that had an arrow for turtles and we saw a group of people all the way at the end of the beach where the rocks are. There were 3 turtles there! There is an organization there that creates a rope barrier and makes sure people keep their distance while also educating people about the turtles. Turns out they keep records of 35 different turtles that like to come up and nap on this beach, and that there’s usually at least one turtle there every day. We learned a lot about the green turtles and the organization. We had never seen a turtle like that in person before so it was super cool. We sat and watched the sunset with the turtles and it was perfect. There are some rocks over where the turtles are, but if you keep walking down, it turns into soft sand. The organization that keeps an eye on the turtles warned us that right after the sun goes down, cars get broken into so we should all probably head back. Please be sure to take your bags with you on your person, don’t leave anything that looks valuable in plain sight, and lock your doors. So please be alert and aware of your surroundings. Whenever we return, we will definitely be coming back here for a beach day.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 saggit e. 7 months ago on Google
    It's 6hrs by bus from Waikiki but worth it. I left my Hostel at 3pm, the bus was delayed and it left at 3.20pm. I left lanaikea in the dark, was able to make it home shortly after 10pm. But I don't recommend leaving that late. The turtles themselves were spectacular. These ones tend to be most common on the beach at midday.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Keith H. 6 months ago on Google
    There are always sea turtles hanging out at this beach! However, it was not as good to snorkel as it was murky, there's not much of a beach to speak of, there are no bathrooms or washing stations, and the place is always packed with tourists who neglect the proper distancing you're supposed to observe with these magnificent animals. We didn't stay long. Come snap some pictures of the turtles, be respectful, and be on your way.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great beach with turtles! It was such an amazing experience to see the turtles basking in the sun and swimming in the water. We arrived around 2 and still found two turtles in the water and 2 basking in the sun. We spoke with a knowledgeable guide who watches over the turtles to ensure visitors do not disrupt the turtles routine. Not a beach I would personally plan to stay on. It was nice to take some photos and then leave the turtles in peace. We found parking along the road and walked down to the concentrated turtle area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ma Ja R. 4 years ago on Google
    TOURIST TRAP! No crosswalk - very dangerous! Ali'i Beach in Haleiwa near the harbor usually has more turtles and you won't piss off every local by holding up traffic!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Russ L. 3 years ago on Google
    Commonly known as The Turtle Beach because of the many turtles beachside. It’s hard not to stroll onto this North Shore beach and instantaneously become mesmerized by the giant sea turtles that bask in the sun and call this place home.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mersadies P. 1 year ago on Google
    Turtles. Turtles everywhere. Haha absolutely loved this. Parking is hard, we parked on the side of the road about .2 mi from where we swam but the walk was on the beach seeing tons of turtles. Swimming on the far side the turtles would mingle occasionally with us but didn't cause any issues. The waves were minimal the day we went which was great. Snorkeling was so much fun!! The salt water makes you float really easily making Snorkeling a breeze! The only reason i took away a star is no changing/rinsing area & no bathrooms. The beach was very clean though! There are volunteers who set up rope around turtles who were sun bathing & remind people to keep their distance. 10 ft is the rule. Keep your distance!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ian S. 4 years ago on Google
    People come here to look at turtles thinking it is normal..........IT IS NOT A PLACE TO COME LOOK AT TURTLES...............You are causing traffic to see something that is trying to sleep and be left alone. There is no specific time to see the turtles it is not a breeding ground whutever you hear is all talk and rumors lived here my whole life and it’s only got worse.......NOT A BREEDING GROUND AND NOT A SPECIFIC TIME TO SEE TURTLES NOT A TURTLE BEACH
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keely B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a good spot for seeing sea turtles 🐢 they are so beautiful. But if you go PLEASE keep your distance and be respectful. You could see them swimming in the waves and we were able to see two come on shore. We were there around 10 am, found street parking and the turtles were on the shore by 11.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rajesh P. 2 years ago on Google
    Pristine beach with brilliant views of the turquoise and deep blue shades of the ocean. Great place for a stroll on the beach. Sadly, no turtles at all on the beach today. Parking is only available across the street and was difficult to find.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ukor U. 1 year ago on Google
    No problem getting parking in the middle of the day (1-2pm). Crossing the road was made easier with the crossroads. Getting down to the beach can be difficult because of the steep rocks on the edges so you might have to walk around. There's very little shade on the beach so you might want to bring your own umbrella or tent. The beach overall wasn't very busy and you could see a few sea turtles popping their head up or occasionally swimming up close to the shore to eat. The lifeguards were friendly and let people know that they can't stand on the algae that the turtles ate. The sand was very clean but it can get very hot away from the water so be careful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin F. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve been to the beach twice in the last 1.5 years. I’ve been able to find street parking both times. It’s never very crowded with some shady spots to hang too. Both times have seen turtles, in their beautiful real element. Highly recommend staying for a few hours. Just enjoy the wave and great beach.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phyo T. 1 year ago on Google
    I was hoping to see sea turtles. But it was not the right time. The view is amazing though. There is parking spot on the side of the road. Stop by and enjoy the view!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 masatoshi o. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is a place where you can see sea turtles with a high probability, but this time I was away, sorry! (Original) かなりの確率で海亀が見れる場所です、でも今回はお留守でした、残念!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lindsey I. 3 years ago on Google
    Favorite surf spot. Parking is tough sometimes. I wish people would be more respectful to mother nature and especially the turtles
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trenton D. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a great place to get crushed by some waves, look for turtles, and relax on the beach! This is our usual spot when we go to North Shore over sunset beach because it's safer and has better parking. It is nicknamed Turtle Beach for a reason!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenessa A. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved snorkeling here. I felt like the snorkeling had better fish than Hanauma Bay, however it is more difficult to snorkel here if you are not a confident swimmer. I loved that there was shade at this beach and so many sea turtles.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allan R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Came here for the sea turtles and it did not disappoint! My wife loves sea turtles, and she was in heaven. It is a very rocky beach, not a great place for the kids to swim. After being on Oahu for 7 days, we wish we would have spent more time on the NW side of the island. Traffic coming here from Honolulu was great until we got close, the parking situation is not great and it caused traffic to back up quite a bit. There were also some very nice volunteers there to protect the sea turtles, they were very informative and helpful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr. Anne D. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous beach, sea turtles visit in the afternoons. Park across the street, be patient with traffic, it's worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hiedi L. 8 months ago on Google
    This beach is gorgeous. Watching the turtles in the surf is mesmerizing! It's crazy how long you can sit and watch them. The beach was pretty busy when we went but we did find parking pretty easily ad people were coming and going steadily. The drive is pretty and the views are worth the trip.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 My Word is My L. 3 years ago on Google
    So beautiful. We didn't get to see any turtles this time, but will try again. One of my favorite beaches in O'ahu. Cannot wait to visit again! Please watch out for the traffic. There seems to be a lot of it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 여제제 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Because of the volatile December weather, I didn't see the turtle, but the beach was beautiful. (Original) 변덕스러운 12월의 날씨때문에 비록 거북이는 못봤지만 비치가 넘아름다웠어요 특히 바다색이 넘예뻐요
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Love the experience of sea turtles, if you have some experience with snorkeling, venture into the waters but be very careful, there are several hidden treasures like volcanic rocks and yes sea turtles! (Original) Adoré l'expérience des tortues de mer, si vous avez un peu d'expérience avec le snorkeling, aventurez-vous dans les eaux mais soyez très prudent, il y a plusieurs trésors cachés comme les roches volcaniques et oui tortues de mer!

  • 5/5 Kayla L. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful beach with clear water. We could see the turtles swimming in the water. We went further up to a different part of the beach and found a natural pool that was a nice spot to relax.

  • 5/5 Nicolas M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Indeed, we see many turtles on this beach. (Original) En effet, on voit bien des tortues sur cette plage.

  • 3/5 Chris Z. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I came here by car. There are no turtles and the wind is very strong. Many tourists are taking pictures. The surrounding cars can stop randomly, but there is really no need to come here. It is best to confirm that there are turtles before you come, otherwise you will be disappointed. (Original) 我特地驱车来到此地,没有海龟,风浪很大,很多游客在拍照,周边车子可以乱停一下,但实在没啥必要来这里。要来之前最好能确认有海龟,否则会很失望的。

  • 5/5 Steven C. 1 year ago on Google
    We found sea turtle here by this beach and feeding by the sea grass grow on the rock that on the beach! You need to be at least 10 feet from any sea turtles and not stepping on any sea grease because once you stepped on it, it may never grow back! Parking are not eland chaotic because everyone try to stop and see the sea turtles. Beach itself are very beautiful also clean white send! One of the best in the northern part of Island.

  • 5/5 MG42 1 year ago on Google
    If you are wanting to see the sea turtles, this is the place to visit. Highly recommend. There are parking spots located across the road from the beach.

  • 5/5 Anton K. 1 year ago on Google
    We are here in October and the waves are definitely getting bigger. It’s not easy to swim but definitely fun for the surfers. The beach itself is very nice with very little people. I’m not sure if it’s the season or if it’s always this empty but we had a great time. The waves are fun to swim in. Unfortunately we did not see any turtles.

  • 5/5 Vanessa B. 6 months ago on Google
    We made a deliberate stop at Lanikea Beach with one goal in mind – to catch a glimpse of the magnificent sea turtles. Let me tell you, it was an experience that we absolutely did not regret. As we approached the shoreline, there it was – a colossal sea turtle leisurely munching on algae. The sight of this majestic creature was absolutely captivating, and we couldn’t help but be in awe. But that’s not all; there were more sea turtles in the vicinity. These graceful creatures were gracefully swimming near the shoreline, effortlessly riding the waves. It was a mesmerizing sight. One thing to note is that Lanikea Beach is quite popular for its resident sea turtles, and as such, it tends to get crowded. The parking situation is quite limited, with only a handful of slots available. So, my advice is to plan your visit early to secure a spot and fully relish this remarkable turtle-watching experience.

  • 4/5 Jun R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Please go while driving the North Shore. You did a good job watching turtles. However, the road is a little behind and parking well. (Original) 노스쇼어 드라이브 하면서 꼭 가보세요. 거북이 구경 잘 했어요. 다만 길이 좀 밀리고 주차를 잘하세요.

  • 4/5 Steven 3 years ago on Google
    Haven't seen any turtles yet but the beach itself is beautiful

  • 5/5 Steve P. 3 years ago on Google
    Respect the Honu

  • 4/5 Tyrone D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very relaxing. Great place to watch surfing and sea turtles

  • 5/5 Agustin Martinez, J. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful beach

  • 5/5 Eric H. 3 years ago on Google
    Turtle! We did see one today. It's nice when the wildlife meets their obligation to entertain the tourists like us ;)

  • 5/5 Nancie T. 3 years ago on Google
    I went today and I saw a turtle! It was such an amazing experience! He showed up about 1pm or so. I arrived about an hour earlier and brought a lunch and just hung out for a bit. Beautiful beach to spend a little time and so glad I hung around! Great experience!

  • 5/5 Sadie R. 3 years ago on Google
    I absolutely love this beach. Pro tip: Cross under the bridge at the north end of the parking area where the lifeguards are. You can avoid holding up the traffic, which can also be dangerous. People don't seem to know this and continually play Frogger trying to see turtles.

  • 3/5 Alexander V. 3 years ago on Google
    If you came here for just the turtles be prepared to be disappointed. The anticipation is real though; every object in the ocean will look like a turtle! Parking is non-existent so be prepare park on the side of the road then a hike. It's a good beach to spend time with family, tan, or catch a few waves but not an overabundance of turles.

  • 5/5 Dsrudolph 3 years ago on Google
    Stop being mean to the turtles

  • 4/5 Jimmy B. 3 years ago on Google
    You can park on the side roads. I could see turtles luckily. Walk to the end of the beach to see turtles. No place to wash. Ocean is very clean. I recommend.

  • 5/5 H :. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful beach. Great sand, so soft. (Waimānalo beach also has the same soft sand). Water was not clear the day I went but maybe sometimes it is. Snorkeled out to the island, it’s a bird sanctuary! If you go to the island beware of the big holes in the rock, don’t fall in/twist your ankle. Also give the birds a wide berth, and know that they live in some of the holes beneath your feet and in the greenery. Great time.

  • 5/5 RUDA L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I really saw the turtle!! (Original) 거북이 진짜 봤어요!!

  • 5/5 James F. 4 years ago on Google
    After cage diving with North shore Shark adventures nearby, this was our next stop. We arrived around 11 and already parking was a nightmare. All parking is along the street and on the opposite side of the highway to the beach. There's no bays just be careful your not blocking driveways or fire hydrants etc. We waited on the beach and endured a few showers in the process untill around 12:30 when a turtle starts to make its way up the beach. Not long after this another one comes to join it. Was a great experience to see them in the wild. The only thing that spoilt the experience was the fun police in charge of looking after the turtles. We understood you shouldn't go within 3 meters of them but these ladies were screaming at people and being quite rude. Besides that I would deffinately recommend going here to see some amazing turtles.

  • 5/5 Julie T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great for watching turtles 🐢 (Original) Genial pour observer des tortues 🐢

  • 5/5 百華 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I went three times and met Kame-san twice. It's so cute that you can see it in front of you. (Original) 3回行って2回は亀さんに会えました。目の前で見れてめちゃくちゃ可愛いです。

  • 4/5 Kazimierz P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The turtles are the biggest attraction on the beach, we managed to see one of them sleeping on it. The beach itself is pretty nice, but quite narrow and right on the road. It can be difficult to find a parking space at the weekend. (Original) Największą atrakcją plaży są oczywiści żółwie, nam udało się zobaczyć jednego jak sobie na niej spał. Sama plaża jest całkiem ładna, ale dosyć wąska i przy samej drodze. W weekend może być problem ze znalezieniem miejsca do parkowania.

  • 4/5 エヌシステム 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A very beautiful beach. I visited because it was said that turtles could be seen with a high probability. Unfortunately I can't meet you 💦 I will come again next year (Original) とてもキレイなビーチ。カメが高確率でみれるとの事だったので訪問。 残念ながら出会えず💦また来年きます

  • 5/5 C. M. 3 years ago on Google
    Best time for locals to enjoy this beautiful beach and see the Honus up close. No traffic, lots of parking, and ocean is clean and clear. My grandchildren was sooo excited to see these magnificent animals!

  • 4/5 hr s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I can't see the turtle ㅠ The sea is pretty, but there are many stones (Original) 거북이 못 봄ㅠ 바다가 이쁘긴 한데 돌이 많고 사람도 많고

  • 5/5 peco 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Meet sea turtles (Original) ウミガメに会えます

  • 5/5 Sports C. 4 years ago on Google
    I've seen a turtle at this beach every time I've ever been here!!

  • 5/5 Annel U. 4 years ago on Google
    I got to see Charlie! That was the name we gave to the turtle we saw... it can get really busy so I recommend going early. It was lovely . I reccomend swim shoes shoes since there are lots of rocks. You need to stay 10 feet away from the turtles. I'm sure we saw at least 3 different turtles in the hour we were there.

  • 5/5 Sara N. 4 years ago on Google
    This is what my family frequently refers to as “Turtle Beach”. During summer this is a guaranteed spot to see a Hona (turtle) basking in the sun. Be wise - do not go near the turtles, take photos from afar and be respectful of our islands nature... also be mindful of the cars. This popular beach is also the cause of most north shore traffic bc tourists just run out in front of every passing car!! Be quick and for Pete’s sake don’t slow down to turtle-watch while driving past!!

  • 4/5 Michelle Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Would have been a 5 if turtles had been on shore.. But the waves r awesome

  • 4/5 Raphael S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Traffic chaos breaks out briefly on this beach. Roadside parking and traffic jams on the street. The beach is nothing special. It is known for turtles. We also saw a fairly large one. There is someone there who blocks the zone and looks to the right, which is good even with such a large crowd. But nothing else special. Those who will be on the Big Island can wait until then. Only those who do a north tour can then make a short stop. (Original) An diesem Strand bricht kurz das Verkehrschaos aus. Parken am Straßenrand und Stau auf der Straße. Der Strand ist nichts besonderes. Er ist bekannt für Schildkröten. Auch wir haben eine recht große gesehen. Es ist jemand da, der die Zone herum absperrt und nach dem Rechten schaut, was auch bei so starkem Andrang gut ist. Aber sonst nichts besonderes. Wer auf Big Island sein wird, der kann bis dahin warten. Nur wer eine Nordtour macht, kann dann kurz einen Stopp einlegen.


Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Beaches nearby

Last updated:
()