Turtle Town

Turtle Town is an awesome snorkeling site off the southern coast of Maui, near Makena. Many sea turtles spend time here, resting and eating limu (seaweed) from the rocks. You can only reach this site by boat. On many Maui snorkeling tours, Molokini is the first stop, and Turtle Town is the second!

Did you know that sea turtles come out onto the beach sometimes to rest and get some sun? Did you also know that one turtle can weigh up to 500 pounds? Imagine hauling 500 pounds up a sandy beach slope – on flippers! Sea turtles are extremely strong. When they are resting underwater, sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours at a time. There are two main turtle species in Hawaii: the Hawaiian green sea turtle, and the hawksbill sea turtle. The hawksbill, unfortunately, is quite endangered. If you see a hawksbill at Turtle Town, it is a beautiful thing. Make sure to tell your captain!

As of this writing (January 2017), Hawaiian green sea turtles are listed as a threatened species, and it is illegal to touch them. These animals encounter many human visitors as they cope with the normal stressors of ocean life. It is kind and respectful to give them space to swim and breathe. We recommend 30 feet, please. Mahalo!