Parking is non existent and the traffic is terrible. I'm talking about bumper to bumper traffic for HOURS. Beautiful area but not worth the drive there in my opinion. Also, keep in mind that there is a 50/50 chance you will even see turtles. read more

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

No parking. No bathrooms. It was very rocky and didn't look like a fun place to go swimming in my opinion. We did see a turtle, though! read more

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No turtles but still got some beautiful views... This is legit my 2nd time attempting to see turtles in their natural habitat and each time I am left with nothing. 2 outta 3 visits to Hawaii and all I have are shattered dreams. BooooooHoo!!!! All that aside, this beautiful beach has no bounds when it comes to leaving you in awe. Freezing water temperatures, blustery high winds, and the frigid air couldn't keep my toddler away!! Large crowds will gather, regardless of turtles in view or not, making it super hard to miss this place. Parking is limited to a smaller lot that will fill up quickly. Visitors will park all along the side of the road [illegally????] just to catch a glimpse. Turtle Beach will forever hold a special place in my heart because this is the location where my little monster felt, touch, visited the beach/sand for the very first time!! This place obviously comes highly recommended but be extra cautious if you come with little ones. read more

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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You wanna see some sea turtles? This is the spot! We went there in the early afternoon and there were dozens in the water with a couple swimming up to the shore. There are people working there that protect them and make sure to put up rope when they come up onto shore to make sure people don't get within ten feet of them. They are a protected species so be careful and don't get too close! read more

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So pretty! Y'all need to stop here while in North Beach. Waters are calm and perfect for snorkeling to visit with the turtles. PLEASE be respectful of the turtles and their natural habitat. I'm sure they don't exactly like the herds of people invading their space every day but if we are respectful of local wildlife then we can all enjoy each other's company. The water is very beautiful at this beach so it's worth spending a few hours over a picnic or just to simply sun bathe to catch glimpses of the beautiful turtles from afar. There isn't a whole lot of parking so I would suggest arriving early to catch a spot comfortably. read more

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Good for a short stop when exploring the North Shore. Interesting to talk to the volunteers about ways to protect the sea turtles. Please respect the sea turtles especially as they bask on the beach or go in and out of the ocean. For more information, check out malamanahonu.org. read more

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It's private and on Ritz property. Barely a place to park and you're on private property. Unwelcoming

If you're obsessed with turtles like I am, this place is a must. We went during turtle season in June and it was amazing. Warning: do not step on the rocks on the left side as they are SLIPPERY. I had no idea and tried to fill my son's bucket with water and I slipped, fell and luckily some people ran and helped me up. I was 7 months pregnant too. The volunteers are really good at making sure that people don't get too close to the turtles. The right side is a nice area for everyone to swim. Will definitely go back! read more

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Like others have mentioned, all the turtles have relocated. This is a high theft area and your rental car is almost 99% likely to be broken into. It takes at least two hours of sitting in gridlock traffic to get here and residents are extremely unfriendly about the fact that tourists are causing all of this traffic. You will get no love from the locals if you go here. I would highly suggest staying in Waikiki and taking a ride on one of the catamarans that dock near Duke's restaurant instead! There are always turtles off the coast there and sometimes even dolphins as well! read more

Turtle Beach - Dolphins seen from the Manu Kai catamaran you should take instead of going to "turtle beach". - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

We didn't see turtles here, but we weren't here very long. It is a fun little beach though. The views are stunning and has a great beach. Parking is REALLY tough and the traffic getting across the street is rough (there is a crosswalk though), but if you're willing to fight through that, it's a great place to visit. read more

I had a great experience. I wanted to see a real sea turtle and on Turtle Beach, my dream came true. However, when my husband and I arrived there for the first time there were no turtles. Then we found a sign that said "Turtles are coming closer to the sunset." Next time we decided to try our luck on the sunset, and guess what, we found two sea turtles! They were resting there. So, we just enjoyed the view and these two beautiful creatures. read more

Turtle Beach - Sea turtles - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Turtle Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach along the coast of Kamehameha Hwy in North Shore. There is plenty of free parking all along the highway facing the beach, however it is highly recommended that you come in the morning before 10am to both avoid the traffic as well as be able to snag a parking spot. The beach itself is fairly clean, with the occasional tree needles at certain stretches. In addition, there are lifeguards stationed at this beach at certain intervals to make sure everyone is safe and to be there in case someone needs help. Unlike Waikiki however, the beaches here are substantially less crowded and you'll see people dispersed throughout. Although our goal in coming here was to see the sea turtles, we unfortunately were not lucky enough to encounter any while walking the beach or during our time sun bathing. It actually wasn't until we were driving back that we noticed a few turtles along the beach and a big crowd gathered around them. Unfortunately by then, the traffic heading towards the beach was at a standstill and we did not wish to get caught up in that mess. Definitely a great place to visit when you're on Oahu, and I hope during my next visit I'll get to see one up close rather than in passing while driving. read more

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Simply wonderful!!!!!!! There are so many turtles laying on the beach that it is amazing. Please keep at least 10 feet away to give them their space but enjoy them. It is a wonderful thing to see. Beware traffic sucks around the beach and parking is very limited. Be careful crossing the road that you don't get hit by a car. read more

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

What a beautiful interaction with local wild life. When snorkeling at this location you should wear water shoes because of the rocks, see urchins, slippery coral. You will see a lot of sea turtles along the shore but you are not to come within 10 feet of them to protect them from our human bacteria. There are people on the beach to make sure that you do not go within 10 feet of the sea turtles as well! This is a free snorkeling area. Only downside is that There are no bathrooms or places to change your clothes except for in your vehicle. There's a small parking lot so you need to come early to get a space or you're parking along the road. Also, locals are not found of tourist for some reason and we heard several comments of "go home"! Just a precaution is touring this area. read more

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Enjoyed this beach. I recommend parking before the parking lot bc the parking lot gets pretty full. We walked over and parked on the street. It was easy to find the beach. It wasn't too crowded on the beach. We found a great spot to picnic. We got to walk down and see a sea turtle that had beached on the shore. There were helpful guides making sure the sea turtle was undisturbed and happily answered our questions. The waves were a bit rougher at this beach during January but we enjoyed being at this beach. The scenery was just spectacular. read more

If you are looking to see turtles, you need to come when the waves are mot huge and rough! This is not a good beach to leave your kids alone on, and we saw multiple families leaving their kids deep in the water getting smashed into by waves. However, the sand was great for digging and a really nice place to build your trenches, but fill them in before leaving for sea turtles safety. If you do come and see turtles, just look and don't bother them. read more

Beautiful beach. Can't go wrong with any of the beaches in Hawaii. Unfortunately, we didn't see any turtles during over visit in October, perhaps it was the timing or we were just not as lucky as everyone else. Parking lot in the area are limited and scary, if you decide to park along the highway among 50mph speeding cars flying by. Overall still a great beautiful beach, with or without the turtles, turtles would of obviously made it better. read more

It is normal, not much exciting and a regular site to visit. Recommended if you have gotten plenty of time

Not including any close-up photos of sea turtles here intentionally to make a point: there are signs everywhere on this beach, all along the shoreline, to not get too close to a turtle! Please leave these poor fellows alone, not like the tourists we saw who followed the turtle out into the water and kept it from coming ashore without realizing it! The best part was seeing a school field trip here on the same day, and it was lovely to hear the chatter of children to the sound of the ocean waves. Absolute paradise on earth! read more

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Terrible traffic. Terrible parking deal. Terrible beach to see turtles!!! Infested with tourists because crappy tour guides foolishly being em in by the bus loads and they wonder why the turtles don't come around anymore!!! If you're visiting Oahu stay I. Waikiki. Plenty of beaches and bars there. Don't waste your entire vacation stuck in traffic!!! read more

Quite an experience to see a sea turtle for the first time!!! They're roped off so you can't get too close! But they're all named and it's quite a view to see these magnificent creatures up close! read more

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IF I COULD RATE NO STARS I WOULD!!!!! NO TURTLES!!! We drove all the way from Waikiki to see turtles since my family friends are visiting, and they need to see them since they're in Hawaii. NONE. We saw more turtles in Waikiki than this so called "turtle beach". Save your time and stay in town, its not worth going any where else. Such a bummer, I wanted my friends to have a good experience but instead we dat in 3 hours of traffic to get to this beach, TRASH EVERYWHERE, and NO TURTLES. Just a bunch of sea weed on rocks. Yup next time I'm just going to tell my friends to not leave in Waikiki, They will guaranteed have way more fun there than doing anything else read more

If you wanna see turtle, highly recommended you go in the morning when turtle want to go up and rest more. Easier to spot more turtle. read more

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I came towards the end of turtle season and I was able to see two! Even if I didn't the view is absolutely beautiful! It does get crowded in the afternoon and traffic from noon to around 5 pm is horrible in this area. Parking is limited so I suggest coming early or just before the rush. There are volunteers who move a red rope about 12 feet out from the turtles to protect them and you'll notice that as the turtles move the volunteers continues to move the rope. There was only one turtle I saw the first day and it was super crowded with tourists. The second day not so much since the turtle was further out and covered in sand. Overall, this is a beautiful place to stop at. read more

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We saw a sea turtle! It was so cool... it was just eating the algae and hanging out and loving all the attention (I think). However the drive here is soooo slowwww because everyone wants to see a turtle and is searching for a parking spot. Definitely worth the drive at a chance to see one. read more

Sat in traffic for 3 hours for no turtles. Almost got run over since there's no crosswalk, and ended up getting a TICKET! Even though there's "no parking" signs all along the highway I thought we would be ok since everyone else parked there. Also, no showers or bathrooms. I pissed my pants. read more

Hidden gem or north shore! If it weren't for our Gypsy guide (check out the driving tour!), we wouldn't have known that this was the infamous turtle beach to see sea turtles lounging in the sun. Parking is a little controversial as the county has yet to create a definitive lot for tourists and locals. But there is a small plot next to the road to quickly stop by and see the turtles. Be careful crossing the road with aloha. Once you're on the beach, walk down to rocks. There's a red line you absolutely CANNOT cross! The turtles are best viewed farther away anyways and a volunteer is usually stationed to answer your questions and watch over. Such a great stop to see nature in action! read more

Turtle Beach - Sea turtle - Beaches Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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If you want to see sea turtles, this is a great place. We saw several turtles and they are well protected by volunteers. There are a lot of visitors to the area. Parking was tight and traffic was crowded. read more

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Turtle Beach/Laniakea is a terrible place to visit. There are no turtles. There is no parking and traffic is a mess. They have all been relocated to Waikiki and Bellows Beach. Not worth the traffic to even stop there. Better to go to Bellows Beach on the south shore side and see turtles there. Go past sea life park. Stop at Koko Marina get some souvenirs and something to eat. Turtles are everywhere at Bellows Beach. If you want to wait hours in traffic to be disappointed go ahead. But definitely not worth the drive. This is a high crime area! Your rental car will get stolen. Your car will get broken into and all of your belongings will be gone. They will steal your ID and passports. High area for catalytic converter theft. You will end up stranded with no transportation. Don't go to Turtle Beach/Laniakea Beach! No turtles! High theft! Not worth the risk! Visit the South Shore , Bellows Beach, and Waikiki! Way more turtles to see there. read more

Parking SUCKS, traffic SUCKS! Turtles aren't always there, not worth it at all!! Take a boat in Waikiki and see them in the water. Somehow this beach has been hyped up but it's all hype and not worth the hours of sitting in traffic to get to it. read more

DON'T BE FOOLED!! No turtles to be seen here. Due to the heavy traffic & turtle safety, the turtles have now been relocated to Waikiki. I think it's awesome! Now you can see all the turtles right out the door of your beautiful Waikiki hotel. No more driving all the way to the other side of the island IN TRAFFIC! ***Always Remember...RESPECT THE LOCALS & THEIR LAND. RESPECT HAWAI'I PERIOD! It is true what they say about our culture......if you don't respect, all the bad luck will follow you home. A L O H A & Mahalo for leaving. read more

Not worth the traffic! You can actually see turtles ANYWHERE in Hawaii. This beach is overrated and not worth the hours of traffic to come here. Every beach is turtle beach. Don't waste your time! read more

You can spot turtles in the ocean at many beaches on Oahu. Why disrupt an entire community by stopping traffic for literally multiple miles everyday? read more

Due to the influx of people in the past two years, the turtles don't come to this beach anymore. We use to see dozens. You'll be lucky if you see ONE. It's very unlikely now. Save yourself the trip and the 20+ minutes waiting in traffic. The traffic, the parking, no crosswalks to pause traffic -- It's not worth it. Go to the aquarium to see wildlife! Better chances! read more

The turtles don't come around anymore because of all the people flocking to this spot. Hoped I'd be able to see some the numerous times I've stopped here but I've come to learn they are literally everywhere else BUT here. Not worth it. Took me just about TWO HOURS just to even get here the traffic gets so terrible and its all day :(( and this is every single time I've come out here :((. I've learned my lesson. Also, can confirm -- lots of portuguese man o' war jelly fish here. I have a better chance seeing turtles on the Discovery Channel than at this beach. Save your gas and your time. Go to Ala Wai -- way better. read more

Yep, two hours of traffic for the worst beach I've ever been to. Not worth your time. Not to mention a local yelled at us for stopping in the middle of the road! So inconsiderate to my vacation. They said they had to get to work or something. Like anyone works in Hawaii.... read more

Saw so many turtles in and out of the water it was awesome! There is great snorkeling here too, just a little rough for kiddos.

We had to walk along the beach for about 10 minutes to see the turtles, it was worth it! There were plenty of snorkelers around but kept their distance from the turtles. Definitely recommend! read more

Just a gorgeous beach with some amazing animals in it! Hundreds of turtles can be seen here during the day and its truly a sight to see. Be sure not to get to close as this is illegal and disturbs the animal! We went here with my sons and I told them the same thing of course. Amazing sandy beach but just be carful not to slip of the rocks near the shore as they have alot of moss on them. read more

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Look for traffic and cars, if they are there then probably the turtles are there too. Fun