Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Nicknamed Turtle Beach, this unique location is home to a population of Hawaiian green turtles that bask on its sandy shores during the day. Observe these gentle creatures from a safe distance, and watch them make their way through the rough waves that hit the beach. Volunteers are on hand to ensure that the turtles are not disturbed, and there are signs with information and rules.
Laniakea Beach is understandably popular with tourists and locals alike—visiting in the morning when the turtles are active and for fewer crowds. You'll have a better chance of seeing turtles in the summer.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Top ways to experience Laniakea Beach
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Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
65 within 5 kms
Attractions
58 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- LnmagneePortland, Oregon77 contributionsTired TurtlesI saw four honus (green sea turtles) resting on this beach. They were surrounded by ropes so people wouldn't get too close. Unfortunately, one person walked over the rope right up to one of the turtles before others yelled at them. The volunteer had not been paying attention. Even after the volunteer seemed to notice, they didn't say anything. Pro: green sea turtles Cons: crowded, inattentive volunteer, difficult to find parkingVisited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2023
- CanadaFamof4116 contributionsTurtles galoreSaw multiple turtles, so that made it worth the trip alone! Turtle on beach with the human guardian overseeing, plus multiple (8-10 at least in one spot alone) swimming within 6 ft of people in fairly shallow water. Beach is nice, sand does get very hot! Shoreline is rocky and irregular, making it easy to trip and fall even in the knee-deep water. Waves were strong and hard to battle, would not have wanted to go out more than about 15 ft.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2023
- Bex ISilverdale, New Zealand157 contributionsYou need to be patient for turtles!Went early morning to get a car park, hit one easily. Parking is across a busy road, it is limited however there is a crossing. To get to beach you stumble over tree roots and rocks. There is a small part of Beach to access water. On our day the visibility was 2 arm lengths so hard to see when snorkelling, though a few fish to see. Water is at least warm. Was snorkelling for about an hour and then decided to leave as there was no turtles, however they the. Showed up in the shallow water by the rocks - you can not walk in rocks as covered in green slime. It was great to see them playing however hard to see in the murky water. Discovered better places to see the turtles. Note there are no bathroom or change facilities here.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2023
- pama63Windham, Maine89 contributionsLaniakea Beach (turtle beach)I went last Nov and didn't see any turtles. So, I went again this trip twice. The first time I saw 1 and was so excited. The second time a few days later I saw 1, then 2 ended up seeing 6!! You park across the street from the small beach. Head to the right down by the trees there is a path to get down to the beach where you'll see the turtle. At first, I thought they were large rocks. It was amazing.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 4, 2023
- islandlovingtwosomeLake Forest, California88 contributionsNice Beach To Relax, Swim And Watch The TurtlesI believe this beach is commonly referred to as Turtle Beach, and it lived up to it's name. We were here as a stop on our Circle Island Tour. After lunch, we had a chance to cool off and hopefully see some turtles. We were fortunate enough to see a few of the huge turtles while we were there. They move quite slowly and stop often to eat so we were able to watch from a distance as we would see their heads poke out of the water and go back under.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- Sightseer779040268 contributionsSure fire way to see turtles every day!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!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,269 reviews
Excellent
749
Very good
330
Average
116
Poor
29
Terrible
45
Sightseer779040
268 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
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!
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yeraldin S
7 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Didn’t see any turtles but a smallish one in the waves. The shore is rocky and uneven, no place to picnic, parking is wherever you kind find on the sides of the highway, and it was just our bad luck the we didn’t see any turtles. I’m not sure if it was bad luck or it wasn’t the season but we stayed their for about 30 minutes and waited but no turtles. A little disappointing
Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
islandlovingtwosome
Lake Forest, CA88 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
I believe this beach is commonly referred to as Turtle Beach, and it lived up to it's name. We were here as a stop on our Circle Island Tour. After lunch, we had a chance to cool off and hopefully see some turtles. We were fortunate enough to see a few of the huge turtles while we were there. They move quite slowly and stop often to eat so we were able to watch from a distance as we would see their heads poke out of the water and go back under.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pama63
Windham, ME89 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
I went last Nov and didn't see any turtles. So, I went again this trip twice. The first time I saw 1 and was so excited. The second time a few days later I saw 1, then 2 ended up seeing 6!! You park across the street from the small beach. Head to the right down by the trees there is a path to get down to the beach where you'll see the turtle. At first, I thought they were large rocks. It was amazing.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose C
Mission, TX13 contributions
Jul. 2023
Cute, FREE experience! Hawaii can get pricy quick so enjoy all the freebies of the island. Go early, get a parking spot, carefully hike down and enjoy the turtles!
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bex I
Silverdale, New Zealand157 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Went early morning to get a car park, hit one easily. Parking is across a busy road, it is limited however there is a crossing. To get to beach you stumble over tree roots and rocks. There is a small part of Beach to access water. On our day the visibility was 2 arm lengths so hard to see when snorkelling, though a few fish to see. Water is at least warm. Was snorkelling for about an hour and then decided to leave as there was no turtles, however they the. Showed up in the shallow water by the rocks - you can not walk in rocks as covered in green slime. It was great to see them playing however hard to see in the murky water. Discovered better places to see the turtles. Note there are no bathroom or change facilities here.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanadaFamof4
Ontario, Canada116 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Saw multiple turtles, so that made it worth the trip alone! Turtle on beach with the human guardian overseeing, plus multiple (8-10 at least in one spot alone) swimming within 6 ft of people in fairly shallow water. Beach is nice, sand does get very hot! Shoreline is rocky and irregular, making it easy to trip and fall even in the knee-deep water. Waves were strong and hard to battle, would not have wanted to go out more than about 15 ft.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nattayy
47 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
We went there about 5pm and saw a turtle! It was very crowded but worth going there to see - it was raining when we went so not a huge amount of people on the actual beach but if you’re just heading there for the turtles about 5pm is the best time to go
Written June 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
Florida20 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
I had read this is the place to go to see Green Sea Turtles. Many reviews say the parking is horrendous. I didn’t find it too bad. There was a lot across from the beach that held approximately 50 cars. We didn’t have any problem getting a spot. The beach itself is fairly small and pretty rocky. We didn’t see any turtles but when we drove by again later in the day there was one on the beach with a crowd around it. This beach is overhyped.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN944 contributions
May 2023
This was the only beach I could find a parking spot while driving along the north shore. Luckily there was one big sea turtle there. It was fun.
Written May 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SammyL
Gold Coast, Australia6 contributions
Hi,
Just wondering if the turtles are there all year round or if they are a seasonal thing?
eg: summer only. Is the best time after lunch .. mid afternoon ?
MiddleOfKansas
Smith Center, KS55 contributions
The best time to see turtles is early in the day before most people arrive at the beech. I suggest heading there at sunrise for the best chance at seeing turtles. Having said that, we did see a turtle on the beech at 4pm with all sorts of people around. Have fun and happy turtle watching.
Jacki T
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia117 contributions
HI, we are planning to rent a house on Laniakea beach next January and was wondering if anyone can tell me if it's easy swimming at this time of the year? I know the swell is big in January and some places aren't swimmable. Thanks
JoeCosentino
Whitesboro, NY149 contributions
I have been here a few times mostly in feb. There is a break for the waves quite a way out. I know people swim at the beach near were the turtles are.
Have fun
Joe
Connie S
Vancouver, Canada28 contributions
Does anyone know if the turtles would around in October?
Hulafille
40 contributions
The turtle guardian said that the turtles are there year round but are more abundant on the beach in summer. The ocean there has high surfs and currents, and swimming there is not recommended. The volunteer said that between 11 am to 3 pm is usually a good time to see turtles, but it is not guaranteed. She has seen turtles at all hours. She also mentioned that sometimes, she can go for two weeks without seeing a turtle on the beach. You cannot touch or feed the turtles. They are protected.
cozza71
Patterson Lakes, Australia56 contributions
Just wondering what's the best way to get to the beach if you don't have a car we would be coming from Waikiki
Melanie
Hales Corners, WI91 contributions
Would agree. There is a bus. But by car is the best. bet. And car rentals were pretty reasonable on Oahu - just the parking that stinks and is costly. Have fun.
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Claim your listingLANIAKEA BEACH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Laniakea Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Laniakea Beach:
- Oahu Highlights, Turtles & North Shore - Small Group Circle Island Tour (From C$138.29)
- Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer (From C$474.92)
- Oahu Unveiled: Tailored Luxury Private Island Tour (From C$407.68)
- 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From C$373.71)
- Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour Oahu (From C$216.07)
- Hotels near Laniakea Beach:
- (0.04 km) Oceanfront Home on Historic North Shore (30 day rental)
- (0.58 km) Beachfront | Sunsets | Spa | Surf Spot - . HOUSE RECENTLY REMODELED
- (0.63 km) ON THE SAND! Chuns Reef Beach House - Oceanfront Main House - A/C - Beach Toys
- (0.11 km) 6 bedrooms | A/C | Game rm | 2 Kitchens |
- (0.70 km) Oceanfront 2 Bedroom at Chun's Reef **Special $195 nt 3/5 to 3/31***
- Restaurants near Laniakea Beach:
- (3.51 km) Haleiwa Bowls
- (3.91 km) Waialua Bakery
- (4.21 km) Kono's
- (3.20 km) Haleiwa Beach House
- (3.88 km) Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken
- Attractions near Laniakea Beach:
- (0.28 km) Chun's Reef Beach
- (1.46 km) The Surf Bus - North Shore Activities Tour
- (2.79 km) North Shore Surf Girls - Surf School
- (3.00 km) Uncle Bryan's Sunset Suratt Surf School
- (3.10 km) Stand Up Paddle Lessons -- Rainbow Watersports Adventures