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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- CanadaFamof4118 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 5 July 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 4 October 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 14 October 2023
- Sightseer779040287 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 27 November 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,475 contributionsTurtle BeachNicknamed Turtle Beach. Best to come early in the day. While no turtles on the beach, we spotted several in the water which left us satisfied. There is a parking lot available across the street and we had no trouble finding a spot in the middle of the day on a weekday in March. This is not a wide sandy beach to sit on all day but was rather rocky and a good place to stroll around.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,271 reviews
Excellent
751
Very good
330
Average
116
Poor
29
Terrible
45
stillaliveca
Winnipeg, Canada79 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
First time we have seen sea turtles live. Only one showed up but the crowd that had gathered was thrilled. Much oohing and aahing.
We waited quite awhile but are delighted that we stayed.
We waited quite awhile but are delighted that we stayed.
Written 22 February 2024
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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,475 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Nicknamed Turtle Beach. Best to come early in the day. While no turtles on the beach, we spotted several in the water which left us satisfied. There is a parking lot available across the street and we had no trouble finding a spot in the middle of the day on a weekday in March. This is not a wide sandy beach to sit on all day but was rather rocky and a good place to stroll around.
Written 10 January 2024
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.
Sightseer779040
287 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 27 November 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 24 November 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
Sept 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 14 October 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
Sept 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 4 October 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 25 July 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 Zealand159 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 19 July 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, Canada118 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 5 July 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
56 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 27 June 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, NY152 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 $218.92)
- Oahu Unveiled: Tailored Luxury Private Island Tour (From $486.48)
- 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From $445.94)
- Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour Oahu (From $257.83)
- Explore Oahu island ~ private tour with a friendly local. Nice & Personal (From $389.18)
- Hotels near Laniakea Beach:
- (0.04 km) Oceanfront Home on Historic North Shore (30 day rental)
- (0.29 km) Gorgeous, Spacious, Ideal Family Vacation With 6 Ocean View Bedrooms!
- (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 |
- 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