Things to do nearTurtle Town
Turtle Town is a celebrated snorkeling destination off the Wailea-Makena coast of Hawaii, renowned for its resident Hawaiian green sea turtles, vivid coral reefs, and clear Pacific waters.
Turtle Town is not a single fixed point on the map but rather a loosely defined stretch of coastline running along the south shore of Maui, roughly between Wailea and Makena. The area earned its name from the Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as honu, that congregate here in remarkable numbers, resting on submerged lava ledges and grazing on algae that clings to the reef. The honu holds deep cultural significance in Native Hawaiian tradition, regarded as a guardian spirit and a symbol of good fortune and longevity.
Beneath the surface, the terrain shifts between open sandy channels and dense coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, moorish idols, and the occasional octopus tucked into a rocky crevice. Most visitors reach Turtle Town by joining one of the many snorkel or scuba tours departing from nearby Ma'alaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp, with operators offering morning and afternoon departures suited to varying experience levels.
The lava formations that define this coastline were shaped by ancient volcanic activity, and their irregular contours create sheltered pockets where marine life thrives year-round. Above water, the views back toward the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala provide a dramatic backdrop that reminds you of the geological forces still at work on this island. The combination of accessible snorkeling, protected wildlife, and striking underwater scenery makes Turtle Town one of the most rewarding natural experiences available anywhere along the Hawaiian coastline.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Turtle Town
Visit during the morning hours when ocean conditions are typically calmer and visibility tends to be at its clearest.
Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture close encounters with the resident Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Maintain a respectful distance of at least ten feet from any sea turtle you encounter, as they are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral ecosystems that make Turtle Town such a thriving marine habitat.
Pair your snorkel trip with a visit to nearby Makena State Park for a scenic beach walk and a broader look at this wild stretch of Maui coastline.
Top tours & experiences near Turtle Town
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Kanaio Sea Caves From Maui
Snorkel Molokini and cruise Kanaio sea caves on a 5.5-hour raft tour
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town 3-Hour Snorkel Tour
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town on a 3-hour guided rafting trip
Kanaio Coast Sea Caves & La Perouse Snorkel
Snorkel remote sea caves and reefs with chances to see dolphins and turtles on a 4-hour adventure.
Molokini & Turtle Town 5-Hour Snorkel Tour From Maui
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town with breakfast, BBQ lunch, and an open bar
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Turtle Town From Kihei
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on a 3-hour morning raft trip from Kihei
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour in Maui
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town by Super Raft
Guided Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour in Turtle Town
Sea scooter snorkel Turtle Town with a guide and GoPro photos
Snorkel & Sail Cruise in West Maui
Snorkel West Maui and enjoy a hot buffet lunch plus a complimentary premium bar
Sunrise Snorkel Cruise to Molokini Crater in Maui
Snorkel Molokini early, then cruise the Makena Coast with breakfast and drinks
Molokini Crater 2-Hour Snorkeling Tour From Kihei
Snorkel Molokini Crater with a late-morning 10:30am departure
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens on a 55-foot catamaran with lunch included
Guided 3-Hour Turtle Town Kayak & Snorkel in Makena
Kayak and snorkel Turtle Town on a guided 3-hour eco adventure
Guided 4-Hour South Maui Snorkel & Kayak Tour
Kayak and snorkel South Maui from Turtle Town to Skylight Caves
Private Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour in Turtle Town
Snorkel Turtle Town by sea scooter with a private guide and GoPro footage
Turtle Town Guided Snorkel Tour in Maui With Photos
Guided Turtle Town snorkel with photos and video
Mellow Kayak Cruise on Wailea's Turtle Town Coast
Relax on a 2-hour private paddle along Wailea's Turtle Town with an expert guide
Kayak Snorkel Ocean Safari on the Wailea Coast
Private kayak and snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on the Wailea coast with photos included
Beginner Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson & Tour in Wailea
Learn the basics fast on a guided paddleboard lesson and ocean tour
SUP "The Cruise"
Paddle the Wailea-Makena coastline over coral reefs and Turtle Town on a 2-hour SUP run
Guided Turtle Town Stand-Up Paddleboard & Snorkel
Paddleboard and snorkel Turtle Town with a beginner lesson
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Turtle Town From Maui
Cruise to Molokini and Turtle Town on an air-conditioned luxury yacht
Snorkel & Sightsee on a Private Maui Charter
Private Maui yacht charter for up to 6 with breakfast, lunch, and snorkel time
Guided Beginner Snorkel Experience in Wailea
Beginner-friendly snorkel lesson with a fully guided small group
5-Hour Private South Maui Snorkel Charter
Customize a 5-hour private raft charter to Molokini Crater or South Maui spots