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
Sunrise Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour From Kihei
Spend more time snorkeling and less time getting there
Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour at Turtle Town, Maui
Glide through Turtle Town’s reefs on a guided sea scooter snorkel
Molokini Crater Snorkel & Sail from Maalaea Harbor
Sail to Molokini for two snorkel stops, buffet dining, and an open bar
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Kanaio Sea Caves From Maui
Snorkel Molokini and cruise Kanaio sea caves on a 5.5-hour raft tour
Private Turtle Town Kayak Tour in Wailea
Relax on a 2-hour private paddle along Wailea's Turtle Town with an expert guide
Naturalist-Guided Turtle Town Snorkel Tour in Makena
Paddle Turtle Town and discover reef ecology with a naturalist guide
Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town with breakfast, BBQ lunch, gear, and an open bar
Guided 3-Hour Turtle Town Kayak & Snorkel in Makena
Kayak and snorkel Turtle Town on a guided 3-hour eco adventure
Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Cruise from Maalaea, Maui
Explore Maui's snorkeling waters aboard a quiet, jet-powered catamaran
Private Sea Scooter Snorkel Tour in Turtle Town, Maui
Snorkel Turtle Town by sea scooter with a private guide and GoPro footage
Sunrise Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour
Early reef snorkeling with a shoreside comfort break
3-Hour Private Yacht Charter From Kihei
Create your own Maui cruise with snorkeling, fishing, and coastal stops
Turtle Snorkeling Cruise in Kihei
South Maui reef snorkeling with gear, breakfast, and complimentary photos
Guided Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour
Explore Turtle Town’s reefs with guided snorkeling and included underwater photos
Afternoon Molokini or Coral Gardens Snorkel from Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens on a 55-foot catamaran with lunch included
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town 3-Hour Snorkel Tour
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town on a 3-hour guided rafting trip
Beginner Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson & Tour in Wailea
Learn the basics fast on a guided paddleboard lesson and ocean tour
5-Hour Yacht Charter in Kihei
Design a Private Maui Day of Snorkeling, Fishing and Sightseeing
Guided Turtle Town Stand-Up Paddleboard & Snorkel
Paddleboard and snorkel Turtle Town with a beginner lesson
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Cruise From Maui
Snorkel Maui's offshore reefs from an air-conditioned yacht
Turtle Town Kayak & Snorkel Tour from Makena Landing
Kayak and snorkel South Maui from Turtle Town to Skylight Caves
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Raft Snorkeling From Kihei
Snorkel Maui reefs with crew-fitted gear and lunch included
Snorkel & Sightsee on a Private Maui Charter
Private Maui yacht charter for up to 6 with breakfast, lunch, and snorkel time
3-Hour Yacht Charter in Maalaea
Private snorkeling and coastal cruising with captain and crew