Turtle Town: Day Trips and Tours from Maui

Green sea turtles are one of the most famous residents of Maui’s reefs. See these curious creatures in abundance with a Turtle Town day trip on the island’s south coast.

Snorkel and kayak in Turtle Town and see why Hawaiians regard these turtles so highly. Their elegance, grace, and beauty are the stuff of legends and Turtle Town is the best place to see it for yourself.

Here's all you need to know about Turtle Town, one of the most popular destinations for day trips in Maui.

Where is Turtle Town located?

Turtle Town is one of the best dive spots in Maui and this is the go-to spot for divers looking to surround themselves with green sea turtles. Turtle town, also known as Maluaka beach, is in Wailea-Makena in the south of Maui and sits roughly between Makena’s One’uli Black Sand Beach and Nahuna Point.

What are the best things to do in Turtle town?

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Turtle Town is the best way to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. This is an unforgettable experience and sightings are guaranteed. Spend hours swimming among these graceful reptiles and see how many other tropical fish and creatures you can find among the coral formations.

Kayaking

Hop into a kayak and paddle out to turtle town. Kayaking in Maui is a great way to appreciate both land and sea as you are surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes while floating at sea.

Sea turtles in Turtle Town have also been known to swim up to kayaks and you can go on a clear kayak tour to get an even better look under the surface. If you are lucky you will even spot some spinner dolphins or humpback whales splashing about, adding to the magic of the most unforgettable experience Maui has to offer.

Swimming with a sea scooter

This is the latest and greatest way to level up your snorkeling experience. Take to the water of Turtle Town with a sea scooter to go deeper and further than ever before, without tiring yourself out.

A sea scooter tour offers you the luxury of small groups as very limited spots are available. Find yourself surrounded by turtles and heaps of other colorful reef creatures as you dive into the pristine waters of Turtle Town.

Whale Watching

Take a vessel out to sea in search of graceful humpback whales breaching in a marvelous display. Every year, whales travel from the cold northern waters to Hawaii for winter, mating and giving birth during the season.

What are the prices of Turtle Town tours?

Most Turtle Town tours with a kayak cost between US$90 and US$100 per person. This includes the use of a kayak and snorkeling equipment.

Sea scooter tours to Turtle Town are slightly more expensive at around US$120 per person but you have access to state-of-the-art Yamaha scooters.

Whale-watching tours include a cruise, lunch and the use of snorkeling equipment and cost around US$100 per person.

Where do Turtle Town tours start?

Turtle Town tours all start at different locations, depending on the type of tour you book. Tours with kayaks usually start at a beach location while boat tours start from Maalaea Harbor.

You will receive clear instructions on the meeting point once you confirm your booking. Your tour operator will be clearly visible with branded clothing or banners showing you where to go.

When is the best time to visit Turtle Town?

The best time to visit Turtle Town is in the early morning. Most kayaking and snorkel tours leave between 7 AM and 9 AM, allowing you to be back on dry land by noon. The ocean conditions are best in the morning and the sun gets dangerous around noon.

You should plan to do a Turtle Town tour at the beginning of your trip. This experience is so spectacular that you might want to do it more than once during your time in Maui.

Travel tips

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and keep the reef clean.
• Bring a fully charged underwater camera to capture your Turtle Town memories.
• Drink medication if you kayak or snorkel as the motion of the sea can ruin your experience if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Book Turtle Town tours well in advance as there are limited spots on each tour.