Laniakea Seashore: Dwelling of Hawaii’s Inexperienced Sea Turtles

We frequently head out to Oahu’s North Shore for scenic drives and seashore hopping alongside the coast. However not too long ago I went that approach with just one vacation spot: Laniakea Seashore. 

We had guests from the mainland who desperately needed to see a Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtle (known as honu in Hawaiian). Laniakea Seashore is a well-liked hangout for these intriguing creatures – so widespread that its accepted nickname is Turtle Seashore.

So we packed up and headed out towards Haleiwa, the place a scenic shoreline and (hopefully) teems of sea turtles awaited. However there’s extra to do at this seashore than admire the turtles – let’s be taught all about this great place and what to do while you go to Laniakea Seashore on Oahu. 

The place to Discover Laniakea Seashore

Laniakea Seashore is on Oahu’s north shore, proper of Kamehameha Freeway. It’s a part of the 7-Mile Miracle, a stretch of seashores widespread for large wave browsing within the wintertime. 

Search for Laniakea Seashore a bit of east of Haleiwa City – it’s about midway between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay.

In case you’re coming from Haleiwa, you’ll go Papailoa Highway in your left, after which Laniakea would be the subsequent seashore to your left. Parking is on the fitting. 

Getting a parking place could also be powerful throughout peak instances, however we are able to sometimes rating a spot within the morning or on weekdays. 

Observe that you would be able to solely make a proper flip into the car parking zone, so in the event you’re coming from the opposite path, you’ll want to show round in Haleiwa and are available again for a right-hand flip. 

To entry the shoreline, cross the road on the appropriate spot, then search for the pathway within the bushes. It’s a tough stroll by the tree roots and rocks, so simply be ready for that. 

Observe: This isn’t the identical place as “Turtle Bay.” Though they’ve related nicknames, you need to go to Laniakea Seashore – not Turtle Bay – to see inexperienced sea turtles. 

Seeing Turtles on Oahu

Like I discussed, if you wish to see turtles on Oahu, Laniakea Seashore might be your finest wager. Turtles are probably drawn to the rocky shoreline and ample algae to feed on. 

After all, there’s no assure that you just’ll see turtles at Laniakea Seashore. They arrive and go as they please. However, in the event you’re up for a return go to, you’ll be able to probably return in a day or two and uncover that they’ve returned to their favourite resting spot. 

When you’ve reached the seashore, you’ll be able to search for turtles. You probably received’t be the one customer looking forward to a honu sighting. I like to recommend you head proper, as the ocean turtles typically relaxation on the far finish of the seashore. 

In case you see folks standing round and a few rope arrange, you’ve probably discovered a turtle resting spot. 

Volunteers typically publish up with the ocean turtles. They’re there to ensure no one will get too shut, however may also reply your most urgent turtle questions. 

Greatest Occasions to Spot Sea Turtles

It’s potential to identify honu at Laniakea seashore year-round, however they don’t sometimes come to shore throughout large surf. That’s dangerous information in the event you hope to see each turtles and big-wave browsing in a single journey. 

Nevertheless, in the event you come to the seashore to look at surfers, nonetheless hold your eyes peeled for turtles, as they might determine to swim round or come to shore, even when situations aren’t excellent. 

The very best time for seeing turtles is in the course of the summer season when the water is calm – so Might by September could be splendid. 

I really feel like I see most turtles early within the morning or at sundown, however they typically come out all through the day too. 

And in the event you don’t see any whilst you’re on the seashore, attempt once more one other day (or perhaps a little later the identical day). 

Guidelines for Encountering Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles

Hawaiian green sea turtles are an endangered species, in order that they’re fastidiously protected within the islands. Although there are sometimes volunteers at Laniakea Seashore who’re devoted to their safety, you might encounter sea turtles with out a volunteer close by. So it’s vital to know the foundations about viewing them.

Listed below are the foundations and rules for while you encounter a sea turtle in Hawaii:

• You need to stay at the very least 10 toes away from sea turtles, each on land and within the water
• Don’t contact, chase, or feed the turtles
• Don’t disturb them in any approach
• Restrict viewing time to a couple minutes

Mainly, simply respect their area and their peace. They’re at Laniakea Seashore for a motive – to eat, relaxation, or presumably even lay eggs. They’re not there on your leisure or to hang around with you. 

Nevertheless, you’ll be able to undoubtedly view them from an applicable distance, get just a few photos, and luxuriate in your bragging rights for seeing such a tremendous creature within the wild. 

Swimming with Sea Turtles at Laniakea Seashore

You’ll probably see Honu alongside the shoreline, resting within the sand. It’s frequent to see a number of on the sand , and volunteers consider there are about 30 totally different turtles who frequent the world. 

You may additionally dream of swimming with sea turtles. That is considerably potential at Laniakea Seashore, however situations should be proper, and it’s a must to observe the foundations. 

Within the winter, the water at Laniakea Seashore can get actually tough. You might discover a calm space early within the morning, however don’t depend on swimming between November and April. 

In the summertime, particularly within the morning, you’ll probably discover calm water that’s excellent for swimming. Deliver alongside your snorkel gear to see what sort of marine life abounds on this space. It’s not one of the best place for recognizing colourful reef fish, however you might discover a turtle swimming alongside. 

The water is often clear right here, so you’ll be able to see the turtle from an applicable distance so long as you could have a very good pair of goggles. 

Volunteers typically shield sea turtles within the water by shouting at swimmers to maintain their distance. This may be powerful if each you and the turtle are swimming freely. So view them from a lot farther than the 10-foot rule. That approach, there’s a good quantity of additional distance in case you each float towards one another. Additionally, attempt to keep the place you’ll be able to simply contact so you’ll be able to again off if a sea turtle comes near you. 

And, similar to on shore, don’t contact, chase, or journey the turtles. Allow them to swim, preserve your distance, and luxuriate in. 

In case you’d wish to see sea turtles swimming however don’t care to get within the water your self, search for them within the break of waves. Then observe them together with your eyes, on the lookout for them to dip their head up for air. 

Considered one of my favourite issues to do is watch the turtles come onto the shore or return out into the ocean, one thing you’ll be able to simply do from a distance as you sunbathe on the sand. 

Different Issues to Do at Laniakea Seashore

Although Laniakea is called Turtle Seashore, there’s extra to do right here than simply admire marine life. 

Throughout our current journey, we spent just some minutes watching turtles after which loved a enjoyable time on the remainder of the seashore. Forward are a few of the finest issues to do at Laniakea Seashore. 

Take a Stroll

Laniakea is a ravishing, lengthy seashore with unbelievable surroundings. It’s excellent for a morning or sundown stroll. 

Snorkel

When the water is calm, head towards the left facet of the seashore to Chun’s Reef, which is a good spot for snorkeling. There’s a lifeguard stand on this space as nicely, so verify in with the lifeguards to get a full report and recommendation earlier than hitting the water. 

Swim

Laniakea Seashore isn’t one of the best place for swimming (it’s rocky and typically tough), however in the summertime months, you’ll be able to probably take a refreshing dip within the ocean. 

Watch Surfers

In case you’re visiting the seashore within the winter, you may even see some surfers out within the water. It is a widespread space for big-wave browsing, as waves attain at the very least 30 toes in the course of the season’s largest swells. This isn’t the time to attempt swimming or snorkeling, but it surely’s enjoyable to sit down safely on shore and watch the athletes tackle large waves. 

Services at Laniakea Seashore

Laniakea Seashore has a lifeguard tower towards the Chun’s Reef space. There may be additionally a bit of little bit of shade. 

There are not any picnic tables, restrooms, or showers right here, although. 

What to Do Close by

Although you’ll be able to spend a number of hours having fun with the sights at Laniakea Seashore, you need to undoubtedly discover extra of the North Shore whilst you’re within the space. Listed below are a few of the finest locations and actions close by:

• Haleiwa City is a enjoyable place with native eateries, surf outlets, and a vibrant and laid again vibe.
• Drive alongside the freeway to eat at one of many well-known North Shore food trucks. 
• Waimea Valley is simply up the street from Laniakea Seashore. A per-person payment grants you entry to its paved mountain climbing path, waterfall swim, and cultural actions. There may be additionally a luau on choose afternoons and evenings. 
• The seven-mile miracle is stuffed with wonderful seashores. Take into account going seashore hopping alongside the north shore to see well-known spots just like the Banzai Pipeline, Sundown Seashore, and Waimea Bay. 

Seeing Turtle Seashore And Different Nice Oahu Actions

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