Turtles on Poi'pu

Question

What is the best time of day to see some turtles on Poi'pu Beach? And is it Poi'pu Beach itself or some other beach nearby? Do they tend to come ashore in the late afternoon (before sunset)? We saw some amazing photos of a huge population of turtles there with the setting sun as the background (taken from afar of course) - it looks amazing.

Answer

Seeing sea turtles at Po'ipu Beach on Kauai is a wonderful experience, and you're right—there are some fantastic photos to be had, especially when the sun is setting. Turtles tend to visit Po'ipu Beach and the surrounding areas, particularly during the daytime when the waters are calmer. Here’s some helpful information about when and where to find them:

Best Time of Day

The best time of day to see turtles at Po'ipu Beach is generally in the morning and late afternoon. Turtles are more likely to haul out of the water during these times to rest on the beach. In the early morning, the beach is quieter, and turtles often come ashore to bask in the sun before the crowds arrive. Late afternoon, just before sunset, is another great time as the turtles tend to return to the shore for the same reason—resting after a day of feeding. The lighting during sunset creates stunning photographs with the turtles in the foreground and the sun setting behind them.

Early Morning: Before the crowds arrive, turtles are often found resting on the beach.
Late Afternoon (before sunset): This is another prime time, as turtles come ashore to rest before heading back into the water for the night.

Po'ipu Beach vs. Nearby Beaches

Po'ipu Beach is one of the best spots on Kauai for turtle sightings, particularly around the rocky areas near the southern end of the beach. However, there are a couple of other nearby beaches where turtles are also frequently spotted:

Shipwreck Beach: Located just east of Po'ipu, Shipwreck Beach is another good location for turtle sightings, especially in the morning. The beach has rocky areas where turtles like to bask.
Mahaulepu Beach: A more secluded beach to the east of Po'ipu, Mahaulepu is another great spot for turtle sightings, though it’s a bit less crowded.

Important Notes

While it’s exciting to see the turtles, it’s important to remember that they are protected by law. Avoid getting too close to the turtles, especially if they are on the beach, as they need their space to rest. It’s also a good idea to bring binoculars or a zoom lens to get a close-up view without disturbing them.

In summary, Po'ipu Beach, along with nearby Shipwreck Beach and Mahaulepu, offers great opportunities to see turtles. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, and sunset can provide an amazing backdrop for those perfect turtle photos. Enjoy your time on Kauai and happy turtle watching!