More commonly known as Turtle Beach, this Oahu North Shore cove often attracts honu, aka Chelonia mydas, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. These big, friendly giants can reach 400 pounds as adults and are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and seagrasses, abundant year-round in the warm, shallow waters. Summer’s gentle surf—swells averaging just two feet—increase your odds of quality turtle time. Cross the road carefully and keep at least six feet away from the endangered turtles as they sunbathe onshore (mind any “no-go” zones maintained by volunteers). Avoid swimming here: The currents and beach rocks make it challenging.
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Laniakea Beach
More commonly known as Turtle Beach, this Oahu North Shore cove often attracts honu, aka Chelonia mydas, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. These big, friendly giants can reach 400 pounds as adults and are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and seagrasses, abundant year-round in the warm, shallow waters. Summer’s gentle surf—swells averaging just two feet—increase your odds of quality turtle time. Cross the road carefully and keep at least six feet away from the endangered turtles as they sunbathe onshore (mind any “no-go” zones maintained by volunteers). Avoid swimming here: The currents and beach rocks make it challenging.
Laniakea Beach
More commonly known as Turtle Beach, this Oahu North Shore cove often attracts honu, aka Chelonia mydas, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. These big, friendly giants can reach 400 pounds as adults and are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and seagrasses, abundant year-round in the warm, shallow waters. Summer’s gentle surf—swells averaging just two feet—increase your odds of quality turtle time. Cross the road carefully and keep at least six feet away from the endangered turtles as they sunbathe onshore (mind any “no-go” zones maintained by volunteers). Avoid swimming here: The currents and beach rocks make it challenging.
Laniakea Beach
More commonly known as Turtle Beach, this Oahu North Shore cove often attracts honu, aka Chelonia mydas, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. These big, friendly giants can reach 400 pounds as adults and are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and seagrasses, abundant year-round in the warm, shallow waters. Summer’s gentle surf—swells averaging just two feet—increase your odds of quality turtle time. Cross the road carefully and keep at least six feet away from the endangered turtles as they sunbathe onshore (mind any “no-go” zones maintained by volunteers). Avoid swimming here: The currents and beach rocks make it challenging.
Tired Turtles
On a lovely Hawaiian Sunday afternoon, my sister and I made our way up the windward side of Oahu to spend a day sightseeing, scoping out surf spots, and meeting friends at Ted’s Bakery (http://tedsbakery.com). Along with our haupia pie, we also received an unexpected tip that there were turtles on the beach not far from where we were. So we went to check out the location at Laniakea Beach and found out from one of the wildlife representatives, that the endangered green sea turtles frequent this beach on the North Shore. In fact, they have been on the beach all but five days in the last year. Plenty of tourists and locals crowd around the roped off area protecting these big creatures while they take a break on the sand. Other turtle silhouettes could be spotted playing in the surf as it rolled toward shore. The best time to view these tired turtles is when it rains. The crowds dissipate or take refuge under the nearby trees, while those brave enough can get a good look and loads of pictures.
See a Sea Turtle
This stretch of sand is commonly known as “Turtle Beach,” thanks to the frequent visits of large, friendly sea turtles. It’s hard to miss this spot on the North Shore, as parked cars line the road, but be careful as you cross over to the ocean side. You’re not allowed to get closer than 6 feet of the turtles, and vigilant volunteers will stop you if you try, but kids and adults can’t help inching close to watch these gentle giants laze on the sand or swim playfully in the ocean. Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot a turtle, this rocky beach is a beautiful place to stop and snap some pictures on your North Shore drive.
North Shore Sunsets
Laniakea Beach is part rocky and part sandy beach on Oahu’s North Shore. This beach is one destination that is easy to miss, but a worthwhile stop. During the day, some green sea turtles bask in the sun on this beach while others feed on limu (seaweed) and other ocean delicacies in the waves. Members of the Malamana Honu organization are on site to tell visitors about the turtles. At night, Laniakea is a tranquil place on the North Shore to watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean.