Best Time to See Green Sea Turtles in Hawaii
March, June and May is the best time to see green sea turtles in Hawaii. Based on 10,897 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when green sea turtles are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
Green Sea Turtle · Kyle Van Houtan CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · Public domain CC0
Green Sea Turtle · Public domain CC0
10,897 verified observations of green sea turtles in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When green sea turtles are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
1,146 records (10.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 995 | 9.1% |
| February | 877 | 8% |
| Marchpeak | 1,146 | 10.5% |
| April | 951 | 8.7% |
| Maypeak | 1,047 | 9.6% |
| Junepeak | 1,058 | 9.7% |
| July | 887 | 8.1% |
| August | 841 | 7.7% |
| September | 691 | 6.3% |
| October | 607 | 5.6% |
| November | 767 | 7% |
| December | 1,030 | 9.5% |
Green Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 10,897 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when green sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for green sea turtles sit around 57 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Junbest time | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Dec | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on green sea turtles in Hawaii:
Sightings of green sea turtles in Hawaii peak in March, when 1,146 of the year's 10,897 verified observations are logged — about 10.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, June and May.
The quietest stretch is October, September and November, when green sea turtles are hardest to find — October sees just 607 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The green sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Green Sea Turtle — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see green sea turtles in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Go see them · Hawaii
Waikiki Green Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour - Boat Excursion
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling is an amazing way to experience Hawaii’s incredible marine life on Oahu’s south shore right in front of the Waikiki...
3 hours
From
From $130
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see green sea turtles in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, June and May, based on 10,897 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are green sea turtles hardest to see in Hawaii?+
October is the quietest month for green sea turtles in Hawaii, with only 607 verified records.
Are green sea turtles active year-round in Hawaii?+
Green sea turtles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see green sea turtles
More wildlife in Hawaii