Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Hawaii
March, June and May is the best time to see sea turtles in Hawaii. Based on 10,999 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle · Kyle Van Houtan CC BY
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle · Kyle Van Houtan CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · Kyle Van Houtan CC BY
10,999 verified observations of sea turtles in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
1,157 records (10.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,004 | 9.1% |
| February | 882 | 8% |
| Marchpeak | 1,157 | 10.5% |
| April | 964 | 8.8% |
| Maypeak | 1,059 | 9.6% |
| Junepeak | 1,067 | 9.7% |
| July | 882 | 8% |
| August | 851 | 7.7% |
| September | 700 | 6.4% |
| October | 618 | 5.6% |
| November | 776 | 7.1% |
| December | 1,039 | 9.4% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 10,861 |
| Hawksbill Sea Turtle | 102 |
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 2 |
| Olive Ridley Sea Turtle | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for 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.
Sightings of sea turtles in Hawaii peak in March, when 1,157 of the year's 10,999 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 sea turtles are hardest to find — October sees just 618 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Loggerhead 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 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, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion
Discover the magic of snorkeling with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Waikiki’s famous Turtle Canyon. On this 2-hour snorkeling tour, you’ll cruise...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea turtles in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, June and May, based on 10,999 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in Hawaii?+
October is the quietest month for sea turtles in Hawaii, with only 618 verified records.
Are sea turtles active year-round in Hawaii?+
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 sea turtles
More wildlife in Hawaii