Ho’okipa Beach is a must-visit on your vacation to Hawaii! Also known as Turtle Beach Maui, the world-famous windsurfing destination offers ocean sports and epic views that everyone will love. Ho’okipa Beach Park is home to sea turtles that can be seen year-round. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
5 Tips For Turtle Beach Maui
1. How to Get to Ho’okipa Beach Park
The famous Turtle Beach is located on the stunning North Shore of Maui. You can find it along the Hana Highway with the turnoff being at Mile Marker #9.
It’s only a 15 minute drive from Kahului Airport and about 20 minutes from the inland town of Pukalani. If you’d like to include it on the epic Road to Hana drive, we recommend stopping here on your way back.
That way you can get out on the road early to beat traffic, and save Turtle Beach on Maui for the end of your day. Here’s 10 more Road to Hana tips to know before you go!
It’s also just up the road from the Paia Fish Market and popular Mama’s Fish House. Keep in mind, you need a reservation months in advance to eat at this restaurant!
You’ll find plenty of parking lot space at Ho’okipa Beach Park, and even spots on the street if you’re having issues during the high season. After parking, walk by the picnic tables and barbecue grill area.
This is elevated up from the beach, and can be a nice view if you need a break from the sand. There are also outdoor showers which is great if you have a long drive after swimming.
2. Surfing at Ho’okipa Beack Park
While we came for the sea turtles and swimming, there is no doubt about what Ho’okipa Beach is known for! This is the center for outdoor water sports on the island and has been a mecca for surfing since the 1930’s.
Large waves are present throughout the year here, with a powerful breeze for windsurfers. Pavilions is the surfing area on the far east side of the beach near the Ho’okipa Beach Turtles.
However, “the Middles” is the most popular surfing zone for locals and visitors alike. The west side is known as Point and is the favorite of windsurfers every afternoon.
Although there seemed to be all skill levels present at Turtle Beach on Maui, we wouldn’t recommend it as a place for beginners. There have been many surfing and professional windsurfing competitions held here over the years, so you know it’s a great place for it!
It should be noted that there is no windsurfing allowed before 11am at Ho’okipa Beach. You can find the biggest waves during the winter months (December to March), but surf conditions vary.
3. Turtle Beach Maui
Another draw to Maui’s North Shore and Ho’okipa Beach is the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. When we first got here, we couldn’t believe it… We peaked over the barrier and there were dozens and dozens of turtles!
These lovable reptiles can live up to 80 years old and weigh over 300 pounds. There is a protected area on the right side of the beach where you can see them laying out in the white sand.
Do not cross the cement blocks or try to touch the Ho’okipa Beach turtles!
Let them enjoy their natural environment and small patch of protected sand. Aside from just being a nice human, a $10,000 fine would not be a fun expense to add to your Maui vacation.
Also, you may be able to see a couple of turtles swimming just past the shallow reef. Know that this area of Turtle Beach Maui can get very crowded. Yet, the Ho’okipa Beach Turtles can be seen here at all times of the year.
4. Sun, Fun & Swimming
Due to the ocean conditions and strong rip currents, Ho’okipa Beach Maui isn’t the best for swimming. Now that doesn’t mean we didn’t get in the water on a hot day there!
Just know it was more just a quick and refreshing dip rather than a full-on swim. There is an exposed reef that runs for most of the beach you will also need to watch out for. You’ll also see some small tide pools to explore.
Like we said, there are much better beaches in Maui for swimming. At Ho’okipa Beach Park, it’s all about the surfing and epic waves!
We did notice people snorkeling out in the ocean a bit further. Just be extra careful when swimming here to avoid the surfers. Also, be sure to check out the best Maui Hawaii beaches before your visit.
5. Ho’okipa Lookout
On the far end of the beach you’ll find a glorious lookout point to take in all the action from. There is a separate parking lot here and the cliff gives a great vantage point of the Maui coastline.
It is closest to the pavilion area where the surfers drift over from the Middles. Some folks may even walk down along the boulders for a better look at the surfers and beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own experience at Turtle Beach on Maui? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
