Turtle Town Maui

Shallow fringing reef dive off Makena Landing on Maui’s south shore known for a large population of green sea turtles and a vibrant reef habitat; turtle cleaning stations are common and hawksbill turtles are occasional visitors. The site features interlocking shallow reefs, ledges, small pinnacles and coral gardens and is popular with snorkel and dive operators for reliable turtle encounters. Depths are typically about 20 to 40 feet with visibility often 40–60 feet in calm conditions and water temperatures generally in the mid-70s °F. Currents are usually mild with a gentle drift possible along the reef. Entry is from the rocky shoreline at Makena Landing Beach Park, where divers scramble down a steep access into a small bay; waves or surf can make entry and exit tricky and the immediate entry area may be turbid after rains but clears offshore. Typical routes involve swimming out from the bay along the fringing reef toward deeper reef edges to visit pinnacles, lava ledges, swim-throughs and cleaning stations; avoid touching corals and do not harass or touch turtles in accordance with protection laws.