Turtles

A protected natural area on Maui south shore with excellent snorkeling in calm, clear water over lava rock reef. The reserve sits on the last lava flow on Maui and the underwater landscape of lava formations covered in coral is fascinating. Fish, turtles, and eels are common. The entry is over lava rock so water shoes are essential. There are no facilities and no lifeguards so this is for families comfortable with independent ocean swimming. The marine life here is abundant because the area is well protected.

A private oceanfront campground on Maui west side with tent sites and permanent glamping tents right on the beach. The reef off Olowalu is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui with a high chance of seeing sea turtles. Kids fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to snorkel right from camp. The glamping tents have real beds and electricity for families who want comfort without a hotel. The location between Lahaina and Kihei makes it a convenient base. This is as close to beach camping paradise as it gets.

A unique snorkeling spot where warm water discharged from a nearby power plant attracts an incredible diversity of marine life. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, eagle rays, and dense schools of fish are regularly seen in the warm outflow channel. The visibility is good and the marine life density is higher than almost anywhere else on Oahu. The entry is over rocks and there are no lifeguards so this is best for experienced swimmer families. When conditions are calm, the snorkeling is genuinely world-class and free.

A gorgeous 3-mile stretch of golden sand on Maui west side that is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world. The water is calm and clear making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Black Rock at the north end is one of the best shore snorkeling spots on Maui with sea turtles and tropical fish. Every evening at sunset a cliff diving ceremony from Black Rock draws a crowd. The beachfront walk connects hotels, restaurants, and shops. Snorkel gear can be rented at multiple spots along the beach.

The best beginner snorkeling spot on the Kona Coast with a shallow reef protected by a natural breakwater. The water is calm and teeming with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional octopus. Kids can stand up in most areas which makes nervous snorkelers feel safe. Lifeguards are on duty and the Kahalu u Bay Education Center provides free reef education and lends reef-safe sunscreen. The sandy beach area is good for younger kids who just want to play in the water. Restrooms, showers, and shade pavilions are available.

A stunning 3.5-mile coastal boardwalk and trail connecting several beautiful bays along Maui west shore. The trail is mostly flat and paved with sections of boardwalk over lava rock. Kids can spot sea turtles, whales in winter, and tide pool creatures along the way. Several beaches along the route offer swimming stops. Kapalua Bay at one end and DT Fleming Beach at the other are both excellent for families. This is one of the most scenic easy walks in all of Hawaii.

Four man-made crescent-shaped lagoons with calm, protected water that is the safest ocean swimming on Oahu for young kids. The lagoons have sandy bottoms, gentle slopes into the water, and are sheltered from waves and currents. Toddlers can splash in ankle-deep water while older kids snorkel along the rock walls. Each lagoon has restrooms, showers, and some shade. Sea turtles frequently visit the lagoons which is always a thrill. Lagoons 1 and 4 are the least crowded.

The most reliable spot on Oahu to see Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the sand or swimming in the shallow water. Volunteers are often present to educate visitors and ensure people maintain the required 10-foot distance from the turtles. Kids are thrilled to see these gentle creatures up close on the sand. The beach itself is rocky and not ideal for swimming but the turtle viewing alone makes it worth the stop. Located on the scenic North Shore drive between Haleiwa and the Dole Plantation. The best viewing is usually in the afternoon.

Boat tours along the leeward coast offer some of the best wild dolphin and sea turtle encounters in Hawaii. Spinner dolphins frequently swim alongside and under the boats in pods of dozens. Several operators also stop at snorkeling reefs where sea turtles are almost guaranteed. The leeward coast is drier and calmer than other parts of Oahu making for comfortable boat conditions. Seeing dolphins leap and spin in the wild is one of those magical moments that stays with kids forever. Choose operators who follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.

The most family-friendly beach on Kauai with two large man-made rock pools that protect swimmers from waves and currents. The larger pool is great for snorkeling with tropical fish that enter through gaps in the rocks. The smaller pool is shallow and calm, perfect for toddlers. Fish and sea turtles regularly swim into the pools. The adjacent Kamalani Playground is a massive wooden play structure that kids go crazy for. Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic pavilions are all on site. This is the go-to beach for families with young children on Kauai.

A world-class aquarium focused on Hawaii marine life with a 750000-gallon open ocean exhibit you walk through in an underwater tunnel. Kids are transfixed by the sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming overhead and all around them. Touch pools let kids handle sea stars and sea cucumbers. The exhibits are organized by habitat from shallow reef to deep ocean. A turtle lagoon features rescued Hawaiian green sea turtles. The Sphere is an immersive 3D whale experience. This is the best rainy-day option on Maui and worth a visit regardless of weather.

One of the best shore-access snorkeling spots on Maui with a massive coral reef that extends far offshore in shallow calm water. Green sea turtles are almost guaranteed here and the reef is teeming with tropical fish. The water is shallow and calm making it accessible for kids who are new to snorkeling. The entry is sandy and the reef starts about 50 yards from shore. There are no facilities so bring everything you need. The reef extends for over a mile, so the further out you go, the more diverse the marine life becomes.

An ancient Hawaiian place of refuge with restored temples, carved wooden god figures (ki i), and a beautiful oceanfront setting. The park tells the story of Hawaiian law where those who broke kapu (sacred laws) could find sanctuary here. Kids are fascinated by the tall carved figures and the massive rock wall that separates the royal grounds from the place of refuge. Sea turtles often rest on the rocks along the shore. The park has a self-guided walking tour and ranger programs. Excellent snorkeling is available just outside the park boundary at Two Step.

A jet-black sand beach where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly haul themselves onto the sand to rest. Kids are amazed seeing these ancient creatures up close, basking just feet away on the dark sand. The black sand is made of volcanic basite and feels unlike any beach they have ever been to. The swimming conditions are often rough so this is more of a wildlife viewing and wading beach than a swimming beach. A small park with shade trees and picnic tables makes it a comfortable stop. Always maintain the required 10-foot distance from the turtles.

A protected beach park on the Hilo side with calm tide pools, a black sand beach, and an excellent chance of swimming with sea turtles. The lava rock forms natural pools that are sheltered from waves making it safe for kids to snorkel and explore. Green sea turtles feed on the algae growing on the rocks and sightings are almost guaranteed. The park has restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. The tide pools are fascinating for younger kids who can find sea urchins, crabs, and small fish. This is the best family snorkeling spot near Hilo.

One of the most beautiful snorkeling beaches on Kauai with a reef that forms underwater tunnels and archways teeming with tropical fish. The backdrop of Makana Peak (Bali Hai from South Pacific) rising dramatically behind the beach makes the scenery postcard-perfect. In calm summer conditions the reef is shallow and accessible for confident young snorkelers. Winter brings dangerous surf so this is strictly a summer snorkeling destination. Sea turtles are regular visitors. The sand is golden and the setting is drop-dead gorgeous.

A small, sheltered crescent beach in Wailea that offers some of the easiest and best snorkeling on Maui south shore. The reef starts just offshore and the water is clear and calm most of the year. Sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing on the rocks to the right side of the beach. The beach has restrooms, showers, and a grassy area for picnics. It is less crowded than nearby Wailea Beach and the snorkeling is better. The sandy entry makes it comfortable for kids. A perfect morning snorkeling spot before exploring the rest of the Wailea Beach Path.

A paved 1.5-mile coastal path connecting five beautiful beaches on Maui sunny south shore. The path passes through resort properties along dramatic lava rock coastline with excellent whale watching in winter. Kids can hop between beaches, explore rocky tide pools between them, and spot sea turtles resting on the sand. The path is flat, paved, and stroller-friendly making it one of the most accessible coastal walks in Hawaii. Each beach has a slightly different character and the views of Molokini and Kahoolawe offshore add to the scenery.

A no-wake reservoir on the Colorado River through downtown Austin where families can rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore miles of calm water surrounded by the city skyline and lush greenery. Kids love spotting turtles sunning on logs and the occasional great blue heron hunting along the banks. The 10-mile hike-and-bike trail around the lake is one of the best urban trails in Texas for families on foot or wheels.