Hawaiian green sea turtles, most commonly known to locals as honu, as well as the other species of sea turtles out there, can be elusive. Home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle, and hawksbill are the most commonly found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It seems obvious, then, that Hawaii is the perfect locale to interact with these gorgeous creatures. While you will likely encounter sea turtles in a variety of coastal areas across the islands, there is no place better to splash around with these animals than off the coast of Maui. In fact, Maui is one of the best places in the world to swim with sea turtles, according to Diviac.

While there are several incredible places to hang out with sea turtles along Maui’s coastline, there is one spot, found along the southern shore of the island, that is hard to beat: Turtle Town.

If you ask someone where Turtle Town is, you might get two, three, or four different answers.

The area commonly considered Turtle Town begins at Makena Landing at the intersection of Makena Road and Makena Alanui Road. This area is wind-protected and offers ample facilities. The true Turtle Town, however, is generally thought to be Maluaka Beach. This unmarked beach is easily one of Maui’s best-kept secrets, and the perfect launching point to spend a morning swimming with sea turtles.

As its name suggests, Turtle Town is home to not only incredible coral formations but a large population of sea turtles.

Though the entire area is referred to as Turtle Town, the real namesake is an underwater sea cave best reached by boat.

Today, the coral reef found at Turtle Town is abundant with the Hawaiian green sea turtle, as well as a variety of brightly colored tropical fish and other unique marine animals.

Most Maui snorkeling excursions stop at both Turtle Town and Molokini Crater, so you’re almost guaranteed some time spent swimming with the sea turtles, but you can also grab your snorkel and venture out on your own in hopes of checking an epic experience off your bucket list.

Sea turtles are curious by nature, and will gently approach slow-moving snorkelers, providing not only an experience you will never forget but an outstanding underwater photo opportunity.

Please don’t get too close, though: the sea turtle is a protected species, and the law prohibits touching, chasing, or riding the turtles.

You will not soon forget your encounter with these gentle and graceful animals.

You might spot these sea turtles feeding on algae, lying on the ocean floor, coming up to the surface to breath, or even lounging on the beach, basking in the sun.

Did we mention that turtle town is easily one of the best spots in the entire world to swim with these gentle and graceful creatures?

What are you waiting for? Book a snorkeling tour or simply grab your gear and go! Swimming with sea turtles will easily become one of your most treasured Hawaiian memories.

Is swimming with sea turtles on your Hawaiian bucket list? It should be. Luckily, you can find sea turtles hanging out across the Hawaiian Islands, including Hawaii Island’s Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Oahu Hanauma Bay.