Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach Park
4.5
About
This stretch of white sand beach on the north shore is the favorite of professional windsurfers. Visitors might even spot Hawaii's green sea turtles.
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< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
43 within 3 miles
Attractions
35 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,595 reviews
Excellent
1,147
Very good
389
Average
48
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Bonzai
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
We stopped by this area to check out the picnic area and the beach but then discovered that this place was the famous sanctuary place for the turtles. In the evening the turtles come in to the beach to lay their eggs and rest. The turtles feel safe here as the place is barred from humans coming too close to them. The beach is very nice. It has high waves as I can see the surfers out in the ocean.There's a beach area for swimming and a very nice picnic area. It has a restroom to change to your bathing suits and a shower place to clean your feet from the sand. There is a parking lot on the side of the beach but can be a little hard to find as this place can get popular during tourist season. Overall I would recommend seeing this place on your way back from the Hana tour in the evening as this is the time the turtles come in so you can see them. If you stop by this place in the morning the turtles may not be there.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NJR12345
Lincoln, NE45 contributions
Mar 2022
We stopped to see the turtles - definitely something to see. The stop itself only takes about 30 minutes - there is plenty of parking but you must get out of your car and you might need to even go onto the beach to see them (not viewable from the car for sure). You're not allowed to touch them so don't get excited and think this is a petting zoo experience. Experience surfers are fun to watch as well with the huge waves.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gwen H
New Orleans, LA46 contributions
Jan 2022
If you love huge, beautiful sea turtles, or if you’ve never seen one, DO NOT MISS this opportunity. Not far from the world-famous Mama’s Fish House, this beach is known as a “resting spot” for sea turtles, who come ashore to rest & sunbathe. We’ve seen 60+ in the past; on today’s visit there were about 40 when we arrived. Piled on & around each other among the rocks, they look like boulders at first. It’s an amazing thing to watch as they labor from the water to haul themselves over sand, rocks & other turtles to their chosen spots. Even more mesmerizing is watching them reverse the process to get to the point where the surf will carry them out to sea. It takes three to four waves, then they stretch their heads way up for a deep breath, and they’re gone!
This area is also known for big waves and is a favorite spot for surfers & wind surfers. Bring your binoculars and enjoy an amazing show.
This area is also known for big waves and is a favorite spot for surfers & wind surfers. Bring your binoculars and enjoy an amazing show.
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen M
Idaho Falls, ID29 contributions
Feb 2020
This beach is amazing! On one end of the beach there are 15-20 windsurfers playing out in the ocean; surfers are on the other end of the beach with sea turtles coming up onto the sand to sleep - we even saw a few seals catching some sleep. There were about 25 turtles basking in the sun. Fortunately the park has roped off the area where the turtles and seals lay in the sun, but you could get close enough to take great pictures. We came back to this beach twice just to watch the windsurfers and surfers. It's nice to see a lot of women surfers! Mama's Fish House is not far from this beach so make it a day. There are lifeguards, but I really wouldn't recommend going swimming unless you are a good swimmer - the waves were high when we were there. Awesome beach!!!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HikerBob66
San Rafael, CA496 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a wonderful stop if you're in the Paia vicinity. The feature is the incredible number of turtles you can see close-up, as this seems to be a landing/gathering place for them. In addition, it's fun to watch the Paia surfers and kite-riders take off from here.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jane B
Hollis, New Hampshire, United States18 contributions
Jun 2022
Such a great beach to see so many great sights! Went back twice and the second time, saw 30-40 turtles on the beach. The were protected beyond a rock wall. The kite boarders/windsurfers put on a great show!
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robthedragon
San Carlos, CA34 contributions
Jan 2020
Ho'okipa beach park is a fun place to watch surfers, move into sunset and hopefully see the turtles on the beach. It can be windy, and perhaps cold. I suggest stopping by there on your way to Mama's fish house, as it is basically next door. (you need a RSVP for the fish house, likely weeks in advance). It's not a snorkeling place and kids would have to be watched carefully, but it is a nice stretch of sand and rocks and some of the best surfing in Maui. per other postings, I suggest making an afternoon/evening trip out of it, visiting quaint Paia first, stop by the beach and then go home to Mama! Interesting enough, I think I most enjoyed watching the locals gather in the parking area, joke with each other, drink beer, listen to music, and lay down a few burners on their way out of the parking area! Hilarious! Next time I go I'll bring some extra beer and hang out with them. FYI when you first get it, you might be tempted to park at the very beginning which has limited parking, then you need to walk a way to the beach. Probably best to skip that parking and go to the larger parking down below.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leanne D
21 contributions
Jan 2023
Pretty beach that would likely be nice during the dry season. It was a little in need of repair, but you can tell it gets heavy use. Dont bother with Maui during their rainy season. In over 40 yrs of travel, i have never seen this much rain on a vacation. Go on the dry season or dont bother.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
psudino
Weehawken, NJ3,863 contributions
Mar 2020
Saw this on our Road to Hana tour. We didn't get out of the van because of the rain but this is the beach preferred by surfers, and I can understand why. Our guide said that the waves were not that big compared to the days when they hold the surf competition. Take a look at my pic and judge what "not that big means" to a Hawaiin resident.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Omar K
Atlanta, GA18 contributions
Nov 2020
Worth a stop for the sea turtles, but why isn't this a protected beach? Why are there people coming out of the beach right where the turtles enter the water. Very disappointed there was no park ranger anywhere to be seen. Good luck turtles!
Also, I understand that locals like their spots. Wouldn't they just want to find somewhere more secluded though? Like maybe the miles and miles of coastal area that they appear to have overtaken south of Lahaina? They're all sitting around yelling for tourists to go home, blaring music, no masks in sight. Bathrooms are unusable. Get it together Hawaii.
Also, I understand that locals like their spots. Wouldn't they just want to find somewhere more secluded though? Like maybe the miles and miles of coastal area that they appear to have overtaken south of Lahaina? They're all sitting around yelling for tourists to go home, blaring music, no masks in sight. Bathrooms are unusable. Get it together Hawaii.
Written December 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pam Z
Castle Rock, CO22 contributions
Great posts on turtles! Best time of day to see them?
NYGreenman
Maui, HI90 contributions
Turtles are there all day long. They haul out onto the beach to rest. If you don’t see them, take another look at the boulders strewn all over- those are turtles!
Mirele F
Novo Hamburgo, RS3 contributions
Consigo ver as tartarugas em dia de chuva?
Belgiandentist
Aarschot, Belgium1,346 contributions
the weather doesn't matter to see turtles. It 's a lucky shot to see turtles in the water or on the beach.
StacieRR
Union City, CA
Is there a specific time that we should go to see the turtles sun bathing on the beach?
Jay R
Port Coquitlam, Canada65 contributions
As many have stated it would seem that dusk (just prior to sunset) seems to be when you are most likely to see turtles in great numbers. However, I think that there are some on the beach at any time during the day.
Steve Q
Auburn, MA212 contributions
Coming the 12th - 19th of March. Any competitions during those dates? What's the best time to see surfers and is there a site that gives forecast of how big the swells are?
JESSE J P
Missoula, MT43 contributions
Delayed answer. The surfing app question has been answered quite well. Surfers are there whenever the wind is blowing, which is all of the time. This is one of the VERY best wind surfing beaches in the world. The greatest number of surfers will be found on the weekends, of course. Many live in Paia. I once met an Arab prince, complete with his body guards, while using the facilities there. He was there for the wind suring & was actually quite good. He spoke, dressed & smelled like most surfers.
Ho'okipa Beach Park (Paia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ho'okipa Beach Park
- We recommend booking Ho'okipa Beach Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 61 Ho'okipa Beach Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ho'okipa Beach Park:
- Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Turtles Tour from Maui, Hawaii (From $159.00)
- Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup (From $219.99)
- Road to Hana Day Trip (From $219.99)
- Hotels near Ho'okipa Beach Park:
- (0.81 mi) The Inn at Mama's Fish House
- (2.10 mi) Paia Inn
- (4.89 mi) Maui Tradewinds
- (2.10 mi) Aloha Surf Hostel
- (9.12 mi) Huelo Point Lookout
- Restaurants near Ho'okipa Beach Park:
- (0.05 mi) Bob's Dogs of Maui
- (0.80 mi) Mama's Fish House
- (0.96 mi) Kuau Store
- (2.04 mi) Mana Foods
- (2.11 mi) Flatbread Company