Laniakea Beach, a.k.a. Turtle Beach

After swimming and playing in the sand at Sunset Beach we headed towards Hale'iwa and stopped at Laniakea Beach, commonly called Turtle Beach.  I think this beach is so pretty, especially in the late afternoon.  The lighting is great, the rocks on the beach add interest, the coconut trees make it look so tropical...  We took a few group shots that were the "we've just been at the beach having lots of fun" type pictures and not the type to enlarge and hang on the wall, but maybe someday we'll have a nice family portrait taken here.  It's a beautiful spot!  I also took a few silhouette photos which I always think are fun.

The reason the beach is nicknamed Turtle Beach is because Hawaiian green sea turtles seem to love it here.  This time we just saw a bunch of them in the water, but it is common to also find them up on the beach here just hanging out and relaxing.  Word has gotten out about this spot as you can see from the crowd of turtle watchers below.  

Turtles or not, this beach is definitely worth stopping at!

Do it yourself on Oahu:

• Located off of the Kamehameha Hwy (Hwy 83) between Hale'iwa and Waimea Bay.  I recognize it by the fact that the beach comes right up to the highway with no trees between the beach and the road and parking is across the street in a big dirt pull-out type area.

• When we've seen turtles on the beach here they have always been on the far right end of the beach as you're facing the ocean.

• Hawaiian green sea turtles are a threatened species protected by law, and touching or harassing them is illegal.  Give them their space and save yourself possible fines and even jail time.

• There are often volunteers at this beach keeping a watchful eye on the turtles.  They are a great source of information, so if you have turtle questions, ask them!