Snorkel· Oahu· Hawaii
Turtle Canyon (Maunalua Bay)
21° 16.2′ N · 157° 43.3′ W
A shallow reef where green sea turtles line up at cleaning stations to have their shells picked clean by gold-ring surgeonfish, one of the most reliable turtle encounters on Oahu.
Practical
State day-use moorings named 'Maunalua Bay: Turtles Canyon' (21.26977/-157.72248 and 21.2704/-157.72322). Dive Oahu: 30-50 ft, visibility up to 100 ft, beginner to intermediate, cleaning stations, flame angelfish and saddleback butterflyfish. Island Divers Hawaii (Hawaii Kai): minutes from their shop, several large turtles rest on the bottom and ledges, bring a light for the overhangs. Many Waikiki snorkel cruises also sell trips to a 'Turtle Canyon'; operators may use different reefs under that name. Use the moorings; never anchor on coral; do not touch or chase turtles.
Best for
Turtles at cleaning stations for snorkelers and new divers
Nearby
- Koko Crater Reef Day-Use Moorings (Maunalua Bay)0.2 NM away
- Corsair Plane Wreck (Hawaii Kai)0.8 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Anchorage (Hawaii Kai)0.8 NM away
- Spitting Caves and China Walls (Portlock)0.8 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Launch Ramp0.9 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Marina (Kuapa Pond)1.1 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Provisions (Safeway, Keahole St)1.3 NM away
- Oahu Humpback Whale Season1.3 NM away