Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is primarily known for preserving ancient settlements, fishponds, petroglyphs, and religious sites, as well as showcasing traditional life in Hawaii and land management systems. Since most visitors stop into this Kona attraction for a historical and cultural experience, they’re often surprised—in the best way!—to find turtles lounging on the shoreline. On a good day, there can be more than two dozen of them sunbathing here.

Located near the southernmost tip of the island, Punaluu Beach is one of the most popular and consistent places to see Hawaiian green sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii. Add the sparkling black shoreline to the mix, and it’s pretty picture-perfect. Punaluu Beach is also one of the only places to catch a glimpse of the less-frequently-spotted hawksbill turtles, making it possible to see two species of turtles at one Big Island beach.

If you’re looking to snorkel with sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kahaluu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona is a great place to start. The waters are relatively calm, and the reef isn’t too far out, making it easy enough to pull on some goggles and see turtles and other marine life swimming about. Book a customizable tour to stop by the beach for a snorkel, before continuing on to explore other west coast highlights.

Even at first glance, Carlsmith Beach Park looks quite different from most other beaches in Hawaii: it’s shallow, rocky, and doesn't have a traditional sandy section. That said, turtles love lounging on these lava rocks and swimming around the turquoise waters, especially towards the right side of the beach. So while you’ll have to lay your towel out on the grass instead of the golden sand, the many turtles make the trade-off more than worth it.

Also on the Hilo side of the island, Richardson Ocean Park is one of the best places to see turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii, as you can find them both on the shore and in the water. Plus, the park is perfect for a beach day with its black sand, tidepools, and prime boogie boarding conditions. Before heading to this beach, though, you may want to invest in some water shoes if you plan to head into the water—the rocks and reef at this particular shoreline can be quite sharp.

Honaunau Bay is another fantastic spot to see turtles, both lounging on the shore and swimming in the water. If you go turtle-spotting in the water, though, be aware of your surroundings and only snorkel in Honaunau Bay: It's located right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, an important Hawaiian cultural site which is home to Keoneele Cove, where swimming and snorkeling are prohibited to preserve the area’s cultural significance and encourage marine life to thrive.

Unlike at many other turtle-filled beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, the turtles at Anaehoomalu Bay—also known as A-Bay—aren’t always quite so obvious. Instead of lounging on the shore, they’re often tucked away in the beach’s coves, hiding away from the afternoon heat. Once you've spotted these more elusive creatures, it's worth exploring A-Bay for the rest of the afternoon and sticking around for epic sunset views. For the best spot, head to the south end of the beach at Kuʻualiʻi Fishpond.

If all of the other beaches fail you and you’re still wondering where to find turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii, there’s a pretty good chance that Kiholo Bay will deliver. Located in Kailua-Kona in the Kiholo State Park Reserve, you can find turtles lounging on lava rocks and swimming in the beautiful blue waters. You might even see an endangered Hawaiian monk seal while you’re there, too.