Papailoa Beach is a prime spot for seeing large numbers of sea turtles, a place you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Located in a quiet, upscale residential area on the North Shore, it’s truly a hidden gem known only to a few!
The path leading to the sand is marked only by a small sign that you could easily miss if you’re not looking closely.
It became famous after being featured as the filming location for the beach camp scenes in the hit TV series “LOST.”
It’s also a beach teeming with sea turtles, so if you want to see them on an uncrowded shore, this is a must-visit spot.
Sea Turtle Information at Papailoa Beach
Papailoa Beach has an abundance of seaweed, and on days when the ocean is calm, sea turtles come here to feed.
On a good day, you might see more than 30 of them in your line of sight at once!
The area where the turtles congregate is rocky, so you won’t see many of them resting on the sand, but if you go into the water, you might find yourself surrounded!
By the way, sea turtles can only be seen during the summer season (late May to early September). In the winter, large waves roll in, and the turtles disappear completely.
Also, please remember that sea turtles are protected by law. Be sure to follow the rule of staying at least 10 feet (3 meters) away and never touch them.
General Information about Papailoa Beach
| Name | Papailoa Beach |
| Address | 61-789 Papailoa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Recommended Time | From 15 minutes |
| Restrooms | None |
| Parking | Available (free) |
Recommended Ways to Get to Papailoa Beach
Rental Cars & Turo – Private Vehicles for Exploring Hawaii Freely
Areas Near Papailoa Beach
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Sightseeing Spots on Oahu’s North Shore