Turtle Town

Across the road from the parking area is a trail leading into the dive site. About mid-way the trail branches; to the left lies 5 caves, to the right lies turtle town. Follow the right trail into the narrow bay, and crawl down the rocks on the north (right) side of the bay into the water. This is actually easier at low tide as a series of stone "steps" becomes exposed, thus easing entry. From the bay you want to swim straight out to sea, following the rock point to your left. The dive itself consists of a series of interlinking reefs. The life among these reefs is the same as you would see at 5 caves, although not as densely packed. The dive site is well named, as you are bound to see several turtles every dive (we saw a dozen in a 40 minute dive). This is also a popular site for dive boats to drop off snorkelers, so there can be a lot of traffic on the surface. The dive itself is 20' to 35' deep. Visibility is good once you clear the entry point - the water upon entry is very turbid due to a fresh-water stream which flows into the bay. For an easier exit you can swim around the rock point to the 5-caves entry, although if there are waves the turtle point entry is safer and more protected. This site is located immediately next to 5 caves, and shares the same parking area/access trails. At the South End of Highway 31 bear right onto Wailea Iki. Continue to the T, turn left on Wailea Alanui. After 2.2 miles, turn right onto Makena Road. (There are two Makena Roads, its the second one ie NOT the one right before Po'olenalean Beach). In a couple of hundred yards, you'll see the parking area.