Aiopio Fish Trap — Attraction in Hawaii

This is the second time I've come. So easy to get to - just go to the end of the road servicing the north side of the harbor and park. A short, flat trail takes you to the beach where this place is. If you time it right, within about 2 h before high tide, according to my vacation rental host, you will see turtles. She was definitely right. We saw at least 5 and were also graced with a seal sunning herself on the sand.

If you decide to wade into the water, water shoes would be helpful to avoid painful steps from the very rough lava rock.

Please be respectful and give these animals their space (posted signage tells you so). We should help them stay healthy and safe for as long as possible so everyone has a chance...

Good: it's not touristy, the turtles swim up right next to you, there are pretty fish in 2 feet of water so easily accessible with just swim goggles

Less good: it's traipsing though the marsh (or walking a long way to go around the marsh) to get there

It is a gray-black sand beach, so it's not rocks or something, and there are shady sections of the beach to have a picnic or a snooze. The water is ocean water, so it has particulates in it but it's clear enough to see the fish and for sure clear enough to see the bottom where you're walking

The other benefit of its shallowness is that the water is pretty warm

You can park at the marina for free, but it is probably a quarter mile walk...

Before thinking about going to this beach, please first commit to abiding by the rules - stay 20 feet from the sea turtles. That may mean you don't get to decorate your social media with you up close with one of these incredible creatures, but it does mean that your cooperation ensures their health and survival, and the universe doesn't call you out for disrespecting it. Also, please respect the native Hawaiian artifacts. The artifacts aren't for climbing or posing on - they're sacred. Show respect. Rules aside, this is a special place, often uncrowded. No facilities, bring your own snacks, etc. Snorkeling is good here, not the best, but worth exploring. Please be sure to use reef...