Just 8 kilometers from Monterrico lies Playa Hawaii (or Hawai), a fishing village famous for one thing: sea turtles. This is home to the CECON-USAC turtle hatchery, one of Guatemala's oldest conservation projects. Between June and December you can watch baby turtle releases at sunset — one of the most beautiful experiences on the coast. Here's how to visit it right.
The CECON Hatchery and the Turtle Releases
The Monterrico-Hawaii Biotope protects the nesting grounds of olive ridley and leatherback turtles. In season (June to December, peaking August through October), the hatchery collects eggs, incubates them, and releases the hatchlings at sunset, usually between 4 and 6 pm. The donation runs Q10-25 per hatchling and the money funds conservation. Off-season you can still visit the hatchery and see the ponds with turtles, caimans, and iguanas.
Where to Stay Near Playa Hawaii
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From Monterrico it's 15-20 minutes by tuk-tuk or car on a dirt road running parallel to the beach. The village is small: local eateries, a wide beach, and almost no one on weekdays. Confirm release times at the hatchery the same day. Bring cash, water, and sunscreen — and don't use flash when photographing hatchlings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you see turtles at Playa Hawaii?
Nesting and release season runs from June to December, with the most activity between August and October. Releases usually happen at sunset, around 4-6 pm.
How much does it cost to release a turtle in Guatemala?
At the CECON hatchery in Hawaii the donation is Q10 to Q25 per hatchling released. The proceeds fund nest protection and conservation work.
How do I get to Playa Hawaii from Monterrico?
By tuk-tuk (Q25-40) or car, 15-20 minutes along the sand/dirt road that runs parallel to the beach. There are also local minibuses from the center of Monterrico.
Is it worth staying overnight in Hawaii?
If you want total peace and quiet, yes: there are simple beachfront lodgings like Kilómetro 158. Most people stay in Monterrico, which has more options, and visit Hawaii in the afternoon for the release.
More on the topic: turtles in El Paredón, things to do in Monterrico and the Chiquimulilla canal.
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