A semiconductor light emitting element includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer, a first conducting layer, a second conducting layer, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer is disposed at least on or above the upper surface of the second conducting layer. Holes are opened at given intervals through the second semiconductor layer to expose the first semiconductor layer at bottom surfaces of the holes. In each of the holes, the insulating layer covers from a side-wall surface of each of the holes to a first region provided on or above the upper surface of the second conducting layer around a top of each of the holes. The first conducting layer covers from the bottom surface of each of the holes to a second region provided over the second conducting layer and the insulating layer around the top of each of the holes.