The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known locally as Honu, is a cherished symbol of good fortune and longevity in the islands. This marine reptile is a protected species, and its welfare is subject to strict regulations in Hawaii. Because the Honu population is federally listed as threatened, all interactions are governed by protocols designed to prevent disturbance. Understanding these rules is a necessary part of responsible tourism and shows respect for Hawaii’s natural heritage.
The Mandatory Minimum Distance Requirement
The primary instruction for viewing the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is to maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) from the animal at all times. This distance applies whether the turtle is swimming in the water or resting, such as basking on a beach. This requirement is enforced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, which administers the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The 10-foot buffer prevents human-caused stress, which disrupts the turtle’s natural behaviors. When a turtle is basking, it is regulating its body temperature, and disturbance limits the time it has to warm up. Close proximity also increases the risk of disease transmission, as bacteria from human hands can potentially cause harmful tumors. Maintaining this distance ensures that the Honu is allowed to rest and conserve energy for its long foraging and nesting migrations.
Specific Rules for Water Encounters
The 10-foot minimum distance remains the standard for all in-water encounters, including swimming, snorkeling, or boating. Since turtles are air-breathing reptiles that must surface regularly, it is prohibited to approach or block a turtle’s path to the surface. If a sea turtle begins to swim toward you, remain still or slowly move away to re-establish the required separation.
While the Green Sea Turtle (Honu) is the most commonly seen species, the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Honu‘ea) is also present. Interactions with the Hawksbill are subject to greater scrutiny due to its precarious population numbers. It is illegal to touch, chase, feed, or harass any sea turtle in Hawaii, and viewing should be kept brief to prevent prolonged disturbance.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violating the minimum distance or interfering with a sea turtle constitutes harassment and is a serious offense under both federal and state law. Sea turtles are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, which prohibits harm, pursuit, capture, or harassment. The state of Hawaii also provides protection under its own wildlife laws, classifying violations as a criminal offense.
Enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The penalties for non-compliance are severe, serving as a deterrent. Federal fines for harassment can potentially reach five figures and include up to a year of imprisonment. State penalties also include fines and jail time, underscoring the legal imperative to observe these animals from a safe distance.