The Honu is the local Hawaiian name for the Green Sea Turtle. This creature is arguably the most recognized symbol of marine life throughout the archipelago, frequently appearing in local art and folklore. Encountering a Honu offers a tangible connection to the ancient history of the Pacific Ocean and the culture that evolved alongside it. This iconic reptile embodies a shared history of navigation, protection, and resilience in the region.
Defining the Honu: The Green Sea Turtle
The Honu is scientifically classified as Chelonia mydas, representing the largest species of hard-shelled sea turtle globally. Adults commonly exceed three feet in carapace length and can weigh between 300 to 500 pounds. These marine reptiles are primarily found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters, with the Hawaiian population being a distinct genetic stock foraging in the coastal areas of the main islands.
The common name “Green Sea Turtle” is misleading, as their shell color is typically a blend of brown, olive, and black. The species earns its name from the greenish tint of its body fat and cartilage. This internal coloration results directly from the turtle’s specialized diet, which is rich in marine vegetation.
Unique Life Cycle and Habits
The Honu life cycle begins when hatchlings emerge from natal beaches and journey into the open ocean. This initial stage, known as the “lost years,” is a pelagic phase lasting five to ten years where young turtles are rarely observed. During this time, juveniles maintain an omnivorous diet, consuming sea jellies, crustaceans, and other small organisms in the offshore environment.
Upon reaching a certain size, the Honu migrates from the open ocean to shallow, coastal foraging grounds. At this point, their diet transitions almost entirely to herbivory, consisting primarily of benthic algae and seagrass, locally known as limu. This dietary specialization helps maintain the health of coastal ecosystems by grazing on vegetation.
Adult female Honu exhibit natal homing, traveling hundreds of miles between their feeding grounds and their birthplace. Over 90% of the Hawaiian population nests on the remote, protected beaches of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, such as the French Frigate Shoals. A unique behavior for this species is basking, where individuals haul themselves onto sandy beaches or rocks to rest in the sun. This resting behavior on shore is unusual among sea turtles and makes them visible to people in Hawaii.
Cultural Role and Legal Safeguards
The Honu occupies a profound position in Hawaiian culture, extending back to ancient times. It is revered by many Native Hawaiians as an ‘aumākua, serving as a family guardian or ancestral spirit. This deep cultural connection is evidenced by the Honu’s appearance in traditional petroglyphs and the Hawaiian creation chant, the Kumulipo. The turtle’s ability to navigate the vast ocean symbolized longevity and protection for early Polynesian voyagers.
This historical reverence has translated into modern legal protection for the species. The Hawaiian population is currently listed as ‘threatened’ under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federal and state laws strictly prohibit harming, harassing, or touching the Honu, whether swimming or resting on the beach. Enforcement ensures that people maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Current Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Hawaiian Honu has shown a positive trajectory, demonstrating a strong recovery trend since the 1970s following the cessation of harvesting. Despite this success, the species continues to face several modern threats requiring ongoing management. Climate change poses a long-term challenge, as warmer nesting beach temperatures can skew the sex ratio of hatchlings toward females, impacting future breeding success.
The prevalence of Fibropapillomatosis (FP) disease is a substantial concern. This neoplastic disease is associated with a herpesvirus and causes debilitating tumors on the soft tissues and internal organs. FP occurrence has been linked to human-driven environmental changes, including habitat degradation, pollution, and increased water temperatures. Furthermore, entanglement in marine debris and accidental capture in fishing gear injure and kill individuals throughout their foraging range.