Hawaii’s ocean waters are home to a remarkable array of marine life, with sea turtles holding a cherished place. These ancient mariners are an iconic part of the islands’ natural heritage, with Hawaii’s unique marine environment providing essential habitats for several species.
Hawaii’s Resident Sea Turtles
The most frequently encountered sea turtle in Hawaiian waters is the green sea turtle, locally known as Honu. These creatures are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles globally, typically reaching four feet and weighing over 300 pounds. Their common name refers to the greenish color of their fat, not their shell, which results from their diet of algae and seagrasses, or limu. Honu are unique among sea turtles for their basking behavior, resting on land, a practice observed regularly only in Hawaii and believed to aid thermoregulation.
The Honu holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition, revered as an ʻaumākua or spiritual guardian. While green sea turtles are seen throughout the islands, about 96% of the Hawaiian population nests in the remote French Frigate Shoals within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Females typically return to nest every two to five years, laying multiple clutches of 75 to 200 eggs.
Another resident, less commonly observed, is the Hawksbill sea turtle, known as Ea or Honuʻea. These turtles are smaller than the Honu, with adults growing to about three feet in shell length and weighing up to 250 pounds. Their distinctive narrow, pointed beak gives them their name; they primarily feed on sponges, which helps maintain coral reef health. Unlike Honu, only female Hawksbills visit land for nesting, primarily along the south Kaʻū coast of Hawaii Island, south Maui, and eastern Molokaʻi. The Honuʻea is also revered as a spiritual guardian.
Less Common Sea Turtles in Hawaiian Waters
Beyond the resident green and Hawksbill sea turtles, Hawaiian waters are occasionally visited by other species, though far less common, particularly in nearshore areas. The Loggerhead sea turtle, identifiable by its large head and powerful jaws, is rarely seen close to the Hawaiian coast. These turtles, often part of populations nesting in Japan, undertake extensive trans-Pacific migrations, with Hawaii serving more as a migratory pathway than a primary habitat.
The Leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all sea turtle species, can weigh over 1,000 pounds and reach over six feet. These highly migratory animals travel thousands of miles across oceans, but their presence in Hawaiian waters is infrequent, typically occurring in deeper, pelagic areas. Leatherbacks do not nest in Hawaii, instead utilizing these waters as feeding grounds. Their diet primarily consists of jellyfish.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle, the smallest of the sea turtle species, is also an infrequent visitor to Hawaii’s nearshore environment, usually found in offshore or pelagic waters. Their sightings are considerably rarer than those of the green and Hawksbill sea turtles, highlighting the unique ecological role of the resident species within the Hawaiian archipelago.
Protecting Hawaiian Turtles
All sea turtles found in Hawaii are protected under both federal and state laws, reflecting efforts to conserve these vulnerable species. The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) lists all sea turtle populations in U.S. waters as either threatened or endangered, making it illegal to harm, harass, or collect them. In Hawaii, additional protections are provided by the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 195D, which addresses the conservation of aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants.
The Hawaiian green sea turtle population is listed as threatened under the ESA, but their numbers have shown encouraging signs of recovery since protections were implemented. In contrast, the Hawksbill sea turtle is globally classified as critically endangered, and its population in Hawaii remains very small with limited signs of increase. These turtles face threats, including habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, climate change impacts on nesting sites, and susceptibility to diseases. Continued legal frameworks and conservation efforts are essential for the survival and recovery of all sea turtle species in Hawaiian waters.
Observing Turtles Safely and Respectfully
Encountering sea turtles in their natural habitat is a memorable experience, but responsible viewing is paramount to their well-being. Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) from sea turtles, whether in the water or resting on a beach. This distance helps prevent disturbance, allowing the turtles to engage in natural behaviors like resting and foraging without stress. For turtles nesting or basking on beaches, stay at least 50 yards away to provide ample space.
Touching, chasing, or feeding sea turtles is strictly prohibited by law and can result in significant fines, as such interactions can alter natural behaviors, create human dependency, or cause harm. Limit viewing time to a few minutes and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the animals. Do not block a turtle’s access to or from the ocean, especially if basking or attempting to nest. At night, particularly during nesting season (April-December), bright lights on beaches should be avoided as they can disorient nesting females and hatchlings. Report injured or distressed turtles immediately to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline.