Hawaii’s waters are a significant habitat for various sea turtle species, revered symbols woven into the islands’ cultural fabric. These reptiles, appearing in ancient Hawaiian chants and petroglyphs, contribute to the archipelago’s rich biodiversity. The islands provide crucial foraging and nesting sites, drawing interest from residents and visitors.
Green Sea Turtle (Honu)
The green sea turtle, or Honu, is the most commonly observed sea turtle, holding cultural importance. They have a smooth, dark brown to olive carapace, reaching three to four feet (91-122 cm) and weighing 200 to 400 pounds (90-180 kg). Their small, rounded heads and serrated jaws aid in consuming their diet. As adults, Honu are primarily herbivorous, feeding on marine algae and seagrass in shallow coastal areas.
These turtles frequently bask on Hawaiian beaches, a unique global behavior. They prefer sheltered nearshore waters like bays and lagoons, where abundant seagrass and algal mats provide sustenance. Their ability to remain submerged for hours allows them to inhabit shallow foraging areas. Their widespread presence makes them a frequent and recognizable sight in Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Ea)
The hawksbill sea turtle, or Ea, is less common in Hawaiian waters than the Honu. Its distinguishing feature is a pointed, hawk-like beak, adapted for reaching into crevices to extract prey. Their carapace has overlapping scutes creating a serrated rear edge, often displaying intricate patterns of amber, brown, and black. Smaller than green sea turtles, they measure two to three feet (60-90 cm) and weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg).
Hawksbill turtles feed on sponges, using specialized beaks to penetrate tough outer layers. Found in coral reef ecosystems where sponges are abundant, their diet helps regulate reef health. Unlike Honu, Ea rarely bask on beaches, spending most of their lives in water. Their elusive nature and preference for specific reef habitats contribute to infrequent sightings in Hawaii.
Other Occasional Visitors
Beyond Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbills, Hawaii’s waters are occasionally visited by other sea turtle species migrating through the Pacific. The Loggerhead sea turtle, identifiable by its large head and powerful jaws, passes through Hawaiian waters. These turtles have a reddish-brown carapace and feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates like conchs and crabs. Their presence in Hawaii is transient, as nesting and foraging are elsewhere in the Pacific.
Leatherback sea turtles, the largest, are infrequent visitors to the Hawaiian archipelago. They possess a unique, leathery shell lacking hard bone plates; their streamlined bodies are adapted for long oceanic migrations. Leatherbacks consume jellyfish and are pelagic, living in the open ocean, accounting for their rarity in nearshore Hawaiian waters. The Olive Ridley sea turtle, one of the smallest, can be found in Hawaiian waters, though less commonly than Honu or Ea. These turtles have an olive-green, rounded carapace and travel in large groups during nesting migrations elsewhere.
Protecting Hawaii’s Sea Turtles
All sea turtle species in Hawaii are protected under federal and state laws, including the U.S. Endangered Species Act. These protections aim to conserve populations and habitats. Responsible viewing practices are essential for visitors and residents to ensure well-being, including maintaining a safe distance from sea turtles (at least 10 feet/3 meters) to prevent disturbance and stress.
It is against the law to touch, feed, or harass sea turtles, as this can alter natural behaviors and expose them to harm. Observing turtles from a respectful distance, whether in water or on land, allows them to rest and forage undisturbed. Reporting injured, stranded, or entangled turtles to local authorities or wildlife organizations is important for rescue and rehabilitation. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure Hawaii’s sea turtle populations thrive.