Join our amazing crew on the Hoku Nui for a wonderful snorkel or manta ray experience in the beautiful clear-blue waters of the Kona Coast. You may be able to spot the Green Sea Turtle or Hawaiian ‘Honu’.
Many who visit the island of Hawaii are curious about the Sea Turtle. Hawaii has more sea turtles than anywhere in the world.
The most common Sea Turtle found in Hawaii is the Green Sea Turtle. According to Love Big Island, five out of seven species of turtles can be found in Hawaii but of those five, the Green Sea Turtle is the most common to be found here.
Green Sea Turtles or ‘honu’ in Hawaiian are usually found resting on the beach or swimming in shallow waters. They weight between 200 and 250 pounds and were listed as endangered in 1978. They are protected under the Endangered Species Act. These turtles can live between 60 and 80 years.
The Green Sea Turtle primarily eats green algae which contribute to their internal fat tissue appearing green.
Hawaiians believe that the ‘honu’ is a symbol of longevity, safety and mana (spiritual power) and are considered the link between man, the sea and the land.
It’s a wonderful experience to be able to see these turtles but as they are a protected species the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration have set guidelines to protect them. Please stay at least ten feet away from them on land and water and never touch them as you could remove important bacteria that is beneficial to the turtle. Please don’t feed the turtles but enjoy the opportunity to view them in their own environment.
