Most visitors to Hawaii cannot wait to get into the ocean and snorkel. Whether its entering the water from the beach and just swimming around, heading to Hanauma Bay on Oahu for easy access, or taking a snorkeling trip out to a top snorkel spot on the island’s coast, there are really great snorkeling locations located on all islands, and the marine life that calls Hawaii home will leave you in awe. Colorful fish and tropical mammals are found throughout the ocean waters near Hawaii, and of all the marine life, the Green Sea Turtle is the one that everyone wants to see.
For as long as people have called Hawaii home, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle has been a special creature. Often spotted lounging on a quiet beach, the Green Sea Turtle is an endangered species, and is protected throughout the world, and in Hawaii, they are considered one of the most sacred marine animals around, and are even protected by law. As tempting as it is to get as close as you can to a turtle, it is against the law, punishable by fine, and worst of all, dangerous for the animal.
It is a common site to stroll out to a secluded beach and find one of these gentle creatures enjoying a nap and sunbathing. Turtles are known to frequent the same beaches and their presence in an area always causes excitement. When they are close to shore, they are typically retiring from a long swim and are in great need of rest.
In Hawaiian history, the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) has been found in art that dates all the way back to the first Polynesian voyagers to arrive on the islands. Petroglyphs on the Big Island have been found with carvings that signify the honu, which symbolizes a navigator, always able to find its way back home. In fact, Green Sea Turtles return to their birthplace time after time, commonly to lay eggs, even after embarking on long journeys that take them hundreds and thousands of miles away. Researchers observe turtles frequenting the places, including the same coves and beaches, even finding them sleeping in the same underwater rock formations.
The safest and most fun option for finding a Honu is to take a snorkeling adventure, heading out to where turtles are known to be. Each island has known areas and many times, turtles are spotted before you enter the water. While snorkeling, remember to leave the turtles alone and to not disturb them. The green sea turtle plays an extremely vital role to the ecology of the island, and their importance to the history of the island should be respected. We need these gentle creatures to help the ocean thrive, and to enjoy their presence for generations to come.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and Hawaii activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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