Along the shores of South Maui, particularly in Makena, within a few minutes of gazing at the ocean you’ll often see a turtle head pop up to grab a breath. Over the years, I have had hundreds of close encounters with honu (the Hawaiian word for turtle) while snorkeling. Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1978 with worldwide numbers on the decline, their population in Hawaii has since increased by 53%.
While their status dictates that they should not be approached when snorkeling or diving, the turtles apparently never got the memo as they aren’t very shy about approaching you. In fact, I have had many moments with them in shallow water simply bumping into me as they lazily swim down the length of the beaches in the mornings to the next point of rock or reef covered in their favorite food: seaweed. When they aren’t eating, they can often be found sunning themselves on South Maui’s shoreline.
It is estimated that 90% of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Hawaii nest in the Northwest Hawaiian Island chain at the French Frigate Shoals (Hawaiian: Kānemilohaʻi) that lie within The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. A few will choose to lay their eggs here on Maui beaches. When a nest is found, it is monitored and watched over by volunteers until the little ones hatch and go to sea.
An adult Green Sea Turtle can be forty inches across its back lengthwise and weigh between 200-500 pounds, so it is always a little unnerving to have one swim up to your “blind side” and surprise you when in the water. I remember one time I was looking at the largest cowry shell I had ever seen and suddenly a turtle’s head filled my view as it reached in to grab a bite of seaweed.
Unfortunately these turtles can eventually find themselves caught in nets or fishing line. I come across them all too often. When encountering an entangled or stranded sea turtle, it’s best to call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for help at (808) 725-5730.
I have always been fascinated by turtles, but the ones I grew up around in the South were the snapping kind…not nice at all. Out here in the islands, I never get tired of seeing these green giants of the sea. I come across them all the time and I still act like a kid everytime I spot one. For more information about honu in Hawaii, visit the NOAA website.