Honu Central: Respectful Turtle Watching
Experience magical encounters with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles while showing the respect and aloha they deserve
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerA Sacred Encounter: Meeting Hawaii's Ancient Mariners
Of all the creatures you might meet in Leleiwi's waters, none captures the heart quite like the honu. Seeing a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle glide effortlessly through the water is an experience that stays with you forever. This coastline is one of the best places on the island to have that experience. But it comes with a profound responsibility to do so with respect and aloha.
These animals are precious, and they are protected. All sea turtles in Hawaiʻi are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. They are also protected by state laws. It is illegal to touch, harass, injure, or disrupt their natural behaviors. Doing so can result in significant fines.
Why Leleiwi is a Turtle Sanctuary
Turtles don't congregate here by accident. Leleiwi and the surrounding Keaukaha parks provide the perfect combination of conditions for them to thrive. First, the network of lava rock coves and lagoons offers calm, protected waters. Here they can rest and escape the powerful currents of the open ocean.
Second, and most importantly, this is their dining room. The unique blend of fresh and salt water from the underground springs fosters a lush, abundant growth of the specific red and green algae (limu) that make up the primary diet of adult green sea turtles. They come here specifically to feed on the limu kala and limu palahalaha that carpet the rocks.
🍽️ Feeding Behavior
Watch for turtles grazing on algae-covered rocks like underwater lawn mowers. They can spend hours methodically cleaning rocks of limu.
😴 Resting Patterns
Turtles often rest motionless on the sandy bottom or wedged between rocks. They can hold their breath for 4-7 hours while sleeping.
🫁 Breathing Needs
Active turtles must surface every 15-30 minutes to breathe. Never block their path to the surface - it's literally a matter of life and death.
👀 Curiosity
Young turtles are often curious about snorkelers. Stay still and let them approach you - these are the most magical encounters.
Ready to Plan Your Respectful Visit?
Learn about facilities, best times to visit, and everything you need for a perfect day at Leleiwi Beach Park.
📏 The 10-Foot Rule
Always maintain 10+ feet distance
Extend your arm with shaka sign - if your hand covers the turtle, you're at safe distance
Applies both in water and on shore
⭐ Golden Rules
- Never touch or feed turtles
- Let them lead - don't chase
- Keep paths clear to surface
- Use camera zoom for close-ups
🚨 Report Issues
NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline
(888) 256-9840
Report sick, injured, entangled, or harassed turtles
📍 Explore More
The Golden Rules of Observing Honu: How to Show Aloha
Following these simple rules ensures both your safety and the well-being of the honu. These guidelines aren't just suggestions—they're essential for protecting these ancient mariners for future generations.
🤚 The 10-Foot Rule
The most important rule to remember is to always maintain a distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) from any sea turtle. This applies both in the water and if you are lucky enough to see one basking on the shore.
Pro tip: A good way to measure this in the water is to extend your arm with a shaka sign. If your hand can cover the entire turtle, you are likely at a respectful distance.
🐢 Let the Turtle Lead
The best encounters are passive ones. Find a spot, float calmly, and just observe. Often, a curious turtle may swim closer to you. Enjoy this moment, but do not swim after it when it decides to leave.
Remember: You're a guest in their home. Let them set the terms of the encounter.
🚫 Never Touch or Feed
Touching a turtle can transfer bacteria (harmful to both you and them) and disrupts their protective slime coat. Feeding them is illegal and disrupts their natural foraging habits.
Why it matters: Human contact can cause stress, disease, and behavioral changes that affect their survival.
🫁 Give Them a Clear Path
Never block a turtle's path or surround it. Most importantly, always ensure they have a clear path to the surface. They are air-breathing reptiles and need to come up for air every 15-30 minutes when active.
Critical: Preventing access to air can be life-threatening. Always position yourself to the side, never above.
📸 Use Your Zoom
Bring an underwater camera and use the zoom function to get that amazing close-up shot, not your body. Modern cameras can capture incredible detail from a respectful distance.
Best results: Patience and distance often lead to more natural, beautiful photos than getting too close.
📞 Report Concerns
If you see a turtle that appears sick, injured, entangled, or is being harassed by others, please don't intervene directly. Call the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
Be a steward: This is a crucial act of stewardship that helps protect these animals for future generations.
Remember: These encounters are a privilege, not a right. By following these guidelines, you become part of the solution in protecting Hawaii's precious marine life. Your respectful behavior sets an example for others and helps ensure that future generations can experience the same magic you're witnessing today.
