Is it turtle season in Hawaii?

Is it turtle season in Hawaii? About Our Local Sea Turtles Turtle nesting season in Hawaii is typically mid-April through early October, but can sometimes extend into December. And you're probably wondering when the sea turtles hatch? After about two months in their nests, hatchlings will emerge.

Which Hawaiian island has the most sea turtles?

Hawaii (Big) Island – The Kohala Coast might be one of the most abundant areas for Hawaiian green sea turtles. We've seen many both above and below the water. We have seen them from many snorkeling tours as well as from the beaches and ocean around the Fairmont Orchid, Hilton Waikoloa and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Is it rare to see a sea turtle in Hawaii?

The green sea turtle is by far the most commonly encountered sea turtle on Hawaiian reefs, followed by the hawksbill. Olive ridley, leatherback, and loggerheads are typically found in deeper, offshore waters and are rarely seen by the average ocean-goer.

What to do if a sea turtle approaches you?

When you see a turtle coming up the beach, keep your distance, turn off any lights you are using and crouch down low. Do NOT walk closer! Always approach turtles from the side. This gives them a clear view of you and a clear path ahead of them if they want to swim away.

What time of day are sea turtles most active in Hawaii?

Known by the ancient Hawaiians as Honu, sea turtles inhabit the shores of every island in the state, from bustling Oahu to distant Midway Atoll. They are most often found in shallow coastal waters, or beached along the shoreline in the afternoon sun.

Why are turtles sacred in Hawaii?

Some Hawaiian legends say that it was sea turtles which first guided Polynesians to the Hawaiian Islands. Whether that is true or not, the sea turtle has long been considered an amakua or guardian spirit, as well as a good luck charm for those who call Hawaii home.

How much is it if you touch a turtle in Hawaii?

Stay back 10 feet or 3 meters from Sea turtles. Sea turtles are protected and it is illegal to interfere with them or touch them! It can be a $10,500 fine per person. Then I talk about sea turtle & marine life biology, ecology, behavior,sightings, and natural history until they decide to leave.

What beach has the most sea turtles?

The largest green turtle nesting population is found at Tortuguero, on the coast of Costa Rica where about 22,500 green turtle females nest annually. Raine Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has the second largest nesting population of about 18,000 females per season.

What beach in Maui has the most turtles?

Maluaka Beach (AKA Turtle Town) Fronting the Maui Prince Hotel in the South Maui town of Kihei, Maluaka Beach is the ultimate destination for impromptu turtle encounters - so much so that the whole surrounding area is nicknamed “Turtle Town.”

Where is the best place to swim with turtles?

What is the best time to see sea turtles?

July to October is the peak nesting and hatching period for green sea turtles in locations such as Tortuguero National Park, whereas it's March to October for the hawksbill turtle, which prefers the Caribbean coast and can nest up to four times each season.

How far away to stay from sea turtles in Hawaii?

NOAA and DLNR recommend, for your safety and the animals' protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles.