[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini and Turtle Town tours out of Ma\u02bbalaea Harbor since 1985. We spend more days in these waters than on land!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Last updated: December 2025<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”#0C71C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||10px||false|false” global_module=”2336″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Maui<\/a><\/strong> has beautiful beaches and clear waters, and is a paradise for sun-seekers, surfers, and snorkelers. It’s also a safe place for one of the ocean’s most amazing creatures: Hawaiian Sea Turtles<\/strong>. This blog will focus on Hawaiian green sea turtles<\/strong>, known locally as “Honu.” These ancient animals are respected in Hawaiian culture for their wisdom and longevity, and they offer a unique wildlife experience for visitors to the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n This guide covers Hawaiian green sea turtle facts and the top 5 spots in Maui where these gentle reptiles are found, along with tips for respectful wildlife viewing!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Among the seven types of sea turtles in the world, the Honu is known for its large size. Adults can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 300 pounds, making them the world’s largest hard-shelled sea turtles. The turtle’s life span is 60-70 years, and it reaches sexual maturity at 25-35 years!<\/p>\n The name “Honu” for the Hawaiian green sea turtle does not come from the colors of its shell. Its shell can be brown, grey, black, or dark olive. Instead, it refers to the greenish color of the turtle’s subcutaneous fat, located just beneath its skin. What do Hawaiian green sea turtles eat, you might ask? In adulthood, these turtles predominantly feed on algae that grow on lava rocks and seagrasses. This diet is responsible for the green hue of their internal fat layer.<\/p>\n Although they spend most of their lives in the ocean, green sea turtles must breathe air at the surface and return to nesting beaches to lay their eggs. In Hawaii, key nesting sites are protected to ensure the survival of future generations.<\/p>\n Turtles have lungs that are two-thirds the length of their shells, which helps them dive deep underwater for a long time. Depending on the turtle’s size, the dives can last several hours. The longest recorded dive lasted up to five hours, showing great water endurance!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/pexels-photo-2765872.jpeg” alt=”Maui Tour Packages” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0e9bed” border_style_all=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/morning-snorkeling.jpeg” alt=”Maui Snorkeling” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0e9bed” border_style_all=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Both green sea turtles (honu) and hawksbill turtles (honu\u02bbea)<\/a> can be found in Hawai\u02bbi waters\u2014but hawksbills are rare, so it helps to know what you\u2019re looking at.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Want to help conservation? Report hawksbill sightings to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline (888\u2011256\u20119840)<\/a>. If you can, send photos to HIhawksbills.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The nesting and hatching season of female green sea turtles spans from May to December. They come ashore to nest and lay eggs about every two weeks. After nesting, the eggs incubate for six to nine weeks before hatching. Females typically nest every few years<\/a> (about every 4 years and ~4 nests per season on average).<\/p>\n The Hawaiian green sea turtle’s journey connects with conservation efforts. They are listed as threatened<\/a> under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Strict rules protect them from harm or harassment, including bans on physical contact, whether in the ocean or on the warm sand.<\/p>\n Hawaii is committed to protecting its environment, which has led to significant results, particularly in the growth of these turtle populations. This revival is a testament to the effective integration of cultural devotion and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n Most Hawaiian green sea turtles nest at Lalo (French Frigate Shoals)<\/a>, a remote atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands within Papah\u0101naumoku\u0101kea<\/a>. Research and monitoring show that about 96% of Hawaiian green turtle nesting occurs at French Frigate Shoals, making it the most important nesting area for Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s population.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sea-turtle-maui.png” alt=”Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles” title_text=”Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0e9bed” border_style_all=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nDid You Know? Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Facts<\/h2>\n
Green vs. Hawksbill: How To Tell The Difference (Honu vs Honu\u02bbea)<\/h2>\n
Quick ID tips (in the water or on shore):<\/h3>\n
\n
Green Sea Turtle Nesting<\/h2>\n
Where Do Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles Nest?<\/h3>\n
Quick Comparison: Best Places to See Honu in Maui<\/h2>\n