The gentle and slow moving turtle is also a graceful and
dignified animal. Turtle watching can offer hours of undiluted enjoyment, even
for those who do not think of themselves as animal lovers or wildlife
enthusiasts. Observing them in their
natural habitat is among the most popular of snorkeling activities in Hawaii. Despite
weighing 400 pounds, these huge amphibians, known locally as the Honu, arestrong
swimmers and can sneak up on you without being noticed. Do not fear, as these
gentle and ancient mariners, willcause you no harm, as they are merely vetting
their curiosity, as we are when we snorkel to observe them.
Sea turtles are plentiful all along the shorelines of the
Big Island of Hawaii, but as always, there are some places that are known to be
among the best places to see them.
Kiholo Bay
Although not an easy place to reach, this bay, located in
Kohala at the north of the Waikoloa Resort, is a great place to get up close
and personal with the turtles. The lagoon, which is filled with brackish water,
was previously an old fishpond. It runs along the shoreline and has a rocky
beach which is great for snorkeling and is known for its calm surf. It is a
great place to spend a day snorkeling and watching the exotic marine life of
the islands.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
The black sands of the Punalu'u Beach Resort offers a special background
against which to watch the turtles. For those who are not interested in getting
into the water, turtles can be seen pulling themselves out of the ocean to sun
themselves on the sand.
Waialea Bay/Beach 69
“Beach 69” is a small beach located in Kohala and attracts less crowds
than the more popular Hapuna. Along with turtles, there are a huge variety of
reef fish to be seen in the crystal clear waters. You need to get there at the
right time because when the tide is high, the beach can, at times, almost
disappear.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, which is situated 20
miles south of Kona, is a designated national historic park. Long ago, Hawaiians
who had broken a local law (or Kapu) where able to get protection from the
death penalty by seeking sanctuary here. There are many snorkeling sites on the
western side of the Big Island, but this is reputed to be among the best. It is
a great place to get into the water and swim alongside the turtles as well the
dozens of fish species that live in these waters.
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Like Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, Kahalu’u is located near Kona. Here you will
find a shallow lagoon that makes it an ideal place for rookies to enjoy the pleasures
of snorkeling and to swim with a variety of colorful marine life,includingsea
turtles.
There are five species of sea turtles in Hawaii. The most
common are the Green Sea Turtles, the other four in order of their numbers
being the Hawksbill, the Loggerheads, the Leatherbacks and the Olive Ridley.
Among sea turtles the Green Sea Turtles have one peculiar behavior. Hawaiian
Green Sea Turtles, crawl ashore to bask in the warm sun. They normally swim
ashore to isolated spots, located mostly on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Adult Greens as the Green Sea Turtles are normally called are herbivorous but
the young hatchlings have been observed to be omnivorous. The adult diet
comprises of sea-grass and algae, while the hatchlings enthusiastically feed on
cuttlefish, jelly fish, other invertebrates and seaweed. The Green Sea Turtle
is called so because of the color of the body fat.
When you snorkel or dive, you will chance upon
the Green Sea Turtles, most often. Charter boats with experienced crews, ply
every day, to all the spots where the turtles, nest, feed, bask or can be
found.
