When and Where to See Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtle
Want to learn more about Hawaii’s green sea turtle?
The best way to find out about this amazing, iconic animal is to visit Hawaii and see it for yourself. Oahu’s North Shore is one of the best places to meet this endangered sea creature face to face.
About the Green Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles are found throughout the world and many make their home in Hawaii. Early Hawaiians ate green sea turtles and used them as sources of food and tools. Today, however, they are a protected species and have become a major tourist attraction for Hawaii.
Although the world’s population of sea turtles is declining, Hawaii’s local population is booming. This growth is due in large part to the protective measures put in place in the late 1970s, which prohibited the harvesting of turtle eggs.
These turtles eat algae and seaweed, can weigh as much as 500 pounds, and may live as long as 70 years.
Though the population in Hawaii continues to grow, there are still threats to the species. Disease is perhaps the biggest threat in the Hawaiian Islands, particularly Fibropapillomatosis, which causes tumor growth. In other areas of the Pacific, such as Guam and American Samoa, egg harvesting continues to pose a danger. Other threats include entanglement, natural predators, and ingestion of marine debris.
In Hawaii, there are non-profits dedicated to protecting and preserving this endangered species. The Hawaii Wildlife Fund, for example, conducts research, collects pictures of the turtles, and educates the community about the sea turtles.
When and Where to Find Green Sea Turtles in Hawaii
Oahu’s North Shore is perhaps the best place to find green sea turtles. These turtles come here to bask in the sun, eat seaweed, and take a break from the ocean waves.
If you visit Oahu’s North Shore on your own, the best time of year to come is during the summer. Winter sees larger waves than the rest of the year. This makes winter a great time to visit if you’re into surfing. But turtles tend to avoid the larger waves, so it’s not the best time to come for turtle viewing.
In the right conditions and at the right time, you can find turtles on shore.
But the best way to see the turtles is by scuba diving and snorkeling. You can have an extraordinary adventure, see the turtles in their native habitat, and explore the natural beauty that makes Hawaii so famous.
Unless you’re a local, you won’t know the best spots to view the turtles. So if you want to scope out these turtles in their marine home, book an eco tour. Hawaii Turtle Tours’ Turtle Eco Adventure Tour takes you directly to the best hidden spots for viewing turtles. Additionally, you’ll be escorted to some of Oahu’s top sightseeing spots.
North Shore Hawaii Turtle Tours operates Oahu’s best turtle viewing tours. In addition to the Turtle Eco Adventure Tour, Hawaii Turtle Tours offers custom private tours and Oahu Circle Island Tours.
To book your tour today, contact us or book directly online.