Maui Honu Watch Project
Who knew that taking a nap on the beach could be detrimental to a turtle’s health? But that’s what’s happening.
“Basking,” a rare behavior in which green sea turtles crawl ashore for reasons other than nesting, is leaving them more vulnerable to well-intended, but disruptive human behavior.
That’s where you come in. Please show the turtles some aloha by spreading the word shared by our naturalists or Honu Guardians (Kia’i):
Turtles on the beach should be left undisturbed. When in doubt if a turtle is injured or dead, please contact MOCMarineInstitute. Take a photo and be prepared to text or email it to authorities of the Stranding Network, but be sure to stay a respectful distance from the turtle – at least 15 feet (5m). Keep dogs away and on a leash!
- Give turtles a 15-foot (5 meter) distance and plenty of room to get back to the ocean.
- Take photos with no flash.
- Keep your four-legged friends on a leash.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
- Strive for Zero-Waste (Refused single-use plastics). Then, Reduce,Reuse, and Recycle.
- Use reusable containers and utensils – and whenever possible, skip the plastic and opt for compostable alternatives.
- Leave no trace: Carry your own trash out when you can, and “Take 3 for the Sea” and grab any other litter you may see. If you can’t haul your own litter, be sure to find a trash bin with a lid so it doesn’t blow back out.
Report turtle or other wildlife harassment to 808-643-3567, Hawaiʻi’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement
From May – October it’s honu’ea & honu nesting season on Maui!
You can volunteer for Dawn Patrol & Nest Protection by emailing
mauihonu@wildhawaii.org for more information.
Maui Honu Watch Project
