Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas.  These used to be pretty rare when I was a kid.  However, the population has rebounded significantly, now that they are no longer hunted.  They are generally unafraid of people and can often be seen coming up to breathe, even at some of the most busy beaches.

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or Honu

Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas, Punalu'u, Hawaii. Turtle basking on the black volcanic sand at Punalu'u beach to warm up after a busy day eating seaweed off the rocks.

Seaweed for Lunch

Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, grazing on seaweed, Hawaii. There was an audible crackling sound of the Sea Turtle's Beak against the lava rock as he/she scraped off seaweed from the rock base.

Seeing Eye to Eye

Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas, Oahu, Hawaii. Friendly little guy passing a curious glance. While these turtles are listed as endangered and are protected, their numbers, perhaps because of that protection, have increased tremendously and they are becoming a common site, even at some of the busiest Hawaiian beaches.