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.

Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle, taking a breath after browsing on seaweed on the bottom at Ala Moana Beach Park.

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.

Just Paddling Along

Green Sea Turtle, Haleiwa, Hawaii. This green sea turtle was paddling along under the old Haleiwa bridge (hence the photo angle), not minding the canoe that was paddling up and down the river.

Turtle Days of Autumn

Green Sea Turtle. Oahu, Hawaii. I found this guy swimming around the reef at Hanauma Bay, Hawaii last Christmas. He was being quite sociable, hanging around the reef with the tourists, to graze on the algae along the coral heads. Some turtle poetry just for fun (yes, no class tomorrow).

• Everybody loves a turtle,


• Graceful and gentle,


• Gliding through the ocean,


• Grazing on the reef,


• When I see you surfing,


• In the wave beside me,


• My heart sings dear turtle,


• Faithful, gentle friend.