Tips for Observing Sea Turtle Nesting on Oahu

There are a million and one reasons to visit Oahu, from its gorgeous shores to fun local activities like a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The island is also home to some pretty impressive marine life, including humpback whales and sea turtles.

Everyone knows you can spot whales on a local whale watch, but did you know watching sea turtles nest is a popular activity here, too? From Mid-April through October, sea turtles come to the beaches of Oahu to nest. Sea Turtles have been protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1978. Since their protection started, they have been making a slow yet marvelous comeback and are now only considered threatened. However, there is still work to be done to get these stunning creature populations back up and that is why Nesting season is so important. Learn more with our guide on Oahu's Sea Turtle Nesting Season!

What Kinds of Sea Turtles Live in Hawaii?

Two species of Sea Turtles frequent the shores of Hawai’i each year. The most common species to frequent the Oahu beaches are honu, or green sea turtles, and honu’ea, or Hawksbill Sea turtles. Hawksbill sea turtles most commonly nest on other Hawaiian Islands, including Maui and Moloka’i, but they still occasionally nest on Oahu. 

What Do Turtles Mean in Hawaiian Culture?

Honu are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Hawaiian culture, and they are highly respected and protected by the community.

Are Sea Turtles in Hawaii Endangered?

Yes. Honu Despite their revered status, these threatened and endangered sea turtles and young sea turtle hatchlings face numerous threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, making conservation efforts vital for their continued survival. Specifically, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are listed as "threatened", and Hawaiian hawksbill turtles are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

What Are the Most Common Threats to Sea Turtles on Oahu?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things young sea turtles have to keep an eye out for! Threats to the species include:

• Natural predators such as crabs, birds, mongooses, rats, pigs, dogs, fish, and sharks.
• Illegal poaching and the collection of eggs.
• Unintended capture in fishing gear, including nets and lines.
• Erosion of vital nesting beaches caused by climate change.
• Illness and disease outbreaks.
• Pollution of the oceans and buildup of marine debris.
• Expansion of coastal development that harms nesting areas.
• Artificial lighting that misguides hatchlings away from the sea.

When is Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Oahu?

Sea turtle nesting season occurs every year from Mid-April to October, sometimes through the end of December. If you’d like to view these magical creatures come ashore and find their nesting place, the best time to do so is in the early morning or in the evening when the beaches are less crowded. 

Where Can We See Sea Turtles on Oahu?

Turtle Bay Resort is home to three great locations to spot honu. On the resort property, you can grab your snorkel gear and visit Kuilima Cove right between the main building of the resort and the Ocean Villas. The Bay View Point apart of Kuilima Cove is a great place to view Turtles as well.  On the other side of the resort, towards the stables, you can often spot honu napping on the warm sand of Stables Beach. Lastly, you can head down to Kawela Bay just a mile south of the resort's main building. 

Tips and Guidelines for Viewing Baby Sea Turtles

When viewing Sea Turtles, it’s important to understand the etiquette. Sea Turtles are an endangered species so it’s important to respect and protect them. Here are some guidelines on how to act around these beautiful creatures.

Keep your Distance

Stay at least 15 feet away from the turtles in the sea and on land. Also, do not block their path to and from the ocean. 

No Touching or Harassing! 

It is illegal to touch and harass sea turtles. Don’t chase them, swim directly at them, make loud noises, or feed them. If you scare them, they will stay away from the beaches and may not come back to nest. 

Don’t Use Artificial Light

Sea Turtles use the moonlight reflecting in the water to get back to the ocean. When you go out at night on the beach, it's best for you to use the moonlight or your natural sight as a flashlight can disorient a turtle. Also, if you come across a turtle, absolutely do not use flash photography. 

Can We Volunteer with Local Hawaiian Sea Turtle Conservation Organizations?

Yes, you can! The Hawaiian Islands have a variety of non-profits dedicated to protecting the sea turtle of Oahu and the other Hawaiian Islands. The North Shore has two prominent nonprofit organizations that are loyal to protecting the Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Both Save the Sea Turtles International (STSTI) and Mālama i nā honu made the dedication to educating the community and creating public awareness of Sea Turtles. The volunteers for these groups also take to the beaches to make sure nesting mothers go unbothered and that the beaches are cleaned up of any litter that can get in the way. 

You can help in their effort by cleaning up after yourself after a day out on the beach and by properly stowing your beach gear back in your villa's beach locker. Also, you must fill any holes your family digs as honu can get stuck in them preventing them from returning to the ocean. 

What Else Can We Do in Oahu During Sea Turtle Nesting Season?

Since honu are mostly active in the early morning and in the late evening, what are you to do during the rest of the day? Well, there is plenty of things you can do to spend the day:

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Cool off in the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean and take in the stunning sights of the marine life below the water. You may even get the chance of seeing a sea turtle swimming below the sea, waiting for darkness along the shore. 

Beach Activities

Whether you'd like to lay back and start on your next beach read or want to play in the sand, the beach is a great pass time! You may have a chance to run into a sleeping turtle on the sand as well! Just ensure that you are not leaving anything behind that can harm the sea turtles. 

Hiking

Turtle Bay Resort has over 12 miles of trails around the resort. Many of them go along the shore. Bring Binoculars as you may be able to see some whales or turtles breaching the water. 

Cultural Activities

Sea Turtles are a large part of Hawaiian culture and traditions. Some families continue to revere sea turtles as their 'aumākua or spiritual guardian. To learn more about the Hawaiian culture, we highly recommend you visit The Polynesian Cultural Center. This center brings attention to the different Polynesian cultures in the Pacific. It is truly an experience you would not want to miss!

Book your Oahu Vacation Rental for Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Want to stay in the best vacation rentals on Oahu when you come here to see the turtles? Our Ocean Villas at the Turtle Bay Resort offer prime viewing opportunities for this year's nesting season!  It’s truly a magical thing indeed to see turtles coming up the beach to nest and see baby turtles come out of the sand. Browse our Oahu vacation rentals and don’t miss this amazing time of year!