Do Oahu Sea Turtles Migrate Between Islands?

Short Answer: Yes, Oahu sea turtles migrate over 1,200 miles to nest at French Frigate Shoals before returning to their feeding grounds in the main Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiian green sea turtles, also called honu, do migrate. Adults feed in shallow coastal waters around the main Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu. When it is time to reproduce, they swim to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Nearly all nest at French Frigate Shoals, also known as Lalo, inside the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. After nesting, they head back to the same foraging spots they know well.

Do Oahu Sea Turtles Migrate Between Islands

Yes. Oahu’s green sea turtles move between islands as part of a longer route. They spend much of the year feeding on seaweed, or limu, in nearshore waters around the main Hawaiian Islands. When breeding season arrives, they travel to nesting beaches in the distant Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The Route

Start at foraging grounds in the main Hawaiian Islands
Swim to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for nesting
Primary nesting site is French Frigate Shoals, also called Lalo
Complete a round trip of more than 1,200 miles
Return to the same feeding areas in the main islands

Nesting at French Frigate Shoals

French Frigate Shoals is the center of honu reproduction in Hawaii. About 96 percent of Hawaiian green sea turtles nest there. The area sits within the protected Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

The Return Home

After nesting and laying eggs, adults swim back to their foraging habitats in the main Hawaiian Islands. Many resume grazing on limu in shallow, calm water where they can rest and feed.

How Do They Find the Way

Sea turtles have an internal sense of direction that works like a compass. They use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate. This helps them return to the same beaches where they hatched and guides them back to their feeding grounds.

How Often Do They Make the Trip

The migration happens every year at the population level. Individual females do not nest every year. Many make the reproductive journey every two to five years.

Other Nesting and Foraging Areas

While French Frigate Shoals is the main site, limited nesting and foraging occur in other parts of the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Quick Facts

Species: Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu
Foraging: Shallow coastal waters around the main Hawaiian Islands
Food: Seaweed, known locally as limu
Main nesting site: French Frigate Shoals, Lalo
Protection: Inside Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Share of nesting at Lalo: About 96 percent
Total journey: More than 1,200 miles round trip
Migration pattern: Annual for the population
Female nesting schedule: About every two to five years

Where Do Oahu Turtles Go

From Oahu’s nearshore feeding areas to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Nest mostly at French Frigate Shoals
Then return to Oahu and other main island foraging grounds