Turtle Talk

The leatherback sea turtle is unlike anything else in the ocean. It has no hard shell, can weigh as much as a small car, and dives deeper than most research submarines ever go. Here is everything you need to know about this extraordinary animal and why it lives in a completely different world from the green sea turtles gliding through Turtle Canyon off Waikiki.

Scientists have been quietly tagging Hawaii's green sea turtles for decades, and the picture that has emerged is nothing short of remarkable. From satellite transmitters riding on turtle shells to simple photo identification using facial scale patterns, researchers are following individual honu across thousands of miles of open ocean. Here is a look at how Hawaii's sea turtle tracking programs work and what they have revealed about one of the Pacific's most beloved marine animals.

Most people assume sea turtles move through the ocean in complete silence. The truth is far more interesting. Science has revealed that sea turtles produce sounds, and some of the most important conversations happen before a turtle ever sees the ocean for the first time.

Sea turtles may look calm as they glide through the water, but science tells a different story beneath the surface. Researchers have found that too much human contact can trigger real stress responses in Hawaiian green sea turtles. Before you head out to Turtle Canyon, here is what every snorkeler should know.

The Story of Hawaii’s Traditional Honu Harvest: Culture, Balance, and Renewal For generations, Native Hawaiians lived in close connection with the land and sea. One powerful example of this relationship is the traditional harvest of the honu, or green sea turtle. This practice was never just about food. It was guided by strict rules, cultural […]

Finding a dead honu on an Oʻahu beach can be confusing and emotional. This guide explains exactly what to do, what not to do, and why reporting matters for protecting Hawaii’s sea turtles.