Honu Preservation, a Legacy Worth Preserving
Sea turtles at Ko Olina and around the island, treasured but threatened.
The Problem across Hawaii’s Beaches
Behavior Change & Habituation
Fed turtles begin to associate people with food. They approach crowded lagoons, beachgoers, and boats, which increases the risk of entanglement, boat strikes, and injury.
Feeding & Loss of Instinct
Guests often surround turtles for photos, causing stress and forcing them back into the ocean before resting. Even well-meaning “selfies” can disrupt natural behavior and accumulate long-term harm.
Direct Human Interaction
Turtles begin to seek out people, making them more vulnerable to harm. Relying on people to feed them discourages turtles from foraging, altering their natural survival instincts and behaviors.
Paradise cove, home to Hawaii’s green sea turtle, the honu
Sea turtles are part of Hawai‘i’s heritage, yet they face daily threats from human interaction.
With simple guest education, together we can protect them, honor the spirit of aloha, and ensure that both visitors and locals continue to experience their beauty for years to come.
What is Habituation & what happens when turtles get too used to people?
Its when wild animals see people too often, or get food from them, they can lose their natural instincts. This is called habituation.
For honu, habituation means:
They start expecting food from people instead of being able to find it in the ocean.
They lose their natural caution and swim closer to boats and fishing gear.
They get stressed when people crowd them or block their resting spots.
They are more likely to get injured or sick.
Pu’ulu Honu’s Commitment
We are a volunteer initiative started by residents and the Kapolei community to protect honu through education, monitoring, and stewardship.
We’ll provide ready to use educational content and printed materials.
Organize a schedule of volunteers and serviced days.
Our goal is partnership, not pressure: helping the community lead the way in sustainable tourism while keeping Ko Olina and beaches around the island safe for turtles and people alike.
Thrented Species
Hawai‘i’s sea turtles are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They are no longer considered endangered however it is our responsiblity to ensure their protection.
Honu nesting numbers in Hawai‘i have gone from about 67 females in 1973 to nearly 500 females annually now.
Most of the nesting happens at French Frigate Shoals, or Kānemiloha‘i, is a remote atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, about 500 miles northwest of Honolulu. It’s part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
For more information visit: Hawaii DLNR
Call to action, Kapolei community, as a part of the solution.
Bring together the communities, resorts, and residents to educate and volunteer to take action. We are seeking people to join us. Please send us a quick email if you’re interested at all in learning more about helping.
Mahalo Nui Loa for your Kulana