The Hawaiian word for turtle is honu and they are considered a symbol of good luck in Hawaii. Fortunately, honu are relatively abundant in island waters. They are respected and protected in Hawaii, for the most part. The primary turtle found in Hawaiian waters is the green sea turtle. They have rebounded from population declines in the 20th century although they are still considered a "threatened species". Found with far less frequency in Hawaii are the Ridley and hawksbill turtles. I've been on a number of dives where we've observed turtles in the wild. It's quite magical -- they are so slow on the land yet so graceful in their aquatic environments. Two great places to see turtles diving in Hawaii are at a spot called Turtle Town off Honokowai Beach in West Maui and off the Waianae Coast of Oahu, near Makaha. Honolua Bay, on the far western lobe of Maui, also is a favorite place for turtles (I saw a number of them sleeping on coral shelves in this marine preservation district).

—Alex, 08/31/06