Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles–honu in Hawaiian–are fun, handsome examples of Hawaii’s lively ocean habitat. Their docile appearance and sun-bathing creates a relaxing and engaging time.
This turtle was photographed in the exceptionally clear waters off the Kona coast near Pu’uhonua o Honaunau.
Listed as a threatened species on the US Endangered Species Act of 1973 due to over-hunting, accidental netting, and other threats, their population has made a strong recovery starting in 1978.
The recovery is in part because of law enforcement and in part because most of their nesting activity takes place inside a National Wildlife Refuge System, the French Frigate Shoals.
Read more about green sea turtles at Wikipedia.