If you are staying at Hualalai Resort and are snorkeling in the waters or walking the beach in the morning do not be surprised to see a sea turtle!
Hawaii, in general, is one of the most popular places in the world for the sea turtles. Some speculate it has to do with their diet or can have to do with the climate of Hawaii. The waters off of the Hualalai Resort are part of a marine sanctuary, which make it even more attractive to the sea turtles.
The beaches off of Kona Village and the Four Seasons Hualalai are both relatively quiet and not filled with tourists like many of the other beaches are on the island. There are also areas within the resort where there is sand, but the waters are too rocky for people to go into so these are also great areas for sea turtles to rest during the day.
For centuries, local communities on the Hawaiian Islands have been working to protect the endangered species of sea turtles. The Hawaiian Islands provide a unique habitat for four of the world’s seven species of sea turtles – green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead. Many of these species are threatened by a variety of factors such as coastal development, boat strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and plastic pollution. In response to this growing threat facing these ancient creatures, local communities have mounted a concerted effort to protect them. If you do see a sea turtle swimming in the water or on the beach please enjoy the experience, but do not touch it, feed it, or do anything that could potentially harm it.
