About Kailua Turtle Watch Program: Protecting our honua one step at a time
Honu, Hawaiian for sea turtle, have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Considered sacred by many cultures, the sea turtle is also universally considered one of the most fascinating and beautiful animals in the sea. To Polynesians, the Earth is curved like a turtle´s back. Honua, the Hawaiian word for Earth, is very similar to honu, the word for turtle. Today, the protection of honu and the protection of Earth are as closely intertwined as ever.
Hatchlings of both the threatened Green Turtle and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle have been found on Kailua Beach in recent years, suggesting that both species are nesting here.
The goal of the Kailua Turtle Watch Program is to help the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service better understand nesting activity of turtles in Kailua in an effort to better protect them.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome. Join us, in a cooperative effort between marine scientists, resource managers and the local community, as we work to better understand sea turtle nesting on windward Oahu. It's important, and it's fun!
For more info check out our volunteer page to get started. We'll see you on the beach!