Kauai is known for much more than just its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings, but also of course for the wildlife and marine life which calls the island and its surrounding waters home. Right at the top of the list are sea turtles, and in particular, green sea turtles, or Honu. These are the most common sea turtles in the area, and they can be spotted around the beaches and shores of Kauai.
The South Shore of Kauai is actually an ideal location to view the green sea turtles, and right here at Koloa Landing® Resort, you’re in prime position to take in these majestic creatures. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a nesting location for green sea turtles, which means that they come here to lay their eggs between the months of May and September, and each nest may have several hundred eggs.
One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. Of course, chances of survival for newborn turtles is low, as they have to make it safely into the ocean after hatching, avoiding predators and other dangers.
In terms of where specifically to go, Brennecke’s Beach is a prime viewing location, as is Whaler’s Cove, Lawa’i Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove. All of these specific sites are in close proximity to Koloa Landing® and Poipu Beach.
If you’re lucky, you could see dozens of sea turtles or more at once around popular feeding and congregating locales for the creatures. It’s a pretty special site to see and something you’ll always look back on fondly.
Green sea turtles are threatened, but not yet endangered. The other two sea turtles you may be able to see around Kauai, the Hawksbill and the Leatherback, are both endangered. All are protected, however, and care should be taken not only to not disturb the sea turtles in their natural environment, but also to report incidents of injured, sick or stranded turtles so they can be assisted by professionals.
So if you’re thinking about a trip to Kauai and want to know when and where to find and view sea turtles, a trip to Koloa Landing® and Poipu Beach between May and September will offer a great opportunity!