When walking or swimming around Maui, there is a high likelihood of spotting sea turtles either in the water or resting on shore.
Sea turtles have been around for 150 million years. Of the seven different types of sea turtles worldwide, five species are around Maui:
- Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Olive Ridley
- Leatherback
- Loggerhead
The Hawaiian green sea turtle is the most common species on Maui, followed by the Hawksbill. Green sea turtles can grow to more that 5′ long and weigh over 400 lbs.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles migrate long distances between feeding sites and nesting sites. They typically swim more that 1600 miles to reach their spawning grounds. Beaches in Southeast Asia, India Islands in the western Pacific and Central America are where Green Sea Turtles breed. Mature turtles often return to the exact beach where they were hatched. Females usually mate every two to four years. Males, on the other hand, visit the breeding areas every year, attempting to mate.
If visiting Maui, enjoy viewing the beautiful sea turtles along the island!
