Green sea turtles are a phenomenally unique oceanic creature. Though they were around millions of years ago at the Mesozoic Era, around a quarter of a billion years ago. They are one of the only reptiles with a hard shell. Their magnificent shell is actually made of hard bone and covered with scales called scutes. This gives them a certain level of protection as well as comfort in the ocean waters. According to the experts, they are called ‘green turtles’ due to the chlorophyll in their diet (they eat mostly seaweed) turning their fat layers very green. They were a very important part of the ancient Hawaiian diet. Historians tell us that only the chiefs were allowed to eat green turtle, upon penalty of death if the rule were not followed. Sea turtles were collected and raised in fishponds at the water’s edge. They were fed and tended for, making it quite easy to collect if the chief and his family chose turtle for a meal.
The most dangerous time for a sea turtle is at its birth. The mother turtle leaves the water to give birth to hatchlings on the beach. Interesting to note: cold sand temperature dictates more males will emerge, warmer sand temperatures will bring more females! Predators are aware of this annual event and wait for the turtles to hatch. When the turtle is out of the its birth shell, there is an all-out sprint to make it to the water before they are captured, and, even when they do make it to the water, a number of them are eaten by fish, birds and crabs. Researchers believe than only 1 in 10,000 survive to adult hood. How amazing that the green turtles numbers in Hawaii have allowed them to be removed from the Endangered Species list and placed on Threatened. Still protected by law, no touching, riding, or attempting to feed is allowed, punishable by a stiff fine and possible jail time if caught, and we all know how many cameras are out there these days! We need to all do our part to ensure these animals are left alone. They belong to us all.
Lucky travelers snorkeling on Maui get to see the sea turtles in their natural habitat. The sea turtles may live for up to 100 years, although researchers are not certain, and have been recorded to grow to over 500 pounds. How do you determine males from females? Green sea turtles do not reach sexual maturity until they are at least 20 years of age. At this time, males will grow a long and thick tail. Females maintain a cute and petite tail all their lives. Seeing a sea turtle in the water is a quick testament to its grace and wisdom.
Click HERE to see a very interesting video of a green turtle eating a jelly snack!
Whale watching is one of the many unique opportunities afforded by the Hawaiian Islands. But the Humpback Whales are not visible year round, so it is best to plan your trip accordingly.