Are sea turtles commonly seen year-round in Hawaii?

Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are commonly seen year-round near the major islands in Hawaii, even in near-shore waters by populated areas and popular beaches, where they eat algae off the rocks. Here's one I photographed about ten years ago. read more

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are much less frequently seen, although they do lay eggs in nests in secluded areas. Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are probably somewhere out there in the ocean off Hawaii, but they don't nest here or come ashore that I know of. read more

The green sea turtle is by far the most commonly encountered sea turtle on Hawaiian reefs, followed by the hawksbill. Olive ridley, leatherback, and loggerheads are typically found in deeper, offshore waters and are rarely seen by the average ocean-goer. read more

> Responds to stranded sea turtles > Reduces coastal lighting on nesting beaches. The green sea turtle is commonly seen near shore in Hawai'i. > About Hawai'i's Sea Turtles Hawai'i is the home to five species of sea turtles (see column at right). Olive ridleys, loggerheads and leatherbacks are usually only encountered in deep offshore waters. read more