Turtle

If you encounter a turtle on your trip to Hawaii, what should you look out for first? The 13-second video “Turtle” from “알콩달콩 뚱딴지네” is tagged “Hawaii” and “Big Island.” This suggests a connection between the Big Island and turtles, but the title and tags alone can’t confirm where it was filmed or what kind of turtle it shows. This article shares some background on Hawaiian sea turtles and useful tips for observing them during a family trip.

What kind of turtles live in Hawaii?

One of the turtles commonly seen along Hawaii’s coasts and in its waters is the green sea turtle, called “honu” in Hawaiian. However, you shouldn’t assume that every turtle seen in Hawaii is the same species. Identifying a species requires looking at several features, including the patterns on its head and shell, and it can be difficult to tell from a short video or a distant view alone.

The Big Island’s coasts and sea turtles

The Big Island is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and is known for its volcanic landscape and varied coastal environments. Sea turtles look for food underwater and come to the surface to breathe. Some also come ashore to rest. A turtle sitting still on land isn’t necessarily sick or in need of help. Remember that resting is a natural behavior for wildlife, too.

Tips for observing turtles as a family

Rather than getting close, give the turtle plenty of space to move around comfortably.

• Don’t touch or feed it
• Don’t block its path or its way back to the ocean
• Don’t crowd or chase it for a photo
• Remind children to watch quietly beside an adult

Good wildlife watching isn’t about getting closer; it’s about not disturbing the animal’s behavior.

Follow signs and instructions from staff at the site, and check official guidance before your visit for recommended viewing distances and access restrictions.

Coastal safety comes before photos

It’s easy to get distracted by a turtle and miss the waves or slippery rocks. Watch your step on wet rocks and uneven ground, and don’t go to the water’s edge or into restricted areas to take a photo. Even when the ocean looks calm, currents underwater may be different. If you’re with children, check beach warning signs and on-site safety guidance before deciding whether to go into the water.

Questions to explore with children

Even a short animal video can be a great starting point for a conversation about nature. Ask, “Do turtles breathe like fish?” Sea turtles are reptiles and breathe with lungs, so they come to the surface to take in air. Their flipper-shaped limbs, adapted for life in the water, are another fascinating thing to observe. If the video doesn’t show these features, be sure to distinguish what you can see on screen from what you know from background information.

What to look for in the video

In the 13-second video, notice how the turtle’s movements and surroundings are captured. Start with details you can confirm from the footage, such as whether it’s underwater or on land, and whether it’s moving or staying still. Don’t guess the exact beach or species; instead, use this brief encounter to start a conversation about respecting wildlife.