In Hawaiian, honu means
turtle, and Hawaii is the home of many honu. The Eastern Pacific Green Sea
Turtle pictured here is the most common sea turtle found in Hawaii.
It is an endangered species, protected by federal law. It is illegal to touch, ride or harass sea turtles. Even though they can hold their breath up to three and a half to four and a half hours, "hitching" a ride could inadvertently drown them.
Sea turtles can weigh up to 350 pounds and take 25 years to reach sexual
maturity. The males can be distinguished by their large tail which extends past
their hind flippers.