The Enchanting Ways of 8 Turtles in Hawaii
Welcome to the beautiful and diverse waters of Hawaiʻi, home to a wide variety of marine life. Among them are eight species of turtles, with the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) being the most commonly seen. These majestic creatures have been around for over 100 million years and play an important role in maintaining ocean health.
Green sea turtles can grow up to three feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds when fully grown. They feed primarily on jellyfish, algae, seagrasses and plants but will also eat small fish from time to time. In Hawaiian culture they are known as honu and often appear in traditional stories about creation or other spiritual beliefs.
In this article we’ll explore more about these wonderful animals including their diet, habitat, behavior, conservation status and cultural significance throughout Hawaiʻi’s history. So let’s dive right into it!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Pond Slider (Trachemys Scripta) |
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| 2 | Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus Sinensis) |
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| 3 | Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle (Palea Steindachneri) |
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| 4 | Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) |
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| 5 | Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) |
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| 6 | Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) |
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| 7 | Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea) |
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| 8 | Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) |
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8 Turtles You Can Find in Hawaii
In total, there are 8 species of turtles in the state of Hawaii. This guide will take you on an exploration through each turtle type and provide tips for providing them with proper care. So, let’s get started on our journey into discovering all the wonders that these reptiles have to offer!
1. Pond Slider (Trachemys Scripta)
- Family: Emydidae
- Genus: Trachemys
- Type: Aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Rivers, ponds, and creeks
- Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
- Also Known As: Slider turtles
- Maximum Size: 3 inches – roughly 15 inches
- Maximum Weight: Apporximately 6+ pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Vitamin deficiency, respiratory diseases
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella, different germs and bugs
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Raccoons, skunk, fox, wading birds
- Domestication: Popularly kept as pets
Fully-Grown Pond Slider
Pond Slider Hatchling
Fully-Grown Pond Slider
The majestic and beautiful Pond Slider— native to wetlands, ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams in Hawaii— is a sight worth beholding. Reaching up to 11-12 inches in length with males being smaller than females, this reptile turtle species carries quite the presence, yet it remains relatively non-aggressive and may only bite when feeling threatened.
Its webbed feet make it well adapted for life in an aquatic environment – allowing them to hold their breath for long periods of time as they explore their surroundings.
Sadly however, wild populations can be impacted by habitat loss or illegal hunting activities which makes us all the more responsible for respecting these amazing creatures who have been gracing our waters since time immemorial.
With proper care from a loving family home they can live up to 20 years but due to its highly adaptive nature there is no need worry about illegal petting laws here in Hawaii. All we ask is that human intervention does not harm the wondrous pond slider population any further!
2. Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus Sinensis)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Genus: Pelodiscus
- Type: Aquatic turtle
- Natural Habitat: Freshwater rivers, ponds, and lakes in asia
- Lifespan: 40 years
- Maximum Size: 7.9-11.8 inches
- Maximum Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Respiratory infections, shell rot, and other diseases
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Large fish, birds, and mammals
- Domestication: Can be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Chinese Softshell Turtle
Chinese Softshell Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Chinese Softshell Turtle
The Chinese Softshell Turtle, scientifically known as Pelodiscus sinensis and also referred to as the Oriental River Turtle, is a species of aquatic turtle that inhabits Hawaii. They can attain an adult size of up to 30 cm in carapace length with no significant difference in size between males and females. These turtles tend to not be aggressive but may bite if they feel threatened or disturbed.
These fascinating animals have adapted well to their aquatic environment and are good swimmers due to their long necks, flat shells, and webbed feet.
However, due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade this species is listed by the IUCN as vulnerable which means conservation efforts must be taken before it’s too late for future generations. Despite its vulnerability and need for special care these turtles make great pets for people willing put in the effort needed for such responsibilities.
3. Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle (Palea Steindachneri)
- Family: Trionychidae
- Genus: Palea
- Type: Freshwater turtle
- Natural Habitat: Freshwater habitats like streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes are the main dwelling place for these creatures, ranging from sea level to elevations of 1,500 meters. they mainly stay underwater and don’t often bask in the sun.
- Lifespan: 40+ years
- Also Known As: Steindachner’s soft-shelled turtle
- Maximum Size: Males: 14 inches, females: 16+ inches
- Maximum Weight: Up to 80 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Metabolic bone diseases
- Disease Carrier: Salmonella
- Aggression Level: Can be aggressive if threatened
- Predators: Eagles, monitor lizards, crows, snakes
- Domestication: Can’t be pet, listed as endangered
Fully-Grown Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle
Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle
These captivating creatures can be found living in rivers, streams and swamps across Hawaii, spending their days basking in the sun on logs or rocks. Growing up to 30 cm in length and with no significant size difference between males and females they can live up to an impressive 30 years!
Although not commonly kept as pets, these turtles make for interesting viewing due to their unique wattle necks which give them a distinctive look. They have streamlined bodies with webbed feet making them excellent swimmers – something that serves them well when avoiding potential predators such as raccoons, otters and large fish!
Thankfully, the species is listed as a species of least concern by IUCN so we don’t need to worry too much about this fascinating turtle.
4. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata)
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Genus: Eretmochelys
- Type: Marine turtle
- Natural Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans, coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky coasts
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Maximum Size: 24-35 inches
- Maximum Weight: 88-110 pounds
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive towards humans
- Predators: Large fish and birds
- Domestication: Not suitable as a pet
Fully-Grown Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) is an incredible species of marine turtle, native to tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. These beautiful creatures can grow up to 35 inches in carapace length and weigh up to 110 pounds. They are known for their unique beak-like snout which has given them their distinctive name ‘Hawksbill’.
Despite being highly adapted for life underwater, with powerful flippers perfect for swimming and the ability to hold its breath for long periods of time, these turtles face numerous threats from human activities such as hunting, poaching beach destruction and pollution. As a consequence they are classified as endangered by IUCN – The International Union for Conservation of Nature – making it illegal to own one as a pet in many states and countries.
Unfortunately populations have decreased drastically over recent decades due mainly to these pressures but also increasingly due climate change related events such as rising sea levels affecting nesting sites.
We must act now if we want future generations in Hawaii to be able observe this amazing species living peacefully in its natural habitat!
5. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea)
- Family: Dermochelyidae
- Genus: Dermochelys
- Type: Marine turtle
- Natural Habitat: Open ocean and near-shore habitats in warmer regions
- Lifespan: 45 years
- Maximum Size: 6.7 feet
- Maximum Weight: 2,000 pounds
- Aggression Level: Low
- Predators: Birds and other marine animals
- Domestication: Not a pet
Fully-Grown Leatherback sea turtle
Leatherback sea turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Leatherback sea turtle
The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) is one of the most remarkable creatures you can find in the depths of ocean. This majestic creature, also known as simply Leatherback Turtle, has adapted to life at sea by having a streamlined body and flippers that give it an immense advantage for swimming long distances.
It has been known to reach up to 6.7 feet in length and its size can weigh up to 2,000 pounds; thus making this resident of Hawaii one of the largest reptiles on Earth!
This species lives mainly in open ocean habitats with warmer regions such as those around the coasts of California, Florida or Mexico but sometimes ventures near-shore areas looking for food or breeding grounds.
Unfortunately due to human activities like hunting them for their valuable shells or accidental catches while fishing these animals have been classified as endangered (IUCN Red List). We must therefore work together now and take action if we want this species preserved so future generations can enjoy its beauty here in Hawaii.
6. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas)
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Genus: Chelonia
- Type: Marine turtle
- Natural Habitat: Coastal waters, bays, lagoons, and shallow seagrass beds in tropical and subtropical oceans
- Lifespan: 80 years
- Also Known As: Green turtle
- Maximum Size: 5 feet
- Maximum Weight: 400 pounds
- Aggression Level: Low
- Predators: Birds, mammals, and large fish
- Domestication: Not suitable as pets
Fully-Grown Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Green Sea Turtle
Introducing the majestic Green Sea Turtle, an incredible species that inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal oceans in many parts of the world. These residents of Hawaii can reaching up to five feet in length and weigh around 400 pounds for females.
This marine turtle can live for about 80 years if left undisturbed by humans or predators such as birds, mammals, or large fish.
With flippers adapted for swimming and a streamlined body shape allowing it to hold its breath underwater for long periods at a time, they are highly adapted to navigating in their natural aquatic habitats.
Sadly enough though these creatures are endangered worldwide due to human actions which puts them at risk of extinction unless preventative steps are taken soon. Let’s strive towards preserving its population so future generations can witness Hawaii’s coastlines come alive with the beauty of these magnificent animals!
7. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea)
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Genus: Lepidochelys
- Type: Sea turtle
- Natural Habitat: Oceanic and coastal waters, nesting on tropical and subtropical beaches
- Lifespan: Can live up to 50 years
- Also Known As: Pacific ridley sea turtle
- Maximum Size: 24 – 30 inches
- Maximum Weight: 80 – 110 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Fibropapi-llomatosis
- Aggression Level: Not aggressive
- Predators: Hatchlings perish before reaching the ocean, preyed by snakes, and birds, among others. adults are often eaten by sharks.
- Domestication: No, listed as endangered
Fully-Grown Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Have you ever heard of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea)? This majestic sea turtle lives in oceanic and coastal waters, often nesting on tropical and subtropical beaches.
Adults average 70-100 cm in length and weigh around 45-50 kg, with adult males weighing around 45-75kg (100-165 lbs) and adult females ranging from 68-100kg (150-220lbs).
Are you wondering if it’s illegal to keep one as a pet in Hawaii? Unfortunately yes – it is illegal to keep sea turtles as pets without proper permits or licenses in the United States. Nevertheless, these adapted aquatic creatures are worth admiring for their hydrodynamic shell, powerful flippers, streamlined body shape, and they can live up to 50 to 60 years!
Although endangered by human activities such as pollution and hunting eggs/hatchlings they still remain across Pacific, Atlantic & Indian Oceans.
8. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta)
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Genus: Caretta
- Type: Sea turtle
- Natural Habitat: Coastal waters, bays, and estuaries
- Lifespan: 40-50 years
- Maximum Size: 3-3.5 ft
- Maximum Weight: 220-355 pounds
- Prone to Diseases: Fibropapillomatosis and debilitative shell disease
- Aggression Level: Not typically aggressive
- Predators: Juveniles – birds, crabs, and mammals; adults – large marine animals such as sharks
- Domestication: Cannot be kept as pets
Fully-Grown Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hatchling
Fully-Grown Loggerhead Sea Turtle
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a remarkable species found in the coastal waters, bays, and estuaries of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. This semi-aquatic creature that roams our state of Hawaii has a unique adaptation – its carapace (top shell) is patterned like the skin of a shark, allowing it to blend perfectly with its environment. A fully grown adult can reach up to 3-3.5 ft in length and weigh up to 400 pounds, though there is virtually no size difference between males and females.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles are highly adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, with webbed feet for navigation and long claws for catching their prey such as insects, snails or fish. They can also hold their breath for extended periods of time and have a specialized streamlined body shape which helps reduce drag while swimming.
Unfortunately, due to destruction of its wetland habitats and other human activities, population declines have been reported in some areas; therefore this species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and protected under the Endangered Species Act. So it is important that local authorities be consulted before owning one as they cannot be kept as pets due to their specialized habitat requirements.
Living up to 40-50 years in the wild these gentle creatures rarely show aggression towards humans but should still be respected with caution since they are vulnerable to predation from marine mammals such as sharks or birds and crabs when young.
Final Words
In the state of Hawaii—a place rich in biodiversity—turtles play a significant role; with a variety of species dwelling in its forests, beaches, and rivers.
In this article, we took a closer look at these fascinating creatures (including their natural habitats, lifespan, size and weight, predators, and domesticability). It’s worth noting that, while keeping these turtles as pets is legal; their populations in Hawaii may be declining due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.
It is our responsibility to ensure that these turtles remain protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy in the state of Hawaii.
