Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 1115

The only hawk native to Hawaii, the ʻio was a symbol of royalty and often an ʻaumak-
ua (protective deity). They are known to breed only on the Big Island; their numbers
have held steady at over 3000 for the last decade. In 2008 the ʻio was proposed for delist-
ing from the endangered species list, but a decision is still pending.
SACRED HONU
Hawaiians traditionally revere the green sea turtle, calledhonu. Often considered a
personalʻaumakua(protective deity), its image appears in petroglyphs (and today
in tattoos). For ancient Hawaiians, sea turtles were a delicious and prized source of
food, but their capture and consumption were typically governed by strict religious
and traditional codes.
As with Hawaii's other two native species of sea turtles - the hawksbill and the
leatherback -honuare endangered and protected by federal law. Adults can grow
over 3ft long and weigh more than 200lb. Young turtles are omnivorous, but adults
(unique among sea turtles) become strict vegetarians. This turns their fat green -
hence their name.
Green sea turtles can be seen throughout the Hawaiian Islands, often while feed-
ing in shallow lagoons, bays and estuaries. Their main nesting site is French Frigate
Shoals in remote Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Up to 700 fe-
male turtles (90% of the total population) come to lay their eggs there each year.
If you spot a sea turtle hauled out on a beach in Hawaii, federal guidelines advise
keeping back at least 20ft to avoid disturbing the animals or interfering with their
natural activities. Always leave turtles a clear path from the beach back into the
water and never touch, feed, chase or otherwise attempt to interact with them.
Marine Superstars
Up to 10,000 migrating North Pacific humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters for
calving each winter, and whale watching is a major attraction. The world's fifth-largest
whale, the endangered humpback can reach lengths of 45ft and weigh up to 50 tons. Oth-
er whales (such as rarely seen blue and fin whales) also migrate through. By federal law,
no one may approach a whale in Hawaiian waters closer than 100yd.
Hawaii is also home to a number of dolphins, most famously the spinner dolphin,
named for its leaps from the water. These acrobats are nocturnal feeders that come into
sheltered bays during the day to rest. Because they are extremely sensitive to human dis-
turbance, federal guidelines recommend that swimmers do not approach any wild dol-
phins closer than 50yd.