Meet the Honu: Diving with Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Hilo
- mikedyson1
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have while scuba diving in Hawaii is swimming alongside a Hawaiian green sea turtle, known locally as the honu. These graceful, ancient creatures are icons of the islands — and in Hilo, you have one of the best chances in the world to meet them underwater.
At Hilo Scuba Diving, our guests often say seeing a honu up close was the highlight of their trip. Whether you're a first-time diver or working on your PADI certification, here’s what to expect when diving with sea turtles in Hilo.
🐢 What Is a Honu?
The honu (pronounced HOH-noo) is the Hawaiian name for the green sea turtle, a species revered in Hawaiian culture as a symbol of:
Longevity
Wisdom
Peace and good luck
These turtles can live over 80 years and weigh up to 400 pounds. They spend most of their lives in shallow coastal waters — making them easy to spot on a typical Hilo shore dive.
🌊 Why Hilo Is a Sea Turtle Hotspot
While turtles can be seen throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Hilo’s unique environment makes it especially turtle-friendly:
✅ Calm, Lava-Rock Shorelines
Protected bays like Richardson Ocean Park and Leleiwi Beach Park offer shallow reefs, warm water, and gentle surf — perfect turtle habitats.
✅ Abundant Food Sources
Hilo’s reefs are rich with algae and seagrass, a favorite food for green sea turtles. You’ll often spot them grazing peacefully on the reef or resting on the rocks.
✅ Low Boat Traffic
Unlike Kona, Hilo has fewer boats and less crowded dive sites, which makes for less stress on the turtles and better viewing opportunities for divers.
🤿 What’s It Like to Dive with Turtles in Hilo?
Imagine this: You're gliding through warm, clear water over a lava rock reef, when a honu gently swims by — just a few feet away — its flippers moving in slow, elegant circles.
It’s magical, calming, and totally unforgettable.
You may see turtles:
Resting on the reef or ledges
Grazing on algae
Surfacing for air (they can hold their breath for hours!)
Interacting gently with other marine life
Pro Tip: They’re curious but shy — let them come to you and give them space.
🧭 Best Hilo Dive Spots to See Sea Turtles
Looking to increase your chances of seeing a honu? These are some of our favorite local shore dive sites:
🐢 1. Richardson Ocean Park
Shallow reef
High turtle activity
Easy shore entry
Great for beginner divers
🐢 2. Leleiwi Beach Park
Lava tubes and coral heads
Common turtle grazing area
Often combined with snorkelers and divers
🐢 3. Coconut Island / Liliʻuokalani Park
Calm waters
Perfect for intro dives and PADI training dives
Frequent turtle sightings near reef ledges
⚖️ Respecting the Honu — Dive with Aloha
Hawaiian sea turtles are protected under federal and state law. When diving with them, always follow these rules:
Never touch or chase a turtle
Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away
Move slowly and avoid blocking their path
Let them approach you — not the other way around
At Hilo Scuba Diving, we teach all our guests how to interact with marine life respectfully and responsibly.
📸 Can You Take Photos of Turtles?
Absolutely — just be respectful. Here are some quick tips:
Use natural light or red filters, not a flash
Stay still and let the turtle come into the frame
Keep your distance and zoom in if needed
Use a GoPro floaty or handle to avoid dropping it
📷 Want a guide to help you capture that perfect honu photo? Ask us about our private dive tours with underwater photography tips!
🐠 More Marine Life You Might See While Diving in Hilo
While turtles are often the stars of the show, Hilo’s waters are home to:
Octopus (heʻe)
Moray eels
Butterflyfish
Cleaner shrimp
Reef triggerfish (humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa)
Each dive is different — and always full of surprises.
📅 Ready to Dive with Sea Turtles in Hilo?
At Hilo Scuba Diving, we offer:
Beginner-friendly shore dives with frequent turtle sightings
PADI Discover Scuba and Open Water certification
Small group tours and private experiences
All gear included
👉 Book Your Turtle Dive in Hilo📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630
Come meet the honu — your new favorite dive buddy.
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