While wandering along the beach, I noticed what I thought were a few rocks resting in the shallows. From a distance, they almost looked like honu. Curious, I quietly approached the water with our snorkel masks to take a closer look.
As I entered the water, I was mindful of the strong currents and grounded myself in the sand, allowing the honu to move freely around me. As I got closer, I realized that what I had mistaken for rocks were, in fact, honu gracefully swimming through the water and feeding on limu as it drifted by. Every so often, they would surface for a breath, their beautiful shells catching the sunlight before they disappeared beneath the waves again.
There was something incredibly peaceful about watching them simply being honu—moving through the ocean, feeding, surfacing, and carrying on with their day. We were only visitors in their world, and the best thing we could do was quietly observe and let them be.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to witness and photograph this moment. Experiences like this remind me how special it is to share Kauaʻi with the creatures who call these waters home.
If you encounter honu or ʻīlio holo i ka uaua (Hawaiian monk seals), please give them the space and respect they deserve. Never chase, touch, feed, or follow them, and avoid loud noises or flash photography. If a honu swims near you, allow it to pass without pursuing it. If a seal is resting on the beach, give it plenty of room and let it rest undisturbed.
Sometimes the most meaningful way to experience wildlife is simply to slow down, keep your distance, and appreciate the moment without interfering.
