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How to Sea Turtles



turtle on beach



A few years ago, we took a family trip to Hawaii. We were heading to Hana and we stopped at Ho'okipa Beach Park to watch the surfers. 
Travel the Wild Way photo

While we were at the park, we came across a family selling handcrafted jewelry made from the seeds of the Mgambo tree aka Maui Mink. Three generations of the family were there at the park and they were all involved in the process. Each piece of jewelry was unique--not something bought from a bulk retailer and sold at a markup. 

We talked about our plan to drive the Road to Hana. It was pretty rainy and they recommended that we not go any further than Twin Falls since there was a good chance that the road would flood. 


We selected our favorites and made our purchase all the while chatting with the ladies about their family and ours. As we were finishing up the conversation and our purchase, the grandma asked if we had seen the turtles. 

Turtles?! Where? We peer over the side of the sea wall and see what looks like boulders washed up by the ocean waves. 
Travel the Wild Way photo

She explained that the boulders were actually turtles, and then she had her seven-year-old granddaughter take us over to the lookout and point out the turtles down below on the beach.

We were able to go down onto the beach and get some wonderful pictures. Pictures we would not have gotten if we wouldn't have talked with the locals at the park. 

Please note that sea turtles are protected by law and you should not disturb them. See more details here.
We took their advice and only traveled up the road as far as Twin Falls. By the time we reached the parking area, it was raining so hard that the conditions were miserable (we are from Western Oregon so that's saying something).

Taking the time to visit with a local family and buy our souvenirs from them saved us from making a dangerous trip and gave us the inside track on one of the most coveted wildlife sightings in Hawaii. 

On your family trips, skip the traditional gift shops. Instead buy from the artisans. You will support the local economy and you may just gain access to information and sights you would have otherwise missed. 

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Location: Hookipa Beach, Hawaii 96708, USA

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