I’ve been researching sea turtles for my latest book, Operation Turtle Ransom, and wanted to see turtles while in Maui if possible. Who knew that the green turtles there haul out to sunbathe or rest. Apparently, this behavior is an anomaly. No other turtles in the world are known to do this. For other sea turtles, males head for the sea as hatchlings and never set foot on sand again. Females only come ashore to lay eggs. But not Maui turtles.

Every night around sunset, at Hookipa Beach (known for world famous Windsurfing), the turtles come ashore in large numbers. There were 83 there when I saw them. They blend in with the rocks.

Personal space is invaded as they crawl onto each other to get out of the water.

Then they hang out, taking a snooze,

Amazing to witness. I am blessed.