Turtle Haven is nestled into the north east end of east Lanai. Diving on the reef here is like walking in a coral garden. And "Coral Garden" is the alternate name when the turtles hide. But ...Green Sea Turtles are almost always to be found here. As many as 16 within 100 yards of each other, socializing and having their shells cleaned at the "cleaning station". Turtles have a definite dominance hierarchy and seem to take position on the reef accordingly.. Some are curious, some friendly and others what I could only characterize as horny as they try and mount the anchor that rests in the sand. While some may say that this behavior may be just "hardwired" and instinctive, I believe that like any other higher intelligence they have personalities which vary from turtle to turtle. Turtles have long been thought of by many cultures as symbols of wisdom. Turtles have recently been making a comeback in their population in Hawaii but many have been afflicted with tumors on Maui's coast line. Lanai turtles are still free of this disease and this may be due to the very reduced amount of stressors (like pollution and pesticides and people that they have on Lanai. Turtles can live over 100 years and do not even reach maturity sexually until their late 20's or early 30's. Though seen often their antics are never tiring.
All photos and intellectual property © Erik Stein
Turtle Haven description By Erik Stein
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