Hawaii’s reefs are home to the beloved Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu), vibrant corals and sprawling seagrass meadows. These habitats are breathtaking—but also fragile. Whether you’re gliding off Oʻahu’s North Shore, Maui’s Olowalu reef, the Big Island’s Kealakekua Bay, or Kauaʻi’s Poipu Beach, following responsible practices helps keep these underwater worlds healthy for future generations and boosts your chances of magical turtle encounters.
Keep Your Feet Off the Reef
Corals and seagrass are living organisms that grow only a few millimeters per year. Standing or resting on them can crush decades of growth, stir up sediment and expose you to painful urchin or stone‑fish spines. If you need to pause, float on your stomach or seek a sandy patch—never the reef itself.
Give Sea Turtles and Reef Fish Their Space
Under both federal and Hawaiʻi state law it is illegal to harass or touch marine turtles. NOAA recommends staying at least 10 ft / 3 m away. Chasing, riding or corralling wildlife can raise their stress levels, alter feeding patterns and drive them away from traditional resting spots. Instead, swim slowly, keep your arms tucked in and let marine life set the tempo.
Hands Off the Coral
A single brush of a fin or finger can scrape tissue from hundreds of coral polyps, making the colony more vulnerable to disease. Some species—like fire coral—can also deliver a nasty sting. Perfect your fin kicks before you enter shallow areas and maintain good buoyancy so you never accidentally bump the reef.
Skip the Fish Food
Tossing bread, peas or—worse—hot dogs into the water disrupts natural diets, makes fish aggressive and can trigger algal blooms that smother corals. Many commercial operations around Hawaiʻi are now banned from fish feeding, and responsible operators will enforce a strict “look but don’t feed” rule.
Leave Shells, Sand & Coral Behind
Every shell left on the beach may one day become a hermit crab’s home. Removing natural souvenirs is prohibited in most protected areas and can land you with a heavy fine at the airport. Pack out memories and photos instead.
Pick Up Marine Debris
If you see a plastic bag or piece of fishing line, tuck it into your rashguard pocket or attach it to your dive flag. Floating bags resemble jellyfish—the honu’s favorite snack—and can cause fatal blockages. Even the tiniest cleanup helps.
Cover Up & Choose Reef‑Safe Sunscreen
Hawaii’s 2021 sunscreen law bans oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals known to bleach corals. Wear a long‑sleeve UPF‑50 rashguard and leggings to slash the amount of lotion you need, then use a non‑nano zinc or titanium formula on the areas still exposed.
Learn Local Conditions Before You Go
Tides, swell and tradewinds vary across the islands. Chat with lifeguards, read our daily snorkel reports and study entry/exit routes on satellite maps. Understanding currents keeps you from panicking and climbing onto the reef if you’re swept toward shallow flats.
Respect Protected Zones & Seasonal Closures
Hawaiʻi’s Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) such as Pūpūkea (Sharks Cove) and Kealakekua Bay have special rules—some forbid anchoring or restrict kayaking during monk‑seal pupping season. Observe on‑site signs, stay outside roped‑off areas and keep drones grounded where posted.
Book Certified Eco‑Tours
Look for operators displaying the Hawai‘i Ecotourism Association Certified badge or NOAA’s Dolphin SMART/Hāhālua pledge. These businesses cap group sizes, use mooring buoys instead of anchors and brief guests on wildlife etiquette. Ready to go? Check our hand‑picked list of turtle‑friendly snorkeling tours to reserve your spot.