Hani the Honu- The Painting and the Story

Big Rich and I recently vacationed in Kauai. We were mesmerized by the sea turtles swimming right in front of our ocean view condo.  It didn’t take long for me to decide what would become the subject for painting number five of 2019. Instead of me telling you the “why” behind the painting, please read the story below in “another” voice.

My name is Hani and I am a Hawaiian green sea turtle.  My shell is mostly darkish brown with streaks of brown and golden highlights which makes me wonder at times why humans call me green.   Hani means “happy” in Hawaiian.  The Hawaiian people call us Honu which makes me a Hani Honu!  Ha ha!  Get it? I am a clever Honu!

You will likely be graced by my presence when you visit the Garden Isle of Kauai. Big Rich and Barbie spotted me offshore playing in high waves on the Poipu coast on the southern tip of the island. They quickly became captivated by my playful spirit and adept athleticism, while being tossed about in the high surf. Like most tourists, they were concerned at first, fearful I didn’t know what I was doing. Would I be smashed against the sharp rocky cliff wall as they observed me playing?  Each morning and every evening I’d put on a thrilling show for them.  I could hear them “ooh” and “aah” and gasp when they thought I was swallowed up by the ocean. Then they’d giggle and laugh when I’d reappear.  At first they didn’t notice me.  I have a knack for looking a bit like a big round trash can lid floating just below the surface, but once I lift my head for air, the white markings and freckles on my neck give me away.  I relish in the undeniable glee experienced by new tourists once they figure out it’s me, Hani the Hono!  Soon enough, Big Rich and Barbie got a close enough look to become hypnotized by my sleepy doe-eyes.  Once in my trance, I give the gift of looking back 150 million years in time into the lens of a reptilian survivor from the age of dinosaurs.  

I hope you don’t mind me taking a bit more of your time to talk about myself!  After all, the Hawaiian green sea turtle is the only indigenous reptile found in Hawaii.  For Hawaiians, the Honu is a symbol of good luck in the form of a guardian spirit, or Amakua. The Honu pattern is depicted in ancient petroglyphs as well as in modern graphic form. Big Rich was so taken by the petroglyph symbols, I heard he purchased an apron with turtle petroglyphs on it!  He’ll be in good company while he gets his summer BBQ grilling skills going.  I’m so “Hani” he chose a purple apron.  Purple is the official color of Kauai.  Now, back to me, I am a humble Honu, but I won’t give up an opportunity to boast a little more about my ancestry. 

 For Hawaiians, then and now, the Honu represents the navigator, and the eternal link between man, the land and the sea.  One Hawaiian legend tells of a large Honu named Kailua, who would transform into a human girl and served as protector of the keiki (children) playing along the shore.  

Since listed as a “threatened” species in 1978, I am proud to say the green sea turtle population has made a comeback. Before protection, our decline in numbers came primarily from overfishing. Today the fishing has nearly ceased, but from the moment the eggs are laid, the baby Honus struggle to survive as predatory birds and animals snatch them up. In addition, they face the harmful effects of environmental hazards contributing to loss of life. If the baby Honu makes it to sea, many dangers are still abundant such as sharks, marine debris, tainted algae, and boat propellers.

After 25 years of basking on lava, floating along coastal tide pools, and munching on our yummy diet of algae (limu) we reach maturity at about 200 pounds. We Honu then begin the journey to mate.  My relatives living on the Big Island make arduous journeys, some traveling 800 miles to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to mate.  I don’t have to travel very far and am the envy of many. If my relatives survive this difficult migration, they join me in the possibility of living up to 100 years. We like to keep the marine biologists guessing; they’re not really sure how long we live.  I know one thing for sure: it’s many times longer than a human lifespan.

To swim with me is pure magic. Big Rich spent hours snorkeling hoping to track me down; however, sadly, all he got was very bad sunburn. I am a bit shy when it comes to swimming with humans. I know Big Rich will be back and we will get that swim in.  He and Barbie did catch me basking in the sun one morning.   Sometimes I stay up all night eating and playing and need to take a long hard nap on shore. Big Rich and Barbie kindly remembered to keep their distance as I am protected by state laws.

 Honos are gentle creatures and carry great wisdom passed down from the beginning of time.  You will instantly feel the grace of the Honu who have inhabited this place long before humans.  I can guarantee you’ll be left with a “Hani” feeling inside!