The Experience
Now in its 36th year, join the festivities this July 3rd and 4th and celebrate Turtle Independence Day as we release those deemed large enough to journey into the Pacific. Turtle Independence Day represents the rebirth of our Green sea turtle hatchlings after 2 to 3 years of growth in the turtle pond. Gather along Mauna Lani's oceanfront on July 4th, aptly known as Turtle Independence Day, to witness their homecoming to the Pacific Ocean. In partnership with Sea Life Park.
- July 3 & 4, 2025 | Located at the oceanfront (in front of Surf Shack)
- All ages
- Open to resort guests and community members
Itinerary of Events
Final Health Exams & Talk Story with the Experts
Thursday, July 3 | From 1PMKeiki Tent Activity
Friday, July 4 at Milo Tree Lawn | 9AMSurf Shack Cookout
Friday, July 4 | 9AMTurtle Independence Day Wa’a Pond Honu Load-in
Friday, July 4 | 9:30AMTurtle Independence Day Ceremony & Beach Parade
Friday, July 4 | 10AM
Turtle Program
Mālama Honu, Mālama Honua
Turtle Program
Mālama Honu, Mālama Honua
Marvel at our Green sea turtles at Honu Lagoon while exploring the biological, ecological and cultural significance of Hawaii’s native species.
- Located at Honu Lagoon
- Daily at 8:30AM
- 45 minutes
- All ages welcome
“Our relationship with our natural resources lives through the central idea of aloha ʻāina, of having a loving, respectful and reciprocal relationship with our land," says Ethan Souza, a Natural Resources Manager at Mauna Lani. The honu (Green sea turtle) is so culturally and ecologically significant that ancient Hawaiians may have believed their shells symbolically carried a map of the Polynesian Oceania world, encompassing the Hawaiian islands, Rapa Nui and Aotearoa.
- Located at the oceanfront (in front of the Surf Shack)
- Annually on July 4th
- Roughly 3 hours
- All ages
- Open to resort guests and community members
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