Moments with the Honu: Finding Calm in Hawaii’s Gentle Sea Turtles

There’s something unforgettable about meeting a Hawaiian sea turtle in the wild. The honu moves with a grace that slows time itself, gliding through the water or resting on sunlit shores. Each time I lift my camera to capture one, I’m reminded why they are called the gentle souls of the sea.

• Encounters in the Wild
  Photographing honu is never rushed. They aren’t performers; they are part of Hawaii’s living spirit. I wait quietly, often for long stretches, until one chooses to appear. That patience is rewarded with moments of pure serenity—moments I try to preserve through my lens.

• The Peace They Carry
  Being near a honu changes your own rhythm. Their calm presence feels contagious, softening the edges of a busy mind. This is why so many people connect deeply with images of turtles—they bring that same sense of stillness and ease into a room.

• Why I Share These Images
  My photography is more than documenting wildlife—it’s about creating an emotional bridge. When someone brings a honu photograph into their home or workspace, they’re inviting in that reminder: breathe slower, live gentler, honor the natural world.

The honu teaches us to find peace in motion and stillness alike. Explore my collection “Turtles: Gentle Souls of the Sea” to bring the spirit of Hawaii’s most beloved ocean guardian into your life.