Turtles at Poipu Beach face nightly stress from visitors crowding too close. Calls are growing for closures or fines to finally protect them.
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105 thoughts on “Turtle Trouble At Poipu Beach As Some Visitors Cross The Line”
I stand with imposing the fines And if need be close the beach. I also support photographs of violators at the airport. With the access of social media, it wouldn’t be long before someone also posts it.
Maybe very public arrests, shown on television and blasted on-line, is a better was to get the message out.
On a certain beach where there were no protectors patrolling, I recall deliberately swimming through a group of people who had surrounded and trapped a turtle and did not respond to requests to back off; I was met with derisive comments and a few muttered threats, but the turtle was able to swim out under me and surface a safe distance away, so it was worth it. Maybe we residents need to band together and interfere with the bad behavior of tourists and other residents when we see it, in order to help protect our wildlife. Law enforcement can’t be everywhere, but there are usually large numbers of law-abiding folks at beaches who can present a formidable front.
I have been to Popui beach its a very small space where the turtles 🐢 come up and out, personally I feel like the beach should be closed before dark because people do not listen nor do they care if they’re told to stand back or move out of the water its annoying and exhausting that people mostly visitors do not listen.. Respect the island respect the wild life period. Access should cut off to the beach where the turtles come up.
I agree with some of the post. These are beautiful animal and some time their journey is hard enough. Close the beaches and levy the fines. It’s breaking Hawaii’s law, ways of life and threatens these turtles.
When we were there in July we observed the signage and watched from a safe distance. We did see people in the water and even someone using a red laser looking at the turtles.
I believe that the beach should be closed at the time they come ashore. And citations should be issued with fines for people who don’t follow the laws.
You know what really bothers me? It is the blatant disregard for Hawaii, its people and now its wildlife. Catch a glimpse of Jason Momoa’s “Chief of War” and you’ll see what I mean. These “visitors” have no respect for everything that is Hawaii. To them it’s just another place to ruin without caring for the local people who live there and respect their cultural values. They don’t care to read the room, because they think they own it.
Their casual and callous attitude makes me sick and very offended.
I say fine them, fine them all and fine Hard.
Strict enforcement to protect marine life should be put into place. If closing beaches is the only recourse ~ close them. For survival, wildlife needs to be protected from ignorant, care~less people. These ignorant, care~less people should be fined outrageously for their ignorant, care~less behavior.
Kauai Law enforcement needs to make periodic ‘raids’ to pass out tickets—plain clothes cops.
Close the beach during these times when they come in. Unfortunately it is the only way!! Some people don’t care about anything but themselves. The turtles will find a safer place to go due to this. This is unacceptable to the turtles. They can watch from afar. Another way is to move the barriers further out or away from them. If they cross they should be arrested for trespassing. Post signs to worn them. Follow through and arrest those who violate this! It can be stopped!
I think airlines should be required to show ocean safety videos before arrival – telling people not to stand on coral, not to wear sunscreen from mainland, not to bother animals, etc.
I think the ocean and animals come before tourism. I’m sure lots of money could be raised to hire security/rangers to keep these animals safe
I think they should close the beach out of respect to the turtles and the island of Kauai. It’s sad thing that people cannot and will respect laws.
Close the beach to all but locals who can then educate the crowds re: connections w/ animals, conservatory efforts, environment responsibility & demonstrate what respect looks, feels like.
I think they should close the beach out of respect to the turtles and the island of Kauai. It’s sad thing that people cannot and will not respect laws. People that disobey should be fined.
No locals are as big a problem as they do not care about the islands. Dump Cars and garbage.
Turtles will be fine, wild life is hardy. This doesn’t need to be blown out of proportion.
The tourists will be fine if they didn’t have access to every single place and creature. They are hardy.
If tourists would follow the rules set in place to protect the turtles it wouldn’t need to be an issue. It’s not hard to follow rules. The people that can’t follow the rules should face the consequences of their actions. They are visitors abd need to treat the land/people/animals with respect.
We visit Poipu often as tourists and one of things we love to do is watch the turtles come to shore. We love nature. I think the 10ft minimum and no white lights is so easy to follow and even wonder if 10ft is enough. I hate to see the beach completely close to where we can’t watch the Honu, but there does need to be enforcement with penalty given to the violators. Even if the beach is closed, there would need to be enforcement to stop the violators, so don’t let the ignorant ruin it for the those that respect life.
Most people will understand and respect the turtles when the rules are explained.
My wife and I visited Poipu Beach in the mid 1970s and it was beautiful and very lightly developed compared to today. I don’t remember the Honu coming ashore at night but if they had we would have followed the rules and been respectful and in awe of such marvelous and sacred beings.My wife and I are saddened by thoughtless tourists and their disrespect for Hawaiian culture. The laws protecting Honushould be strictly enforced and tourists fined. Kauai is the most beautiful place we have ever been. Protect all of Hawaii’s natural treasures.
Years ago while visiting the Big Island there were Honu on the beach. I watched as a local family’s child was playing and about to touch the turtle. I politely asked the child to be careful but was then approached by the mother to mind my business. Protection and education of these animals should be for residents and tourists!!
I saw this 2 nights ago. I shouted at i.one woman that was live streaming while she walked between the turtles and the waves. 2 turtles got to the beach, only to turn back because of the crouds. Closing the area of the beach and water when the arrive is the only fix. It is late when they get in and the people should leave or get back anyway.
Horrifying to see on KHON that Kauai is trying to eradicate the beautiful Rose-ringed Parakeet. All animals need to be protected and animals have the same rights as humans.
The term “invasive species” is being used to justify animal genocide.
Obviously Rob you either don’t live here, or if you do not have Fruit Trees.
These non native, invasive parakeets decimate our local crops that we wait for annually, sometimes semi annually. In addition to where they roost for the night, they are extremely noisy and defecate all over the place.
It’s been a problem now here for a couple of decades.
I’ve stayed at the hotel along Poipu. As a former visitor, please, please, please, close the beach to protect the sea turtles. They are precious and sacred! Respect their need for rest and safety, so that they prosper and continue to return to Poipu.
Hawaii is becoming much to sterile, 90 percent of the time people keep their distance!
I own a timeshare on Kauwaii and love seeing the wildlife, I do think people, especially visitors, should be fined right away. There are signs everywhere and common sense should be there. These beautiful creatures deserve their space. How would we like it if strangers showed up in your safe space
There is no common sense anymore!!!! Too many selfish with a need to be famous on line!!
Aloha – Lifeguards are not responsible for monitoring or enforcing people there to see the honu.
Wow, that’s crazy. 20 years ago it wasn’t that bad, now when I go everyone is so close taking pics. I blame people competing with social media. Terrible.
We were at Poipu Beach in September 2024 and we loved seeing the resting turtles all week long. It was magical. There was always one volunteer present who gave instructions and every onlooker there complied, were respectful and were appreciative of the knowledge volunteers shared.
Just have them start aggressively arresting people and make sure it gets all over social media. That should discourage future attempts. Oh and of course fine them $$$.
On my visits to Hawaii, I have told people, politely (usually), that they need to stay away from Honu (in water/on shore). I’m a grey-haired woman so I wasn’t threatened. My husband & I would stay to watch until people left OR stayed a safe distance before we left. I have done the same for seal pups in my state of Oregon. Not as revered as Honu, but there are protections & laws for them. Newly born seal pups are often left on shore while the mom goes out to feed before returning for the pup. I do my usual: teach, talk, watch And if necessary, take a pic. “I’m just taking a pic of the seal!!!” Authorities aren’t always available so we can all help. Ignorance, stupidity, entitlement? Be thankful that there are those of us who care & are willing to put ourselves out there for protection.
I agree with Barb. It would also be a great idea if the airlines planned an educational video on all inbound flights. Yes, maybe fines would be a good idea. They could fund the video 🤔
Wildlife needs human protection. If humans are not protective or respectful of wildlife and the rules in place to protect them, then the beaches need to be closed off during the times, the wildlife need protection. And their needs to be paid officials stationed in the areas with authority to impose immediate fines on people who choose to defy the posted rules. Visitors should also be encouraged to take pictures of violators and share them with local enforcement.
Why do so few get to spoil everything for so many that love kauai and all of the local culture for what it is. They belong over on Honolulu with their friends. I have been coming to poipu for years and have seen an increase of tourist that fit this persona.
While on Maui we saw a mother put a child on turtle’s shell for picture. One of the locals calmly said that
“Turtles carry dangerous diseases”. Mother quickly removed child and others waiting to do the same left
A mandatory video on the airplane ride to Hawaii explaining that we don’t throw trash and we give the turtles distance and we let locals pass.
The most disgusting people trash wise ware locals. It’s not even close. I don’t think the burned out, upside down and stripped cars are from tourists leaving their rental someplace other than the airport. At the Haleakala sunrise, I talked to some people of a group near us and they were an extended family from Oahu. They later were having breakfast as a big group. When they left, they dropped every bit of trash they had. Food scraps, wrappers and so on. The only ones who did it. And that’s only my latest example.
This last trip we did the road to Hana. For every “let locals pass” sign I saw, I saw an equal number of “slow down, people live here” sign. I don’t think the “slow down” people are complaining about visitors, they’re complaining about locals that drive like mad. Especially the tour company vans.
Respectfully, this is not about locals leaving rubbish. This is about entitled, selfish, ignorant people (visitors) disrespecting local culture, wildlife and laws. Unfortunately, the only thing that may change this behavior is instant fines and possibly public shaming. I don’t like it, but it seems to be the times we live in, people care more about their public persona and social media status then actual civility and common sense.
Hawai’i would gain a lot of revenue on fines on tourists that would have to pay or appear in court which would also cost money. That would bring a positive outcome of hiring ppl to protect the turtles from tourists.
The heck with protecting the turtles! This is My trip to Kauai and I need to check that off on MY Bucket List! That’s the culture these days! I recently quit my 22 year career because I could no longer deal with the sense of entitlement that exists these days! And we cringe when we’re on island and see that sense of entitlement carry over to Kauai – particularly with parents regarding their kids. So, yes, it could serve a purpose to close Poipu Beach (where we stay) in the evening but unless there is legal enforcement there, “closing” won’t matter to the “entitled” ones!
These turtles should be left a lone and I agree in closing the beach……they came to rest….not to be harassed,God help them ,God help all wildlife! Humans are going to be sure there’s none left on the planet. I pray for the animals,all of them.
The turtles should be protected at all costs. Some people are so self centered that they think one time won’t hurt. Times all of the visitors to Kauai. Maui is the same thing. Won’t mention beach name but saw the same kind of harassment there. The ignorance is sad.
A few years ago I actually saw a young (maybe 3-4 yo) girl run up to one of the turtles and sit on it. Yes, sit on it. The parents were right there as she ran ahead and did this. The lifeguards did nothing. This was in the middle of the afternoon. There were no volunteers working in the area. That same afternoon I had a dad berate me for telling him that the turtles were protected and you were supposed to stay outside the perimeter of the rope around them. I have actually talked to the lifeguards about encroachment on the turtles and they had no interest in keeping people away. So yes, close the beaches in the evening, at least give the honus some reprieve!
yes, the beaches should be closed for the length of the turtles stay. there are other beaches for tourists to use. there should also be a few people at every site with powers to enforce the common sense thinking of ” leave them alone” plus more severe punishment for violators
We all know that locals will still want to use the beach. Then ya’ll will discover that banning one US citizen and allowing others is both discriminatory and illegal.
I forget, who kills the Monk seals on Molokai?
What, you think the 14th amendment applies to Hawaii too?
So far Hawaii is getting away with it, but the more they push the more likely it becomes that someone sues. Once that happens, a whole lot of their resident preferences go out the window.
What? How does citizenship apply to people breaking the law in Hawai’i and being able to sue? If residents here break the same laws, they are held accountable as well. Not a valid argument.
I’ve traveled to many countries….New Zealand, Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, just to name a few. And in each case, I can’t believe how many times I’ve seen “ugly Americans”. And I am so embarrassed when American tourists talk loudly and act obnoxiously at Japan’s train stations while waiting in line. Or complain when they see pigeons pooping in St Mark’s square in Venice, Italy.
How would Americans feel if tourists from other countries treat America so disrespectfully?? Can’t we all show respect for other people’s culture and customs? I received more help and assistance when I kindly asked. Entitled people just make life so hard for others.
Amen.
The problem is they act like that even here in America! It should be mandatory for Americans to attend charm school!
Assigning a fine and collecting a fine are two different things. Unfortunately the only recourse might be closing the beach or limited access.
These laws and fines are worthless unless they are enforced and publicized. This needs to be done immediately.
Given that this story is about the bone-headed Hawaii tourists – and there are no lack of these – can we look forward to a follow-on story about the Hawaiian locals who have killed monk seals in the recent past?
I believe that visitors to the Islands should respect the laws of the land, or otherwise lose the privilege. If it comes to closing some beaches, then so be it. Respect these beautiful Islands and Enjoy.
I am surprised that as money hungry that Hawaii is…they do not enforce the fine. I have intervened many times on the Big Island mentioning the fine and that usually is enough to stop the behavior. The technology is out there. Take a picture of the offender and text it to a number…offender gets a $10,000 ticket.