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Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani Hotel
Turtle Independence Day🐢
THE EXPERIENCE
Now in its 36th year, join us this July 3rd and 4th as we celebrate Turtle Independence Day – an annual tradition honoring the journey of Hawai‘i’s beloved Green sea turtles. This meaningful event recognizes the growth and resilience of these majestic creatures and their cultural significance to our island home. Come together at Mauna Lani’s oceanfront for a family-friendly celebration inspired by the spirit of independence and the beauty of Hawai‘i’s natural world. Presented 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
Honu Final Exam
How do we decide which honu we release on Turtle Independence Day? How heavy are our honu? How long do we have them and where do they come from? Learn the answers to all these questions and more at our fun, interactive Final Honu Exam. Get a behind the scenes look at how we make sure our honu are as healthy and strong as they can possibly be before we release them into the ocean on the 4th of July.
Thursday, July 3 | 1PM | Ballroom Foyer
Talk Story with the Experts
Talk story with some of the leading minds behind sea turtle conservation in the Pacific at this fun, informal panel discussion featuring local educators, professional marine biologists and our very own Piʻi Laʻeha, known affectionately as “The Turtle Guy” by Mauna Lani guests the world over. This experience offers a great opportunity to engage directly with some of the people who make our Mālama honu, Mālama Honua conservation program possible.
Thursday, July 3 | 4PM | Ballroom
Turtle Independence Day
Enjoy education booths, delicious food, gentle Hawaiian melodies and dancing by hula halaus performed right on the sand as we give a proper local-style send off to our beloved honu. Celebrating the culmination of all the efforts of the Mālama Honu, Mālama Honua conservation program, this event ends with the release of young sea turtles from Mauna Laniʻs fostering program into the ocean.
Friday, July 4 | Begins at 9AM | Surf Shack