If you’ve snorkeled in Hawaiʻi, you may have been lucky to catch a glimpse of a sleeping sea turtle nestled in a cave or nearly hidden among rocks and layers of sea cliffs. It’s thrilling and wonderful to see where these creatures choose to sleep.

Or perhaps you’ve been cruising Hoʻokipa Beach on Maui’s north shore and noticed a crew of blissfully napping grandma turtles (big ones).

Sea turtles will sleep in a safe space for roughly 4-6 hours at night or in the daytime.

A sleepy turtle with a happy tummy!

Being ectothermic, sea turtles regulate body temperature with the environment around them. To raise her body temperature a.k.a. thermoregulation, a turtle may bask on land, essentially “turtle nap time” which also offers additional benefits. While resting, she may escape ocean predators, and may improve immune system function and digestion. If the ocean temperatures are lower, sea turtles are seen basking more often for thermoregulation.

Maui Vacation Tip for visitors: Never disturb a Hawaiian sea turtle – mahalo

If you’re looking to make some changes where you sleep, give us call. We’ll help you create the safest, coziest spot to sleep in your own home!