All sea turtles in Hawaiʻi are protected. Do not harass, harm, kill or keep sea turtles in captivity without a permit or sell any sea turtle parts or products. Keep a respectful distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) away. Feeding or touching turtles, or attempting to ride them, could cause distress. Honu are featured in mythology, etched into lava rock beds (petroglyph), and are ʻaumākua (personal family gods/guardians).