Sea Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani Resort, July 4, 2005

The Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has acres of ponds and waterways, some that date from the ancient Hawaiians. In these ponds, the Mauna Lani raises sea turtles from the time they are a few inches across until the time they are 18 to 24 inches across.

Each year on July 4th, the Mauna Lani Resort holds a big celebration centered on the release of some of their larger sea turtles back into the wild ocean. This event is extremely popular with local people and with hotel guests. The place is packed!

Especially touching is the symbolism of thousands of humans crowded around to observe and celebrate this direct helping hand to the sea turtles of the world. Children and adults who witness this event are forever touched by its deeper meaning of humans giving back to nature ... and celebrating doing so.

World Turtle Trust Board members and supporters regularly attend this inspiring event, and sometimes man an educational booth alongside Hawaii's top sea turtle biologist (and lover of turtles) George Balazs (see pix below).

Carrying a Turtle Toward the Ocean	Closer ...	Picking the turtle up ...
Release!	Another Turtle Makes the Trip	And Release!
Eight turtles were released on 4July05	Here comes the last one ...	Accompanied by a Hula Halau
Final release	The most photographed turtles ever!	Kids get to touch live baby sea turtles!
Sea Turtle Expert George Balazs holding a baby sea turtle	Everybody can hold a baby green sea turtle	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Balloon Artist
Booths at Sea Turtle Independence Day	and the band played on--Until Next Year, Aloha!