KOHALA COAST, Hawaii – On the 4th of July, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows invited the public to witness its annual Turtle Independence Day tradition.

Since 1989, Mauna Lani has received juvenile honu, or baby Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, from Oahu’s Sea Life Park. The honu are raised in the saltwater ponds of the resort, until they grow big enough to be released into the ocean.

Every year on the 4th, the honu are paraded to the shore in a ceremony that includes music and hula by Halau Waiau Keiki.

Organizers say the event helps educate the public about the Hawaiian green sea turtle.

Honu released into the sea, image from video courtesy Big Island TV.