Hawaiian legend describes a green sea turtle named Kauila who was born in a freshwater spring in Punalu'u, Hawaii. The turtle would change into a little girl to play among the children, and always keep a safe eye over them. To this day, green sea turtles still flock to this spring, frolicking along the sands on the Big Island.

While sea turtles have been swimming in oceans for more than 200 million years, many believe that the green sea turtles escorted the first explorers to Hawaii. There are seven species, six of which are now endangered. Why is this important to Hawaiians?

Many scientists believe one of the causes of the possible extinction of the Hawaiian sea turtle is a disease called fibropapillomatosis, causing large tumors and warts on the turtle's eyes, neck, flippers, mouth and internal organs, eventually leading to death. This typically strikes turtles when they're young before they've had a chance to reproduce. Over time, the numbers of healthy turtles has dwindled.

Hawaii's green sea turtles continue to frolic along the black sands of Punalu'u, where onlookers still gather to observe them. Kauila's gift to the people of Hawaii is said to be the fresh spring water. Appropriately, Punalu'u means diving spring, named for the people who would dive to floors of the bay to collect this clear water many years ago.

Today in Hawaii, the green sea turtles are protected by law from extinction. But humans control many environmental factors that can lead to this treasured creature's extinction.

At Remist, we honor the Hawaiian sea turtles with a full line of . Here, you can find a variety of , hair clips, anklets and pendants. You're invited to browse through our website to find a wide selection of pieces that can complement your lifestyle.