Submitted by Madelyn Setting on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by College of Education and Human Development…
My third week in Hawaii, I went to Hanauma Bay with a few friends and we went snorkeling. This was one of my favorite excursions for a few reasons. I appreciate how dedicated the people of Hawaii are when it comes to preserving their land, their seas, and their local animals. We watched a video on why it is important to clean up trash or not wear sunscreen with harsh chemicals as it can damage coral and steer away fish. In the video, we learned that these preventative measures help to protect animals like the turtle and Hawaiian monk seal. A woman that worked in the theatre reminded us not to touch any turtles we see because they are sacred to the land and sea as they represent life and death. Many locals also believe that they are guardian angels visiting loved ones. This experience was incredible and to top it off, there was a monk seal sunbathing on the beach.