Northwestern Hawaii, namely Kauai, has a sea turtle phenomenon I'm not sure exists elsewhere in that the local sea turtles occasionally bask on the shore.
Apparently both male and female turtles can be seen from time to time basking on the sand of a beach or elsewhere near the water, presumably where they can rest a bit and warm up under the sun.
What to do if you see a sea turtle basking?
Enjoy it! But be respectful of the turtles, they need our help right now.
Recommendations from the Hawaii Wildlife Fund are to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet (15m) and to avoid all direct contact at all times with sea turtles.
It's also suggested that you don't attempt to startle them or attract their attention, to abstain from blocking their return to the sea, and to avoid flash photography.
Doubtful that you'd see a basking turtle during the hours of darkness, it is still important to remember that lights at night can disturb turtles and confuse hatchlings.
Have you got a sea turtle experience to share?