Jul 13 2008

Kauai’s Hanalei Bay Closed Again: Sharks!

Published by Jeff at 9:40 am under Travel tips

Hanalei Bay was closed again late yesterday due to multiple sightings of hammerhead sharks. We had intended to go swimming, but County lifeguards closed the beach at about 5:30pm.

The group of sharks, likely scalloped hammerheads, were swimming around the Hanalei pier, eating fish. Hammerheads of this variety are not “usually” dangerous to people. For some reason I’m not tempted to try this theory.

Hammerheads are known for the distinctive, flattened hammer-like appearance of their heads. This shape helps them in detecting prey and in their mobility.The shark’s eyes and nostrils are at the tips of the wide hammer extension. They have unusually small mouths for sharks and are typically bottom-fisherman. Hammerheads are often seen hunting in schools, which is unique among larger sharks.

From early times, Hawaiians have revered sharks for their role in the environment and spiritually. They were not popular in the Hawaiian diet.

The scalloped hammerhead is on the 2008 World Conservation Union’s globally endangered list. It has been widely hunted, especially for its fins, which are in high demand.

I think I’ll be checking-out a different beach today.

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4 Responses to “Kauai’s Hanalei Bay Closed Again: Sharks!”

  1. # Mauibradon 13 Jul 2008 at 8:55 pm

    My roommate saw a hammerhead in Hanalei Bay today too. I was in Kokee, so I missed this. BTW, my friend Dick Mayer tells me a friend reported to him that HSF was at full capacity for the Friday evening run from Oahu to Maui. They will have a good summer, but their fall and winter will suck, count on it.

    Aloha, Brad

  2. # Jeffon 13 Jul 2008 at 9:03 pm

    Hi Brad,

    Thanks for your comment. We’ll have to meet up sometime, now that you’re on island.

    I’m also not surprised about Superferry being busy, for all the reasons previously discussed. And yes, in the long run, something will have to change.

    Aloha, Jeff

  3. # Puaon 14 Jul 2008 at 8:41 am

    Better to be warned of the sharks in time. Remember we are in their territory. Good that their hangouts are monitored, so our Hawaii visitors are safe and can feel safe.

  4. # Judion 29 Jul 2008 at 9:22 pm

    I saw these sharks also. It was exciting to see. I was scared although the lifeguards didn’t seen to fazed.

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