Are Hawaii Shark Tours Safe? Six Bites, Insider Warnings Raise Alarm

Shark tours have become one of Hawaii’s fastest-growing marine activities, offering visitors a rare chance to see sharks up close in the wild—often just a few miles off the North Shore of Oahu. Advertised as safe, educational, and conservation-friendly, these experiences now draw thousands of travelers annually. However, a string of injuries, conflicting reports from guests and insiders, and mounting questions about regulation have cast doubt on just how safe and transparent the popular visitor activity is.

Hawaii shark attacks provoked.

Six shark bites have occurred during commercial tours off Haleiwa in recent years. All have been classified as provoked, meaning the shark was drawn to an unusual stimulus—such as food, erratic motion, or direct interaction with humans. That differs from unprovoked bites, typically rare in Hawaii and more likely to occur during surfing or swimming without external triggers.

The issue isn’t just the number of bites. It’s the pattern: six similar injuries, in the same activity type, in the same small offshore area, tied to a largely unregulated tourism business.

What Hawaii tour companies claim on their websites.

A review of current Hawaii shark tour websites shows a consistent marketing message: safe, respectful, and educational. Most major operators—like Hawaii Shark Encounters, North Shore Shark Adventures, and Haleiwa Shark Tours—offer cage based tours and emphasize non-contact observation.

Hawaii Shark Encounters invites guests to enter “the sharks’ world from the safety of a floating cage,” stating clearly that “no shark baiting or feeding is used.”

North Shore Shark Adventures describes the trip as “an exciting and educational experience with nature’s most fascinating creatures.”

Haleiwa Shark Tours highlights a “safety-first crew” and an eco-conscious approach to wildlife interaction.

None of these sites mention past injuries, the legal status of feeding, or the long-running debate over regulation. For visitors booking online, the lack of warning may suggest little risk or controversy involved. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, especially now.

Firsthand accounts say otherwise.

Reddit threads, guest reviews, and comments we’ve received paint a more complicated picture. One commenter claimed they had witnessed chumming—using fish parts or blood to attract sharks—on multiple tours, including those operated by Hawaii Shark Encounters and One Ocean Diving.

Another said they saw bait bags in the water and fish schooling unnaturally around the tour boats.

A third said their cageless experience felt safe at the time—but recent incidents made them question whether that was an illusion.

Some online discussions mention insider accounts, including from former employees, who said chum was routinely used despite public claims to the contrary. Others raised concerns about a lack of formal training for crew or missing safety equipment onboard, particularly during emergencies.

These accounts don’t confirm illegal activity but highlight a growing perception gap between what visitors are told and what may occur during these tours.

Why enforcement is failing to keep up.

Feeding sharks is illegal in both state and federal waters surrounding Hawaii. But enforcing those laws is a different story. DLNR has only a small team of marine enforcement officers to patrol vast ocean zones. Violations often go unreported without proactive monitoring or third-party audits—especially when staff are asked to sign non-disclosure agreements or fear retaliation.

In one publicly reported case from 2018, a shark tour operator was cited for chumming near Haleiwa. However, no long-term penalty was issued, and the company continued operations. Critics say these light consequences create a loophole effect, where breaking the rules carries little risk and minimal cost.

Some marine experts have called for structural changes, such as GPS-based tour tracking, incident reporting mandates, and designated observation zones. However, no such legislation has passed so far.

How other countries regulate shark tours.

In contrast, countries like South Africa and Australia have implemented strict controls. In South Africa’s Gansbaai region, tours are limited by license, monitored by marine biologists, and frequently capped to reduce ecological impact. In Australia’s Neptune Islands, operators are assigned quotas, must report all shark activity, and undergo independent audits to maintain permits.

These systems protect marine life and give tourists clearer expectations about safety and conduct. In Hawaii, where no statewide framework exists, guests must rely solely on marketing, online reviews, and gut feeling.

Why your tour experience may vary.

Even within the same harbor, the quality and safety of shark tours can vary widely. Some companies emphasize conservation, hire marine scientists, and run tightly controlled cage dives. Others are said to skip pre-dive briefings, allow guides in the water without rescue gear, or operate under unclear permit status.

Without a public-facing safety rating or disclosure standard, it’s nearly impossible for visitors to tell the difference until they’re already on board. And with tours costing several hundred dollars per person, expectations of safety and professionalism are high—yet not always met.

What visitors can do to protect themselves.

If you’re considering a shark tour in Hawaii, take the time to ask direct questions. Does the company use chum or attractants? Is there a trained safety diver onboard? Do they carry a complete first aid kit and have emergency response protocols in place?

Look closely at recent guest reviews—not just five-star ratings but how they describe safety, staff behavior, and animal handling. Be wary of companies that avoid transparency or brush off specific concerns.

You can also anonymously report suspicious activity to DLNR or the Hawaii Wildlife Fund. Photos, location details, or first-hand descriptions help inform future enforcement.

Tying this to Hawaii’s bigger tourism issues.

This isn’t just about sharks. In recent years, Hawaii has seen repeated patterns: tourism-driven activities grow unchecked, safety concerns mount, and regulation lags behind until a crisis forces change. From manta ray swims to over-touristed trails to wildlife harassment, the state is wrestling with how to balance access and accountability.

Shark tours may be a small niche, but the risks are extreme. A single high-profile injury can send shockwaves through the Hawaii visitor industry—and raise serious questions about how Hawaii manages its natural resources.

Share your experience.

Have you taken a shark tour in Hawaii? Did it meet your expectations for safety and ethics? Or did something feel off? Let us know in the comments. Your feedback helps other travelers make informed choices and may help shape the conversation about what happens next.