A shark attack took place on Maui yesterday when a person who was spearfishing was first bumped then bitten. DLNR said that the woman from Kauai was in the water about 100 yards from shore at Mala Warf, Lahaina, when what she believes was either a blacktip reef or a Galapagos shark, sized 4-6 feet in length attacked her leg. Her injuries were said to be not life-threatening. Shark warning signs remain posted today.
In a prior incident on Maui, a shark attack occurred at Kanaha Beach, near Kahului Airport, approximately 400-500 yards from shore. That was in May, wherein the unidentified person received lacerations and puncture wounds to their lower back in what DLNR considers a provoked incident.
And in August, on Kauai, county lifeguards advised beachgoers to stay out of the water at renowned Lydate Beach Kauai. That, after a two-foot baby shark was found circling in the park’s large pond. Shark and no swimming signs were posted for the pond, pictured below. The Department of Land and Natural Resources attempted to get the shark out of the pond and return it to the ocean.
Also earlier this summer, lifeguards advised beachgoers to stay out of the water at renowned Poipu Beach Kauai. That happened when a 6 to 8-foot shark was sighted at Nukumoi Point near the Tombolo. Then too, shark warning signs were immediately posted, and the beach was closed.
You can follow the latest Hawaii shark incidents on the DLNR shark website.
What you need to know about sharks in Hawaii.
Should you fear shark attacks here in Hawaii? It’s unlikely you will experience a shark attack on your Hawaii vacation, and in fact, the statistical odds are 1 in 11.5 million. And, while rare at Hawaii Beaches, it’s good to remember that shark sightings can occur anywhere in Hawaii.
There are nearly 40 species of sharks found in Hawaii, with a smaller group common near shore. The sharks that most people encounter are either reef, sandbar, hammerhead, and tiger.
How to follow Hawaii tiger shark tagging.
At UH Manoa, marine biologists track the movement of Hawaii tiger sharks that are fitted with satellite tags on their dorsal fins. Signals are received each time a shark surfaces. Marine biologists have been working on this for the past four years. They seek insights into the behavior and habitat of these revered creatures.
On their website, you can see various sightings of sharks in the Hawaiian Islands.
Sharks’ important role in healthy marine environments.
Sharks are known as apex predators. And one-third of all shark species are threatened or near-threatened. They play a key role in maintaining the species below them in the food chain and serve as an indicator of ocean health. Sharks help remove the weak and sick and keep a balance with competitors to help ensure diversity of species.
Sharks figure prominently in Hawaiian mythology.
Culturally, sharks have been held in high reverence by generations of Hawaiians as aumakua (family guardians); ancestors reincarnated as animals and sent to protect the family.
Please share your sharks in Hawaii story.
Beat of Hawaii photo at Mala Warf in Lahaina.
Updated November 8, 2021.
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Early in 2020, I was doing my volunteer gig at Poipu with the seals and saw 2 small sharks, maybe 4 to 5 feet long, swimming right past the point right across from the tombolo and I hustled up to tell the lifeguards who looked at me like I was crazy- they thought I saw a manta ray. Nope, another lady and I both saw them as they swam right through all of the snorkelers and swimmers. Heard the next day that Poipu beach was closed due to shark sightings. Had to laugh!
Interesting reading. I’ve always had an irrational fear of a shark attack since watching Jaws including swimming in the cold waters off the UK but I do love and admire sharks.
With regards to the baby shark entering the ‘pond’ at Lydgate beach, I presume this is very rare but wondering if there is a chance sharks could also enter the lagoons in Ko Olina on Oahu? 🙂
We swam at Lydgate today despite the posted warning. I think it was bigger than 2 feet, but not more than 3. It swam very near me and was a cool experience. I hope it gets trapped and released, though, because there is little long term food supply in the pond for a growing shark.
CINDYS…. Silly silly girl! Glad you have all your appendages still in tact!
Bad choice. Glad a lifeguard didn’t have to risk their limbs for your poor decision. Shame.
Aloha BOH and thank you for a great blog. Do you use Sharkbanz? Do you know anyone who does? I’ve read great reviews and watched impressive videos. Mahalo
Hi Tom.
No we have never used them, and don’t know if they work or not. Interesting stuff though.
Aloha.
Ironically the first year I wore a shark deterrent in my ankle, this past summer…was the first test I saw a shark at Honolua Bay in Maui. It was awesome.
Over many years of snorkeling, I’ve seen sharks a few times. Mostly on Maui and twice on the Big Island. They were black and white tip reef sharks and a few hammer heads, those sharks are not all that aggressive however, a tiger shark is a different kind of animal. Most people get bitten because they don’t know the shark is there and it’s not a good idea to do a lot of splashing around.
Aloha Guys
Gives new meaning to the song “Baby Shark”!
I’ve surfed and snorkeled extensively around Kauai and never seen a shark. Obviously they’re there, but I’ve never seen one. I’ve also surfed extensively in Tahiti and snorkeled in several sites in Micronesia and seen some there, but never had any problems. Sharks are elegant and fascinating animals, who unfortunately are rapidly being depleted from our oceans. They worthy of our respect and protection.
“Sharks only bite when you touch their private parts…”
(50 First Dates)
Mahalo Rob and Jeff for the amazing reporting.
Aloha and stay blessed 🌺
Hi Pam.
LOL. Thanks.
Aloha.
While not Hawaii, we saw and snorkeled with quite a few sharks in the Galapagos. Including some big Hammerheads. While snorkeling the last day I had something yank on my flipper. Scared me a bunch and my first thought was “shark”. Turns out to was a seal lion as I was paying too much attention to his buddies and not him. I actually had him bite it again, from in front, so I could see and photograph it.
After numerous trips to the islands and never taking a snorkel cruise boat, I finally broke down and went with a friend. The boat took us to deep water over some caves which upon sighting them under water I commented they looked like a great hideout for sharks. A few minutes later I could hear the people on the boat yelling and motioning for me to return to the boat. What a waste of money, I thought, since we had only snorkled for like 10 minutes. So begrudgingly I slowly made my way back to the boat. As they yanked me up the swim steps they yelled ” Didn’t you see all the sharks?” I turned and looked back where I had just been leisurely swimming and saw 3 or 4 fins and the outline of a dark, ominous presence just below the surface. So grateful to not have seen them which likely would have caused me to panic and splash around. Surely a dinner bell for these predators. I now snorkle in shallow water exclusively. Lol
Once snorkeled at Kee Beach in Kauai and spotted to barracuda resting on the sea floor. I hurriedly “tiptoed” with a very quiet breaststroke away from these flesh shredders. Scary!
Why? Did you have on shiny jewelry or something to attract it to you?
ALOHA!
Rob is no doubt cool under pressure— I would have Flipped Out if something or someone grabbed my foot while swimming in the ocean, LOL.
You guys are The Best!! Mahalo for keeping us informed of the ever-changing Covid rules affecting our beloved Hawaii!
Hi Lisa.
Thanks for your nice words and comments.
Aloha.
Thank you for the laugh this morning – Rob freaking out thinking he encountered a shark – I will remember that!
Earlier this year, before the apocalypse, I was tending a resting seal on Poipu Beach right at the point. I was securing a sign right by the water and looked out to see a large, upright stick moving straight toward me in the water… how odd. Too thin for a snorkel and moving too fast. Then it turned sideways and I saw it was actually a fin which then moved west to east past the point while another lady and I stood and watched the 5 foot shark move past the point about 12 feet out. Both of our mouths were hanging open- the water was FULL of swimmers and snorkelers! I ran to the LG station and reported it- well, they said it must have been a ray- really!? They totally dismissed my sighting and when I got back to the other lady, she said a second one had moved through. LGs never did a thing and, happily, no one got hurt. No idea what kind of shark but way too close for comfort. I instinctually moved back even though I was on the beach. I have spent hundreds of hours at that beach over 15 years and that is my first sighting. Amazing that no one in the water saw the shark.
I was not at Poipu the next day but heard that they had to close the beach due to shark sightings. Hey guys! Maybe that crazy old haole lady was not so crazy after all!
Thank you for all the information you give
I think humans forgot the beaches where closed off and on for month’s.hardly any tourist no hundreds of people swimming in these oceans and coves so the sharks and the fish got used to no human activity.now that were back we are a threat. Just be careful be watchful and respect the ocean and the life that lives in it.after all its there home.
Mahalo
it has just been confirmed by Maui News Now that the shark bite victim has passed away. Condolences to his ohana.
Praying for him. No real point of the video though.
It used to be rare for a shark attack on Maui but it seems to be getting more often. Am I wrong in this thinking?
I, my wife, my five kids, have all swam, surfed, fished, dived, in waters off three major islands. Couning all of family, about 50 or more, not One has ever even Seen a shark. So that number quoted about the odds are correct.
EDDiE L
If you have never seen a shark while in the islands, it doesn’t mean the sharks don’t see you.
Since moving to Honokowai, 36 years ago, our family has seen, literally, thousands.
Most are blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks. We’ve been SCUBA diving and free diving amongst Hammerheads, and an occasional tiger shark. The beautiful thing about sharks is that we’re swimming in their home, and after an “encounter” with a shark, it’s best to be respectful.
We’re all guests on this big blue planet.
Aloha.
Beat Of Hawaii, y’all rock!
Hi Pam.
Thanks. You too!! We’ve definitely both seen our share of them here too. Never anything dangerous, but as you say, we do enter their home.
Aloha.
What’s the point of the video? Waves, drones, trucks and boats? Or to show no evidence of a shark?
I was living on Maui when a shark attacked the wife of the sugar mill manager, in November 1991.
My husband and I had gone early to take our morning swim and heard someone screaming.
The next few days, everyone hunted down and exterminated every shark they could find.
We’d scuba dived nearly every day in the channel between Maui and Lanai.
Moral of the story?
We humans are swimming in the home of all sea creatures. Respect should be paid to the sea for it’s beauty and danger.
Mahalo for your time and be safe.
I was there too! The police picked up her two kids at the high school that morning – all the other kids thought it was maybe a car accident. So shocking as there hadn’t been a shark attack in many years. We were vacationing last year when the call came in at canoe beach for the attack in front of the Kaanapali Shores. Now it seems it is much more common.
I was living on Maui when a shark attacked the wife of the sugar mill, in November 1991.
My husband and I had gone early to take our morning swim and heard someone screaming.
The next few days, everyone hunted down and exterminated every shark they could find.
We’d scuba dived nearly every day in the channel between Maui and Lanai.
Moral of the story?
We humans are swimming in the home of all sea creatures. Respect should be paid to the sea for it’s beauty and danger.
Mahalo for your time and be safe.
Hi Pamela.
Thanks.
Aloha.
For those of us who spend our time on the islands in a condo or a resort with a pool, this is precisely why if the governor and mayors don’t open the pools we will be taking our vacation dollars elsewhere. I believe in the latest announcement about beginning to open things up, a comment was made basically saying, “Why does anyone need a pool? We have a beautiful ocean to swim in.“.
Very interesting article. Thank you for the information.
Hi Judy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I’m thinking that with no one able to come to Kauai in a reasonable fashion, shark attacks should not be a concern. BTW, we own on Kauai and have been coming 2-3 times a year since 1982 for as long as 6 weeks at a time. Given recent conditions and the number of vagrants and beggars and general negative tone of Kauai politicians, it will probably be a while before we return. You’ll note that we have received your messages for many years and truly appreciate the information contained. In light of current environment, I just couldn’t help but comment. Thank you for being there and keeping us informed. Bob
Hi Robert.
Thanks. We appreciate your being a regular!
Aloha.
Aloha…I was hoping this email titled “Incidents on Big Island” might include SOME info on Mauna Kea. I’m going home to Kona next week…and excited to spend sometime up on the Mauna! But how are tourists feeling about this? Locals? What can we do off island to help? Once on island to help? Have I missed an article? Mahalo plenty!
Hi Julie.
The title of the piece is “Sharks in Hawaii: Kauai and Big Island Incidents.” and that is what it is about.
Aloha.
Thanks so much for all the Great information you folks put out.
We are planning on doing the Great Aloha Run in Feb 2020. Any information you can give about best time to jump on airfares will be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling from Charlotte NC to Honolulu.
Mahalo and Aloha
Hi Hal.
Thanks. Looks like you’ll need to pay just over $800 RT on that route in February. No deals that we can foresee. You can buy now (especially for weekend dates) or wait a few months and hope something better materializes.
Aloha.
2020 ?
Be sure to bring your time travel shoes if you are attending the Feb 2020 run. You are going to need them….. 🙂
Bob L,
Check the date of the comment. =o)
Aloha.
Thanks for the update. Can you also provide a link to the UH Manoa tracking page?
Hi Maribeth.
The UH Manoa link does go to the shark tracking page.
Aloha.
Who would have thought, two of my most favorite spots: Polehale Beach and Kealakekua Bay!
This blows me away. We are not safe anywhere, even in paradise.
I agree with Grant…Good content and SAFETY info with-out over-selling the reader.
I also have been waiting for Southwest to provide competition to Hawaiian Airlines. I also appreciate the shark warnings as an avid snorkeler. You have a nice website that educates me and helps make decisions on travel arrangements to the islands
Mahalo,
Chris in Arizona
Thanks very much Chris!
Aloha.
We were at Tunnels yesterday morning about 10:30 and they were closing the beach because of a shark sighting. Keep up the great work.
Hi Bob.
Thank you!
Aloha.
What type of sharks were they? Besides the attack that happened 30’ off shore, how far off shore were the others?
Mahalo! Just want to say I love your emails! You give facts and history that not only inform about the subject but also honor The Hawaiian way.
Keep up the excellent work!
Aloha
Thanks very much Grant!!
Aloha.
Aloha,
I love the issue on Tagging Sharks, and where to find more data.
Mahalo, Dan F.