A shark attack occurred yesterday here on Kauai, which resulted in a surfer having his hand bitten followed by 26 stitches. Davidsons Beach, the southern end of Kekaha Beach, was closed as a result and could reopen later today.
The surfer (Doug Moore), who is recovering, was sitting atop his surfboard when he felt a pain in his hand, which he first mistook to be a jellyfish. He hit the shark multiple times and was subsequently freed. He was later taken to KVMH hospital where he required emergency treatment. The size and species of shark is not known.
There have been over 40 shark attacks in Hawaii over the past five years. The State of Hawaii maintains a database of shark attacks.
In a strange twist of fate, another incident took place at virtually the same spot in 2017, when a French surfer required having his leg amputated after an attack by a 9-12 foot long tiger shark. In that attack, yesterday’s victim was reported to have been the one who applied the tourniquet to the injured surfer.
A previous shark incident took place at Wailea (Maui) in February when a standup padder was attacked. Luckily, the shark bit the board rather than the person atop it. That tiger shark was reported to have been approximately 10 feet in length.
There are concerns that more shark incidents on Kauai could be related to foreign invasive juvenile fish that have been seen on the north shore. These Tilapia are believed to have come from drainage ditches on Kauai’s westside, not far from yesterday’s attack.
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 Kauai Beaches, it’s good to remember that shark sightings can occur anywhere in Hawaii.
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. Scientists are utilizing the latest in satellite tagging systems.
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. 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 weak and sick as well as keeping a balance with competitors in order to help ensure diversity of species.
One-third of all shark species are threatened or near-threatened.
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 family.
Photo credit: UH Manoa.
Post Revised on June 2, 2020.
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Pamela M. says
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.
Pamela M. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pamela.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Sheryl B. says
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.“.
Judy M. says
Very interesting article. Thank you for the information.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Judy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
robert h. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Robert.
Thanks. We appreciate your being a regular!
Aloha.
Julie D. says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Julie.
The title of the piece is “Sharks in Hawaii: Kauai and Big Island Incidents.” and that is what it is about.
Aloha.
Hal G says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Bob L says
Be sure to bring your time travel shoes if you are attending the Feb 2020 run. You are going to need them….. 🙂
Iroquois says
Bob L,
Check the date of the comment. =o)
Aloha.
Maribeth says
Thanks for the update. Can you also provide a link to the UH Manoa tracking page?
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Maribeth.
The UH Manoa link does go to the shark tracking page.
Aloha.
connie w. says
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.
Chris says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks very much Chris!
Aloha.
Bob W says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bob.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Christy T says
What type of sharks were they? Besides the attack that happened 30’ off shore, how far off shore were the others?
Grant B. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks very much Grant!!
Aloha.
Dan F. says
Aloha,
I love the issue on Tagging Sharks, and where to find more data.
Mahalo, Dan F.