Shark at Poipu Beach Kauai | Sharks in Hawaii

Lifeguards advised beachgoers to stay out of the water at renowned Poipu Beach Kauai on Tuesday, as seen in our photo above. After a 6 to 8 foot shark was sighted on Tuesday afternoon, at Nukumoi Point and the Tombolo, during an unusually busy spring season. Shark warning signs were immediately posted and the beach is remains closed until further notice. Sometime on Wednesday, typically after 24 hours, lifeguards will assess the situation. Last year in February, the beach was also closed due to a shark.

Your Beat of Hawaii editors are regular distance swimmers, especially at Hanalei during the summer months – like now. We have both been fortunate never to have encountered a shark in the water, while having seen them more than once from the shoreline. Once Rob felt something grab his foot and thought that it was a shark. It turned out to be another swimmer who got too close. He really freaked out at first, however, although he reported staying calm.

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.

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. 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 as well as keeping 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.

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Beat of Hawaii photo at Poipu Beach Kauai.

Updated June 1, 2021.