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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Julie H says
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!
Colin says
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? 🙂
CindyS says
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.
BARBARA M says
CINDYS…. Silly silly girl! Glad you have all your appendages still in tact!
Marsha M says
Bad choice. Glad a lifeguard didn’t have to risk their limbs for your poor decision. Shame.
TomK says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tom.
No we have never used them, and don’t know if they work or not. Interesting stuff though.
Aloha.
Mandy M says
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.
Roy H says
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
Frieda G. says
Gives new meaning to the song “Baby Shark”!
Matt says
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.
PAM M says
“Sharks only bite when you touch their private parts…”
(50 First Dates)
Mahalo Rob and Jeff for the amazing reporting.
Aloha and stay blessed 🌺
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pam.
LOL. Thanks.
Aloha.
Hal says
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.
Rebecca N. says
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
Rebecca N. says
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!
Mandy M. says
Why? Did you have on shiny jewelry or something to attract it to you?
Lisa B says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lisa.
Thanks for your nice words and comments.
Aloha.