Sightings of Hawaiian sharks are concentrated on particular islands and regions because of their habitat and feeding supplies.
Particularly along its west and south shores, Maui regularly has one of the highest rates of shark sightings and occurrences of any place.
This is explained by the fact that its nearshore waters are warm, shallow, and teeming with marine life, all of which draw infamous creatures like tiger sharks. Additionally, the shallow waters facilitate shark spotting.
According to the DLNR, “sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year.”
Nonetheless, Hawaiian authorities caution against swimming in murky waters near river mouths, particularly during the peak shark activity hours of dawn or twilight.
In the ocean, they also remind people that they are guests “in a world that belongs to the sharks.”
Honolua Bay
As a Marine Life Conservation District, Honolua Bay is among Maui’s top snorkelling spots. In addition, a lot of surfers from the area travel to Honolua Bay in search of some of the best waves in the world.
It also happens to be the location of the most recent fatal shark attack and one of the most frequent shark attack locations on Maui.
Due to the abundance of food supplies and ideal water conditions in places like Honolua Bay, tiger sharks—the species most frequently associated with shark incidents in Hawaii—proliferate there.
These potentially fatal encounters are still uncommon, though, and visitors should continue to exercise caution because there are a lot of sharks in these seas.
Hanalei Bay
Located on the north side of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is one of Hawaii’s most boasted beaches; its reputation stems in part from the extent of its shark population.
The bay’s proximity to deep seas and the influx of marine life, such as fish, seals, and turtles, are the causes of this.
Beachgoers are encouraged to exercise caution when swimming or surfing in the area due to the rarity of shark attacks, even though recorded incidents of shark attacks from the Hawaii.gov Incidents List are spread over the past several years.
To guarantee the protection of beachgoers, the municipal and beach authorities have put in place measures including shark spotters, beach closures, and public education.
Mālaekahana Beach
Shark activity has been observed near Mālaekahana Beach on Oʻahu’s North Shore. In June 2024, professional surfer and actor Tamayo Perry was fatally attacked by a shark while surfing off the North Shore of Oahu.
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It is uncertain what kind of shark was attacked. Needless to say, these occurrences emphasise the importance of exercising caution in locations where marine life, particularly sharks, is known to exist.
Although Mālaekahana is a generally calm beach that attracts tourists because to its natural beauty, it is important to be mindful of shark activity and follow local safety precautions, just like other Hawaiian beaches.
Kahului Harbor
According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, shark activity has traditionally taken place in Kahului Harbour on Maui.
Kahului Harbor’s reputation for shark presence is influenced by its location on the northern shore and its proximity to other inhabited seas.
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Because the harbour and nearby beaches are used for a variety of purposes, there can be additional opportunities for in-person interactions.
Shark sightings in this region are often seasonal, according to Maui Magazine, with a higher number of events and sightings occurring in the autumn, particularly in October, which is known as ‘Sharktober’.
The pupping season for tiger sharks and their enhanced migration to the main Hawaiian Islands occur during this time.
Makena Beach
Another popular spot for shark encounters is Makena Beach, often known as Big Beach. The area, located on the southwest coast of Maui, is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular destination for swimmers and snorkelers.
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However, it should come as no surprise that sharks, particularly the cunning tiger sharks, are attracted to it.
For example, in June 2022, Makena Beach and nearby locations, such as Little Beach and Black Sand Beach, were temporarily closed to protect the public after a 12- to 14-foot tiger shark was sighted close to the beach, according to a story by The Maui News.
Officials caution everyone that it’s important to follow prescribed limits when swimming or participating in other water activities in Hawaiian seas, as the sightings are not uncommon.
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