Are There Sharks in Hawaii?

How Many Species of Sharks Are in Hawaii?

1. Tiger Shark

The tiger shark species found in Hawaii is the New Guinea Tiger Shark. This species is capable of surviving both in saltwater and freshwater environments, which makes them unique among shark species. They are known for their large size, and can reach lengths of up to 16 feet and weigh over 1,000lbs. Tiger sharks are also known for their adaptability and resilience, as they have been around for over 400 million years and have been able to survive environmental changes. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem, as they help maintain the ocean’s ecological balance by eating animals that are diseased or injured. While they usually avoid human contact, they are the most likely culprit when a biting incident occurs in Hawaii. Scientists continue to monitor the movements of these sharks with the use of satellite transponders mounted on their dorsal fins to gain insight into their behavior and habitat.

2. Mako Shark

The Mako Shark is a species of shark found in the waters of Hawaii. They are the fastest sharks in the ocean and expert predators, and Hawaii is one of the only places in the world they can be seen in the wild. Mako Sharks are usually gray in color, with a distinct white or silver underside. They can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Mako Sharks are highly sought out by anglers due to their remarkable speed and agility, and they mostly hunt the many tunas found in the deep Pacific waters. They are also known for their ability to leap out of the water, making them a spectacular sight for onlookers.

3. Great White Shark

The probability of encountering a Great White Shark in Hawaii is extremely low. Sightings of this species are extremely rare and there are only a few recent incidents involving a great white in Hawaii. Most sightings tend to happen between January and April when the water is cooler. Additionally, most great whites are between 11 and 15ft long and weigh around 1,600 pounds. Native Hawaiians also highly revere sharks and consider them family guardians.

4. Reef Shark

The reef shark species profile for Hawaii consists of four species of sharks that are commonly seen in the ocean near our coasts: the white-tip reef shark, the sandbar shark, the scalloped hammerhead, and occasionally the terrifying tiger shark. These sharks tend to stay below 6 feet in length, but larger ones have been reported at 6.2 feet. They have gray bodies with a thin streak of white going down the edge of their dorsal fin and a black edge on the back of the tail. They have no interdorsal ridge.

When it comes to reproduction and life cycles, gray reef sharks give birth to live young and will have a litter of 3-6 pups. The gestation period is 11-12 months and they can live up to 25 years of age.

Unfortunately, the IUCN lists these sharks as “near threatened” due to overfishing. It is important that we take steps to protect these species so they can remain a part of our oceans for years to come.

5. Hammerhead Shark

The species of hammerhead shark found in Hawaii is the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini). These sharks are easily recognizable by their flattened, hammer-shaped heads and notches along the front of their heads. They can reach up to 14 feet in length and weigh up to 880 pounds, but most stay under 7 feet in length. In Hawaii, the juveniles typically stay near the surface of the water and adults are most commonly seen at 110-225 feet deep. Their diet includes bony fishes, smaller sharks, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Unfortunately, hammerheads are commonly caught and exploited for their meat and oil, leading to a decrease in the population. The IUCN currently lists them as a “critically endangered” species. The Hawaiian name for this species is Mano Kihikihi.

6. Grey Reef Shark

The species of shark that is found most frequently in Hawaii is the Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). This species is a member of the family Carcharhinidae and is found in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It prefers to stay within reefs, and it is commonly seen in the waters along the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They are quite small, typically growing to a maximum of six feet in length, and they have a grey body with a white strip along their dorsal fin. Grey Reef Sharks are known to be curious and non-aggressive towards humans, but there have been some minor biting incidents from around the world. They are listed as “near threatened” by the IUCN due to overfishing for human consumption and other shark-based products.

7. Whitetip Reef Shark

The white-tip reef shark is a relatively small species of shark, typically growing up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length and weighing up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms). It has a gray coloration with white tips on its two dorsal fins and the top of its tail fin. The head of these sharks is slightly flattened and their snout is round and dainty. In Hawaii, these sharks can often be found in coral reefs at depths of 25 to 130 feet (7.6 to 40 meters) and they also like to rest in underwater caves. They are recognizable by their white tips and slender, round body shape.

8. Basking Shark

The Basking Shark lives in tropical and subtropical waters across the world, including in the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii. They prefer deep ocean and rarely come to the shore, so it is unlikely to encounter them. Females reach up to 12 feet in length and weigh in at 370 pounds while males are smaller, reaching up to 8 feet and weighing up to 200 pounds.

These sharks have a long life span, living up to 32 years. They reach maturity around 16 years of age. At this time, the female sharks give birth to live young every 2 years, with litters of 1 to 14 pups. The gestation period for Basking Sharks is 6 to 12 months.

Basking Shark mainly hunt bottom-dwelling fish like flatfish and rays and also seek out other, smaller shark species. They live in warm waters and are known for their patterns along their fins and ability to be great hunters. These sharks have also been overfished in some areas, making them vulnerable and listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

To avoid encountering Basking Sharks, it is best to avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night when these sharks move inshore to feed. If you do happen to spot one, it is recommended to calmly and quickly make your way out of the water.

9. Spinner Shark

The spinner shark is a species of shark found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is characterized by its long, slender body, long pectoral fins, and prominent dorsal fin. This species is also known for its unique hunting technique, whereby it leaps out of the water and spins in the air to catch its prey. In Hawaii, there are 40 species of sharks surrounding the islands, including the spinner shark. Although spinner sharks are not considered dangerous to humans, caution should still be taken when swimming near them since they can become aggressive when provoked.

10. Hammerhead Shark

The species of shark known as the hammerhead shark in Hawaii is the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini). It is named for its distinctive hammer-shaped head, which is flattened and has notches along the front. These sharks grow up to 14 feet in length and are gray in coloration. They live in temperate and tropical waters around the globe, including in Hawaii, and prefer shallow waters. They feed on bony fishes, smaller sharks, rays, crustaceans and cephalopods. Unfortunately, they are increasingly being exploited by humans for their meat and oil, leading to a decrease in population numbers.

Where are the Best Places to See Sharks in Hawaii?

1. Oahu

There are a few great spots to see sharks in Oahu, Hawaii. One of the best places is Hanauma Bay, Oahu’s Marine Life Conservation District. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of shark species without fear of attack. The bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was opened in 1967. Other great spots for seeing sharks include the Mokapu Peninsula, which is home to large numbers of Galapagos sharks, and the waters off of the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, visitors can expect to see an array of premier shark species in some of the best ocean conditions found anywhere in the world. There are even events celebrating these wonderful creatures, where spectators can offer fish for them to eat. While shark attacks have been on the rise in recent years, it is still safe to swim in the Hawaiian waters, given that attacks remain very rare.

2. Kauai

Kauai is known for its amazing beaches and views, but did you know that it is also a great spot for shark watching? The Kauai waters boast a variety of shark species, including white sharks, requiem sharks, and several different types of reef sharks.

The best spots to see sharks in Kauai are in the waters of the Na Pali Coast and the Hanalei Bay. The Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai’s most beautiful places, with its dramatic sea cliffs and beaches. Here you can spot white sharks, as well as other species like Galapagos Sharks and Gray Reef Sharks. Hanalei Bay is also a great spot to spot reef sharks, such as the Whitetip Reef Shark and the Blacktip Reef Shark.

The waters of the Waimea Bay, and the area around the Mahaulepu Heritage Coast Trail are also known for their shark sightings. In the Waimea Bay, you can spot Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and Galapagos Sharks. The Mahaulepu Heritage Coast Trail area is known for its Tiger Sharks.

Finally, if you want to experience the thrill of close encounters with sharks, you can book a shark diving tour with a local company such as Dive Kauai. They offer guided dives with the chance to see some of Kauai’s most spectacular shark species, including the Whitetip Reef Shark, Tiger Shark, and the Galapagos Shark.

3. Maui

Seeing sharks on Maui can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, but it should be done with caution. The best places to see sharks on Maui are in the deeper waters offshore, including near Molokini Crater, Haleakala Crater, Kihei, Ma’alaea, and Honolua Bay. Some experienced divers also report seeing sharks at La Perouse Bay and Honokohau Harbor. To maximize your chances of spotting sharks, you can join a guided tour or even go out at night, when most sharks are more active. Other tips for increasing your chances of seeing sharks include: swimming near schools of fish, making sure you have a bright wetsuit, wearing a dive light, and avoiding strong currents. Lastly, always remember that sharks are wild animals, so don’t be too close to them and keep a safe distance.

4. The Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many different types of sharks, including Tiger Sharks, Whitetip reef Sharks and Scalloped hammerheads. For the best chance of spotting them, the waters surrounding Makena Point in Maui experience some of the highest concentrations of sharks. Other notable locations include Kailua-Kona, which is 19.19 square miles and features a white shark that was spotted near the shore, and Hanauma Bay, which is a marine life conservation district and a great spot for snorkeling and interacting with sharks in a safe environment. Other beaches around the island, such as Haleiwa Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon, are also great for swimming and watersports, with the possibility of seeing various types of sharks in the water.

5. Nā Pali

Nā Pali, located on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, is a great place to see sharks in Hawaii. The area is home to a variety of species, including tiger, Galapagos, scalloped hammerhead, and whitetip reef sharks. The crystal clear waters of Nā Pali provide an excellent opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural environment. Additionally, the area’s rugged coastline, steep sea cliffs, and deep ocean waters create an ideal habitat for sharks, making it a great place to spot them. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, giving people an opportunity to observe the sharks up close. Finally, the area is well-monitored by the State of Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), providing an extra layer of safety for those looking to get up close and personal with the sharks.

6. Haiku

The island of Maui is home to a variety of sharks, with five reported fatal incidents in the past 20 years. For those wanting to observe the marine life up close, Kaimana Beach is a great spot to start. For a more immersive experience, hikes such as Waikamoi and Pipiwai Trail provide unforgettable views of the island’s best swimming spots. For the truly curious, take an ocean tour or visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Haiku-Pauwela, where you can spot some of the majestic marine predators in their natural habitat.

7. Mānoa

One of the best places to view sharks in Mānoa, Hawaii is Hanauma Bay, Oahu’s Marine Life Conservation District. This picturesque beach is a great spot to see various types of shark species, including Galapagos sharks, up-close without fear of attack. Another great spot for viewing sharks is the Mokapu Peninsula, which is home to many Galapagos sharks and is known for its interactions with the local community. Other top places to see sharks in Mānoa, Hawaii include Maui, Lanai, Molokini, and other beaches prone to underwater currents. To ensure safety when swimming in these areas, it is always recommended to wear life-saving devices such as bodyboards and surfing devices.

What Can You do to Avoid Shark Attacks When Swimming in Hawaii?

1. Know the most dangerous sharks in Hawaii.

The most dangerous sharks in Hawaii are tiger sharks and Galapagos sharks. Tiger sharks are the most dangerous of the two and are responsible for the majority of attacks on people. They can grow up to 16 feet in length and typically weigh between 386 and 1,400 pounds. They have a wide and flat head with a short, broad snout and large mouth. Their skin color ranges from blue to light green, with a white or slightly yellowish belly. Younger individuals have characteristic stripes on their backs.

Galapagos sharks are also known to be aggressive in Hawaiian waters and can be easily identified by the white tips on their top dorsal and tail fins.

To avoid these dangerous sharks, it is important to remain vigilant while swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or diving in the waters of Hawaii. Pay attention to warning signs and stick to shallow waters if possible. Additionally, it is recommended to swim with a partner and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to congregate, such as river estuaries or near reefs.

2. Avoid murky waters.

It is important to avoid murky waters when swimming in Hawaii because these are favorite hangouts for sharks, and swimming in such conditions increases the risk of a shark attack. Murky waters often occur after a storm and provide additional cover for sharks during hunting, meaning they can more easily spot their prey. Additionally, sharks tend to be more active during times of low visibility such as at dawn and dusk, and they are also attracted to splashing and flailing behavior. Understanding these behaviors can help swimmers avoid areas where sharks may be present, thus lessening the chances of a shark attack. Taking precautions such as swimming with a partner and checking for warning signs or posted placards if a shark has recently been sighted are also essential in preventing shark attacks. By avoiding murky waters, swimming in groups, and following other precautionary measures, swimmers in Hawaii can enjoy the ocean without the fear of shark attack.

3. Stay away from feeding sharks.

To avoid being bitten by a shark while swimming in Hawaii, it is important to follow a few safety tips:

1. Steer clear of the water at dusk, dawn and in the middle of the night, as this is when sharks like to feed inshore.
2. Avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths, as sharks are attracted to areas with an influx of nutrients from freshwater sources.
3. Avoid swimming or surfing at dawn, dusk, or night, as these are the times when sharks are most active.
4. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, as these can confuse and attract sharks.
5. If you see a turtle or fish behaving erratically, calmly swim away. Sharks are attracted to a lot of splashing and flailing behavior, so it is best to remain calm in the water.
6. Be aware of dolphins. They are a favorite source of food for sharks.
7. Do not enter the water if you have an open wound or are bleeding in any way. Sharks have a remarkably keen sense of smell for detecting blood and other bodily fluids. So it is best to refrain from emptying your bladder in the water. Sharks have been known to be attracted to that as well.
8. When diving, swimming or surfing, stay near a group. Just in case you need help, you don’t want to be alone.
9. Dodge water that is murky and harbour entrances, especially after heavy rains, as this is where sharks tend to frequently feed.
10. Leave the water immediately if you see a shark and notify lifeguards or other authorities.

4. Avoid swimming at night.

Swimming in Hawaii at night is a risky activity that should be avoided. Sharks are more active at night, which makes it easier for them to find prey. Furthermore, the murky waters make it difficult for swimmers to see any approaching predators. Additionally, swimming in the dark also reduces your ability to judge the depth of the water and increases the risk of drowning. For all these reasons, it is important to avoid swimming at night in Hawaii.

5. Heed shark warning signs.

When entering the water, it is important to remember to always heed shark warning signs and take extra precautions, such as swimming in groups, avoiding swimming at night, dawn or dusk, and not entering waters that contain sewage. Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, and avoid swimming near sandbars or steep drop-offs, as these are prime spots for sharks. By following these simple precautions and avoiding areas where sharks may be present, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable time in the water.

6. Stay away from reefs and kelp beds.

Reefs and kelp beds are two of the most perilous places to swim in Hawaii. Not only do they provide a murky environment that hides sharks, they also attract bait fish, which in turn attract more sharks. Reefs and kelp beds are also known to be areas of strong ocean currents that can easily pull swimmers off course and out of sight. Finally, the sharp rocks and coral found in these areas can easily cause scratches and lacerations if contact is made. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid swimming in these areas and stick to clear waters with low activity. With this advice, swimmers can take reasonable steps to decrease the risks of a shark attack and keep themselves safe in Hawaii’s waters.

7. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry.

It is important to avoid wearing shiny jewelry when swimming in Hawaii, as this can attract the attention of sharks and increase the risk of a potentially dangerous encounter. Sharks have an acute sense of smell, and the light that reflects off of shiny jewelry can be mistaken for the light from scales on a fish, thus triggering a predatory response. Additionally, sharks can easily detect the contrast of shiny jewelry against the murky depths of the ocean, making them easier to spot and potentially increasing the likelihood of being attacked. Overall, wearing shiny jewelry in the ocean can put swimmers in an unsafe situation, and should be avoided as much as possible.

8. Pay attention to the water condition.

When swimming in Hawaii’s waters, you should watch for several conditions that could increase your chances of a shark attack. Firstly, avoid swimming in murky water, particularly after a storm, in rivermouths with heavy runoff, at dawn or dusk, or around spear fishermen or harbor entrances. Secondly, make sure to adhere to any warning signs or posted placards if a shark has recently been sighted in the area. Lastly, be aware that sharks are attracted to urine, so if you have to urinate, try to do so on shore. Additionally, it is best to avoid lying on the surface of the ocean, as frantic splashing can make you appear to be injured, thus increasing your chances of being attacked. By taking these precautions, you will be able to better enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s ocean life without fear.

9. Bring a swim device with you.

It is important to bring a swim device with you when swimming in Hawaii, as the beaches in the state are prone to have strong currents and the presence of sharks. Swimming in these conditions without a life-saving device could be dangerous and even deadly. By having a flotation device or bodyboard with you, you can increase your chances of survival in the event of an accident or attack from a shark. Additionally, by using a flotation device, you can keep yourself from being pulled away from shore by the currents. Finally, having a swim device with you can give you greater control over your movements and help you to stay safe in the event of turbulence or an unexpected wave. Not only are swim devices an important way to stay safe in the water, but they can also provide an extra layer of protection against the presence of sharks. By avoiding sudden movements, bright clothing, and excessive splashing, you can make yourself less appealing to a shark. With the right swim device and safety tips, you can ensure that your time spent in Hawaii’s waters will be enjoyable and safe.

10. Learn about the sharks in your area.

Step 1: Get familiar with the most common type of sharks in your area. In Hawaii, the most common sharks are the tiger shark, the Galapagos shark, the white-tip oceanic shark, the scalloped hammerhead shark, the gray reef shark, the sandbar shark, the blacktip reef shark, the silvertip shark, the nurse shark, and the whitetip reef shark.

Step 2: Understand what makes a shark more likely to attack. Sharks are more likely to attack when they are confused or startled, so be sure to make your presence known by splashing or talking loudly. Additionally, swimming in murky waters, near river mouths, at dusk or dawn, or near spear fishermen can increase the likelihood of an attack.

Step 3: Avoid swimming at the times and in the places that sharks are more likely to attack. Avoid swimming in murky water, near river mouths with heavy runoff, at dawn or dusk, or near spear fishermen. Also, heed warning signs or posted placards if a shark has recently been sighted.

Step 4: If you spot a shark or see fish, sea turtles, or marine mammals acting strangely, exit the water calmly and quickly.

Step 5: If a shark does attack, remember to stay calm and try to punch it on the nose or eyes.