That said, despite the small numbers and rarity of attacks, data also shows that Maui has a disproportionately higher number of shark incidents than any other island.
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Don't swim/surf/dive near harbor entrances, river mouths and channels, especially after heavy rains. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks. Don't wear high-contrast swimwear or shiny jewelry. Sharks can see contrast well.
Maui generally enjoys some of the best water quality on earth. Sometimes during winter storms on Maui, Molokai and Lanai water quality can be compromised temporarily by water runoff that carries excessive sediment, nutrients, and pollution called Brown Water Events, characterized by brown-looking water.
After heavy rains, stay out of the ocean until the water clears. Don't swim in the mouths of rivers or streams or in any murky areas. Murky waters attract predators (think “shark”), and you don't want to be mistaken for a fish or turtle when they are looking for a snack. You'll find more Maui ocean safety tips here!
Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are most active and/or moving closer to shore to find food. Be aware that some shark species, like tiger sharks, are always active, no matter what time of day.
Shark safety when snorkeling in Maui. If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal. The odds are in your favor that you'll be able to swim and snorkel safely here.
About eight species are somewhat common in nearshore waters. The most frequently encountered are the whitetip reef, sandbar, scalloped hammerhead, and occasionally tiger. These inshore species are top-level carnivores, feeding primariy on fishes.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.
Yes, great white sharks have been spotted around Hawaii. They visit the area between January and April when the water temperature goes below 75 degrees Fahrenheit because great whites prefer living in colder waters.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.
Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.
We encourage travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Pa?ia and Hana), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua?i, O?ahu, Lana?i, Moloka?i and Hawai?i Island.
General SafetyDon't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts a crowd. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and open establishments. Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and don't display expensive cameras or electronic equipment.
The average visitor to Maui spends 8.1 days on the island. How long you should stay depends on what you want to do, but you should plan to spend a minimum of five days on Maui.