How likely is it to see a shark in Hawaii?

Also, with the exception of white tip and black tip reef sharks, seeing a shark is so exceptionally rare that most locals have never seen one. If you do see a shark when visiting Hawaii—especially in clear, blue water—consider yourself lucky to have had the chance at such a rare encounter.



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Out of all the Islands, Maui sees the majority of shark incidents, with twice as many shark encounters as Oahu, according to the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources. From 1995 to 2022, Maui had 62 incidents, while Oahu, the most populated island, had 32.

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Out of all the Islands, Maui sees the majority of shark incidents, with twice as many shark encounters as Oahu, according to the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

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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.

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Beneath the ocean's beautiful blue surface, conditions can be unpredictable and even dangerous. Ocean safety experts recommend checking in with lifeguards before you enter the water - they'll be happy to tell you about potential hazards like rip currents, hidden rocks and shorebreaks.

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Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels, or steep dropoffs. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks. Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.

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You'll want to keep a safe distance from the underwater animals (as many of them could be endangered) and never stand on or touch the reef, as it is extremely fragile and can easily cut you. Snorkeling tours are safe, well-organized, and know the best spots for viewing sea turtles and fish.

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While it is nice to swim in the pool below the falls, we don't recommend swimming directly under the waterfall. The pressure of the water can be intense, and sometimes rocks and other debris can come over the falls without warning and cause injury.

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Is it safe to visit Waikiki Beach at night? Although Waikiki Beach is open 24 hours, safety can depend on various factors. Generally, the beach is well-lit and patrolled regularly, but we always advise our guests to be aware of their surroundings and follow any local guidelines.

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The easy answer is no. Alligators are not native to Hawaii, and the only way you'll see a gator in the Aloha State is in the zoo, such as the Honolulu Zoo. However, of the two alligators the Honolulu Zoo had, their oldest alligator, Goliath, died in 2015 after living six decades in the zoo.

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