Makena Point is believed to have the largest gathering of sharks in Hawaii. Sightings of tiger sharks are quite common from Makena Beach on Maui Island.
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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.
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.
It is well known in Hawaii that October through the end of the calendar year is a time of increased shark activity. Historically, it's been the month with the most recorded unprovoked shark bites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawaii's waters. People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers.
Leave the water quickly and calmly if a shark is sighted; if you see a shark, alert lifeguards or other swimmers immediately. Keep pets out of the water as their erratic movement can attract sharks. Be aware that using bait to lure fish may also attract sharks.
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. No official record indicates specific locations in Hawaii where great white sharks have been spotted.
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.