Incidents List
This list and the accompanying graphics do not include encounters in which a shark does not actually bite a person or board (e.g. person grazed by a shark), nor incidents classified by the International Shark Attack File as boat attacks, scavenge, or doubtful. A few incidents were possible shark bites, but shark involvement was not confirmed, and are noted as such.
All shark lengths are estimates. Type of shark is named only if established by evidence and/or witnesses. “Requiem shark” is used here to indicate a member of the family Carcharhinidae that cannot be identified with certainty, but tiger shark can be excluded. Examples of requiem sharks other than tiger sharks include gray reef, Galapagos, blacktip, blacktip reef, whitetip reef, and sandbar.
Incidents are added to this list after the Division of Aquatic Resources has completed its own investigation.
Learn more about close encounters between people and sharks.
Date and Time |
Location |
Activity |
Water Clarity |
Water Depth |
Victim |
Description |
Shark |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024/06/23, before 12:20 pm | O‘ahu, Lā‘ie, Mālaekahana, distance from shore uncertain | Surfing | Turbid | Unknown | T. Perry | Fatal; loss of right forearm, severe lacerations to right thigh |
Species and length unknown. |
2024/06/07, 1:40 pm | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, approx 3 miles from shore | Swimming with sharks | Clear | est 600 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to right thigh, forearm, and hand. Considered a provoked incident. |
Species and length unknown. |
2024/03/04, 4:55 pm | Oʻahu, Waikīkī, Old Mans, approx 350 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 10-15 ft | M. White | No injury; shark bit tail of surfboard. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet |
2024/03/02, 1:25 pm | Oʻahu, Ka‘a‘awa, Kualoa Beach, 5-10 feet from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est. 3 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to left foot. |
Species unknown, length estimated at 3 feet |
2023/12/30, 11:10 am | Maui, Pāʻia Bay, approx 150 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6-8 ft | J. Carter | Fatal; loss of left leg. |
Species unknown, length 8-10 feet |
2023/10/25, 3:05 pm | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, Puaʻena Beach Park, approx 185 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 4-6 feet | Confidential | Laceractions to right thigh. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 8 feet |
2023/10/15, 4:00 pm | Kaua‘i, Hanalei Bay, The Bowl, approx 370 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 20 ft | K. Kanehe | Deep lacerations and puncture wounds to left leg. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 10 feet |
2023/10/02, 1:00 pm | Maui, Ku‘au Bay, approx 50 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 5-7 ft | K. Cole | No injury; shark bit tail of surfboard |
Galapagos shark, length 10-12 feet |
2023/04/09, 6:50 am | O‘ahu, Kewalo, Rennick's, approx 200 yards from shore | Surfing | Clear | 4-5 ft | M. Morita | Severe injuries to lower right leg resulting in loss of foot. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet |
2023/03/19, 12:30 pm | Hawai‘i, ‘Anaeho‘omalu, approx 250 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 10-12 ft | L. Livingston | Lacerations to back of left knee and left hand. Two sharks involved. |
Blacktip reef sharks, length 5 ft |
2023/03/19, 11:55 pm | Moloka‘i, Kaiwi Channel, approx 12 miles west-northwest of Pāpōhako Beach | Swimming | Clear | est 1800 ft | A. Walberer | Semi-circular puncture wounds to chest and abdomen. Two sharks involved. |
Cookiecutter sharks, length 18-22 inches |
2023/02/19, 11:30 am | Maui, Kīhei, approx one mile offshore of Welakahao Rd beach access | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | est 200 ft | P. Wardle, M. Valentine | No injury; shark bit back of inflatable SUP |
Tiger shark, length 12-15 ft |
2022/12/13, 8:00 am | Hawai‘i, ‘Anaeho‘omalu, approx 170 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | est 10 ft | J. Ellis | Lacerations to lower left torso and right thumb. |
Species and length unknown. |
2022/12/08, 12:00 pm | Maui, Kīhei, Keawakapu, approx 50 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | 10-15 ft | K. Allen | Fatal; victim not recovered. |
Species and length unknown. |
2022/10/25, 4:00 pm | Kaua‘i, Līhue, Kalapakī Beach, 15-20 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | 4-6 ft | S. Hill | No injury; shark bit off part of swim fin. |
Species and length unknown |
2022/10/18, 11:00 am | O‘ahu, Ka‘a‘awa, Razorbacks, approx. 700 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 60 ft | A. King | Laceration to right big toe. |
Species unknown, length estimated at 6-8 feet |
2022/09/09, 2:40 pm | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Keahole Point, approx 1 mile from shore | SCUBA diving | Clear | 200-250 ft | Confidential | Lacerations and puncture wounds on left calf and ankle. Considered a provoked incident. |
Blacktip shark, length 7-8 feet |
2022/09/03, 4:00 pm | Maui, Pāʻia Bay, approx 20 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | 10-15 ft | Confidential | Loss of left arm below shoulder and index and middle fingers on right hand; puncture wounds to left side of torso. |
Species and length unknown |
2022/03/21, 2:00 pm | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Keahole Point, approx 1 mile from shore | SCUBA diving | Clear | est 200 ft | Confidential | Puncture wound on right big toe. Considered a provoked incident. |
Galapagos shark, length 6 feet |
2022/02/09, before 3:30 am | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Kahalu‘u Beach Park, approx 1.5 miles from shore | Floating | Clear | est 1200 ft | Confidential | Bitten on right foot and calf. |
Cookiecutter shark, length unknown |
2021/12/04, 6:00 pm | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Banyans, approx 130 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 ft | J. Willeford | Lacerations to left forearm. |
White shark, length estimated at 15 feet |
2021/11/07, 10:30 am | Maui, Lahaina, Mala Wharf, approx 200 yds from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 60 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to upper right thigh. Considered a provoked incident. |
Requiem shark, length 4-6 feet |
2021/05/15, 4:40 pm | Maui, Kanaha, 400-500 yds from shore | Surfing - kite | Turbid | 10-15 ft | Confidential | Minor lacerations and puncture wounds to lower back. Considered a provoked incident. |
Tiger shark, length 5-8 feet |
2021/05/03, 3:30 pm | O‘ahu, Kāneʻohe, North Beach, approx 10 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 3 ft | P. Blanchette | Multiple lacerations to left leg below knee. |
Requiem shark, length 5-6 feet |
2021/04/20, 8:50 am | Hawai‘i, Kūkiʻo Bay, approx 500 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | est 60 ft | T. Abrams | Laceration to right leg below knee. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet |
2021/02/06, 4:30 pm | Kaua‘i, Waiokapua Bay; approx 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 6-10 ft | G. Klein | No injury; shark bit nose of surfboard. |
Tiger shark, length 12-14 feet |
2021/01/22, 7:20 am | Maui, Kāʻanapali, Kahekili beach, 80-100 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 25-30 ft | G. Weisbecker | Lacerations to lower right leg. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet |
2021/01/02, 7:30 am | Hawai‘i, ‘Anaeho‘omalu, approx 200 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | 15-20 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to lower right leg. |
Species and length unknown |
2020/12/08, 7:55 am | Maui, Honolua Bay, approx 20 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | R. Warren | Fatal. Severe lacerations to left leg. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 14 feet |
2020/12/04, 7:45 am | Hawai‘i, Waikoloa, Makaīwa Bay | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | est 3-4 ft | Confidential | No injury; shark bit tail of SUP |
Species unknown, length estimated at 6 feet |
2020/11/26, 2:55 pm | Maui, Honokowai, 50-100 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 12 ft | Confidential | Severe lacerations to torso, left arm, and forehead. |
Tiger shark, length uncertain |
2020/09/06, 4:00 pm | Hawai‘i, Puakō, Kapuniau Point, approx 100 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 8 ft | C. Christensen | Lacerations to left ankle. |
Requiem shark, length 8-10 feet |
2020/06/01, 8:25 am | Kaua‘i, Kekaha, Davidson's Beach, approx 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 4-6 feet | D. Moore | Laceration to right hand |
Species and length unknown. |
2020/02/05, 9:45 am | Maui, Kīhei, Wailea Beach, approx 300 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | est 40 feet | Confidential | No injury; shark bit tail of SUP |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 10 feet. |
2019/12/03, 10:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, approx 0.5 miles north of Kalama Beach Park and 200 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | 6-8 feet | L. Oberto | No injury; shark bit back of inflatable SUP |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2019/09/26, 9:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, approx 0.5 miles north of Kalama Beach Park and 150 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 8-10 feet | Confidential | No injury; shark bit tail of surfboard. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2019/09/18, 10:10 am | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, approx 3 miles from shore | Swimming with sharks | Clear | est 600 ft | L. Russell | Puncture wounds and laceration to right hand. Considered a provoked incident. |
Galapagos shark, length 5-9 feet. |
2019/09/18, 10:10 am | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, approx 3 miles from shore | Swimming with sharks | Clear | est 600 ft | Confidential | Puncture wounds to right chest and shoulder. Considered a provoked incident |
Galapagos shark, length 5-9 feet. |
2019/09/18, 10:10 am | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, approx 3 miles from shore | Swimming with sharks | Clear | est 600 ft | R. Russell | Puncture wounds to right arm near elbow. Considered a provoked incident. |
Galapagos or sandbar, length unknown. |
2019/08/20, 8:00 am | Hawai‘i, Kealakekua Bay, approx. 15 yds from shore | Treading water | Turbid | 10-15 feet | Confidential | Bitten on back of lower torso. |
Species and length unknown. |
2019/08/11, 7:00 pm | O‘ahu, Makaha Beach, approx 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 8-10 feet | M. Keliikipi | No injury; shark bit nose of surfboard. |
Species and length unknown. |
2019/07/29, 10:25 pm | O‘ahu, Kaiwi Channel, approx 11 miles east-southeast of Sandy Beach | Swimming | Clear | over 2,000 ft | Confidential | Bitten on inner left thigh. |
Cookiecutter shark, length unknown. |
2019/05/25, 8:45 am | Maui, Honokōwai, approx 120 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | 15-20 ft | T. Smiley | Fatal. Loss of left leg at knee. Lacerations to left arm and hand. |
Species and length unknown. |
2019/05/08, approx 9:00 am | Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa, approx 3 miles from shore | Swimming with sharks | Clear | est 600 ft | Confidential | Bitten on left arm and hand. Considered a provoked incident. |
Requiem shark, length unknown. |
2019/04/23, 8:30 am | Hawai‘i, ‘Anaeho‘omalu, approx 35 yds from shore | Paddling | Clear | est 30 ft | K. Bishop | Severe lacerations to inner right thigh, lacerations and puncture wounds to inner right calf. |
Requiem shark, length 6-8 feet. |
2019/04/06, 1:00 am | O‘ahu, Kaiwi Channel, approx 12 miles east-southeast of Koko Head | Swimming | Clear | over 2,000 ft | I. Mojica | Bitten on back just below left shoulder. |
Cookiecutter shark, length estimated at 1 foot. |
2019/03/16, 3:30 am | O‘ahu, Kaiwi Channel, approx 12 miles east-southeast of Koko Head | Swimming | Clear | over 2,000 ft | E. Schall | Bitten on lower abdomen. |
Cookiecutter shark, length unknown. |
2019/02/04, 1:30 pm | Kaua‘i, Hanalei Bay, The Bowl, approx 320 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 feet | Confidential | Large avulsion above left knee, additional puncture wounds to left leg. |
Tiger shark, length uncertain. |
2018/09/08, 8:25 am | O‘ahu, Lā‘ie, Pounders, approx one-half mile from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 7-8 feet | J. Perkins | Lacerations to right forearm. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 12 feet. |
2018/04/19, 8:00 am | Kaua‘i, Po‘ipū, Shipwreck's Beach, approx 50 yds from shore | Body boarding | Clear | 15-20 feet | D. McWilliams | Puncture wounds with slight avulsions to inner right thigh. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 8 feet. |
2018/03/31, 9:30 am | Hawai‘i, North Kona, Kūki‘o Beach, approx 125 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | est 25 ft | Confidential | Severe lacerations to right forearm and hand; loss of right leg below knee. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 12 feet. |
2017/12/31, 6:00 pm | O‘ahu, Kawailoa, "Hulton's"; approx 25 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 6-7 ft | M. Mariano | Lacerations to back of left thigh. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2017/11/02, 2:15 pm | O‘ahu, Makaha Beach, approx 30 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 6 ft | G. Ellis | Lacerations to left leg below knee. |
Species unknown, length estimated at 8 feet. |
2017/10/26, 2:10 pm | O‘ahu, Kalaeloa, White Plains Beach, approx 200 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | est 12 ft | T. Rodman | No injury; shark bit tail of SUP. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 8 feet. |
2017/10/09, 5:45 pm | Kaua‘i, Kekaha, Davidsons, approx 150 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 8 ft | M. Milan | Minor lacerations to left hand. |
Tiger shark, length uncertain. |
2017/04/14, 9:15 am | Kaua‘i, Kekaha, Davidsons, approx 120 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 5-10 ft | Confidential | Severe injuries to lower right leg. |
Tiger shark, length 9-12 feet. |
2016/11/14, 10:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, Kama‘ole Beach Park 1, approx 30 yds from shore | Treading water | Clear | est 15 ft | B. Zawacki | Multiple lacerations to right leg. |
Species and length unknown. |
2016/10/21, 4:50 pm | Maui, Pā‘ia, Ho‘okipa Beach Park, approx 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 6-10 ft | F. Jaime | Lacerations to left arm, hand, and leg. |
Species unknown, length 6-8 feet. |
2016/10/14, 9:50 am | Maui, Kīhei, Kama‘ole Beach Park 1, 40-60 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est 7 ft | Confidential | Severe deep lacerations to lower left leg, minor lacerations to left foot. |
Species and length unknown. |
2016/09/07, 2:25 pm | O‘ahu, Mākaha Beach, approx 300 yds from shore | Swimming | Unknown | 25-30 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to right shoulder, upper back, and right forearm. |
Species and length unknown. |
2016/08/06, 4:30 pm | Maui, Pā‘ia, Hamakuapoko, approx 1 mile from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | 40-50 ft | C. Baxter | No injury; shark bit SUP hydrofoil. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 10 feet. |
2016/06/15, 5:35 am | Kaua‘i, Līhu‘e, Kalapaki Beach, approx 30 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 ft | Confidential | Minor puncture wound to upper right arm. |
Requiem shark, length 3 feet. |
2016/05/03, 3:50 pm | Maui, Wailea Beach, approx 40 yds from shore | Floating | Turbid | 15-20 ft | Confidential | Minor lacerations to right shoulder. |
Species and length unknown. |
2016/03/31, 11:00 am | Maui, Olowalu, 400-450 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | 15-20 ft | J. Orr | Minor laceration to left foot. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
2016/01/28, 2:00 pm | Kaua‘i, Hanalei Bay, Black Pot, approx 120 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | 5-10 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to both hands. |
Requiem shark, length 5 feet. |
2016/01/23, 10:30 am | Maui, Wailea Beach Point, 150-200 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | est 30 ft | M. Mason | No injury; shark bit tail of SUP. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2015/12/22, 8:30 am | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Pahoehoe Beach, approx 600 yds from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | Unknown | R. Ford | No injury; shark bit tail of SUP. |
Species unknown, length 9 feet. |
2015/11/03, 10:30 am | Hawai‘i, Puna, Kehena Beach, 100-150 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | unknown | P. O'Leary | Lacerations to right foot. |
Species and length unknown. |
2015/10/31, 3:30 pm | Lāna‘i, Po‘aīwa Beach, approx 300 yds from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 25 ft | Confidential | No injury; shark bit weight belt. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2015/10/28, 2:50 p.m. | O‘ahu, Makaha Beach, approx 50-60 yds from shore | Body boarding | Turbid | est 20 ft | R. Senensi | Lacerations and puncture wounds to right leg. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 10 feet. |
2015/10/17, 11:20 am | O‘ahu, Kailua, Lanikai, approx 600 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est 6-10 ft | A. Lee | Severe injuries to both lower legs. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2015/10/09, 10:00 am | O‘ahu, Kawailoa, "Leftovers"; 150-200 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | 6-10 ft | C. Cook | Severely bitten on left leg; loss of leg at knee; lacerations to both hands. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2015/09/20, 3:30 pm | Hawai‘i, North Kohala, ‘Upolu Point, 60 yards from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 25 ft | B. Rocha | Extensive lacerations to left leg above and below knee. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 13 feet. |
2015/04/29, est. 8:30 am | Maui, ‘Ahihi Bay, Kanahena Point, approx 200 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | 20-35 ft | M. Cruse | Fatal. Severe deep lacerations to right shoulder and underarm; minor lacerations to right arm and right side of face. |
Species and length unknown. |
2015/03/18, 11:30 am | Hawai‘i, South Kohala, Hāpuna Beach, 20 yards from shore | Standing | Turbid | 4-5 feet | K. Grasing | Extensive laceration to left forearm; lacerations to left hand and thigh. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 8-10 feet. |
2015/01/27, 3:30 am | Maui, Pali scenic lookout | Fishing | Turbid | on shore | M. Pollard | Lacerations to left calf. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Requiem shark, length 4 feet. |
2014/11/13, 1:30 pm | Maui, Kā‘anapali, Kahekili Beach Park, 100 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | 20 ft | A. Haas | Laceration to upper left leg. |
Species and length unknown. |
2014/10/31, 10:20 am | Hawai‘i, Kohala, Keawa‘eli Bay, 150 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 10 ft | M. Clark | Lacerations to three fingers of left hand. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 12 feet. |
2014/10/22, 10:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, Waipu‘ilani Park, 200 yards from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | 5-8 ft | K. Lawrence | No injury; shark bit tail of board. |
Tiger shark, length uncertain. |
2014/10/20, 8:00 am | Maui, Kahului Harbor, 50 yards from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Turbid | 5-8 ft | Confidential | No injury; shark bit board. |
Species and length unknown. |
2014/10/18, 11:15 am | Maui, Mā‘alaea, 100 yards from shore | Surfing | Muddy | 5-8 ft | K. Roberson | No injury; shark bit side of board. |
Tiger shark, length uncertain. |
2014/07/16, 5:20 pm | Maui, Pā‘ia Bay, 200-250 yards from shore | Swimming | Clear | 15-20 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to left foot. |
Requiem shark, length 6-7 feet. |
2013/12/11, 8:00 am | Hawai‘i, Punalu‘u, Nīnole Bay, approx 20 yards from shore | Body boarding | Turbid | est 10 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to right knee and right hand. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2013/12/02, 10:20 am | Maui, Mākena, approx 900 yards from shore | Fishing from kayak | Clear | est 100 ft | P. Briney | Fatal. Severe deep laceration and loss of tissue on right calf. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/11/29, 1:00 pm | Maui, Kīhei, Keawakapu, approx 30-40 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 10-15 ft | Confidential | Extensive laceration to right inner calf, minor lacerations and puncture wounds to right shin and ankle. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/10/31, 3:20 pm | Maui, Kanahā, Ka‘a Point, approx 750 yards from shore | Surfing - kite | Turbid | est 15-20 ft | Confidential | Deep laceration to lower right calf, smaller lacerations to right ankle. 10-15 foot tiger shark seen in area. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/10/23, 3:55 pm | Maui, Waiehu, Ka‘ehu Bay, approx 170 yards from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est 10 ft | S. Mills | Shallow lacerations to left lower torso and upper thigh. |
Whitetip reef shark, length 4-6 feet. |
2013/10/20, 11:00 am | Kaua‘i, Pīla‘a Beach, approx 200 yards from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 20 ft | J. Horton | No injury; shark bit side of board. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
2013/08/18, 1:30 pm | Hawai‘i, Puna, Pohoiki, approx 50 yards from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 20 ft | J. Napeahi | Lacerations to upper thighs. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2013/08/14, 4:30 pm | Maui, Mākena, Palauea, approx 50 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 12-15 ft | J. Lutteropp | Fatal. Loss of right arm below shoulder, lacerations to right foot. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/07/31, 8:15 am | Maui, Wailea, Ulua Beach, approx 125 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 10 ft | E. Cashman | Puncture wounds to both surfaces of right side of torso and lacerations to right hand. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/07/29, 2:00 pm | O‘ahu, Kalaeloa, White Plains Beach, approx 20 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | K. Gatewood | Lacerations to left leg. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2013/06/18, 12:50 pm | Hawai‘i, Kekaha Kai, Mahai‘ula Bay, approx 100 yards from shore | Swimming | Clear | est 10 ft | J. Kerrigan | Lacerations to right leg. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
2013/04/02, 8:20 am | Maui, Kā‘anapali, Honokowai, approx 100 yards from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 6 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to right leg. |
Species and length unknown. |
2013/02/21, 6:00 pm | Maui, Pā‘ia Bay, approx 75 yards from shore | Surfing | Muddy | est 5-8 ft | J. Lansky | No injury. Shark bit rail of foam surfboard. |
Requiem shark, length 6 feet. |
2013/01/16, 4:30 pm | Hawai‘i, Kīholo Bay, approx 200 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | P. Santos | Severe lacerations to right forearm, superficial laceration to lower right leg. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
2012/12/05, 1:20 pm | Kaua‘i, Pākalā | Surfing | Unknown | Unknown | Confidential | Injuries to left foot. |
Species unknown, length 10 feet. |
2012/11/30, 9:40 am | Maui, Kīhei, Kalama, approx 500 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 20 ft | T. Kennedy | Lacerations to lower left leg and foot. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2012/11/04, 8:00 am | Maui, Waiehu, approx 500 yards from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 10-15 ft | M. Riglos | Severe lacerations to right leg above ankle, also resulting in broken bones. Considered unprovoked because no fish had been speared, and no attractant was in water. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 12-15 feet. |
2012/11/04, 8:00 am | Kaua‘i, Kekaha, Davidsons, approx 150 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 8 ft | Confidential | No injury. Shark bit tail of board. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 10 feet. |
2012/10/27, 3:45 pm | Maui, Mākena Landing, approx 15 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | est 12 ft | M. Haugen | Lacerations to upper right thigh; defensive lacerations to right hand. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
2012/10/18, 7:30 am | Maui, Kahului, Kanahā, approx 300 yards from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | est 6 ft | D. Peterson | No injury. Shark bit side of board. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2012/09/02, 12:00 pm | Maui, Spreckelsville, Baldwin, approx 800 yards from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 25-30 ft | M. Malabon | Minor laceration to hand. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2012/07/30, 4:35 pm | Kaua‘i, Po‘ipū, Maha'ulepu; approx 100 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6-8 ft | S. Stotts | Laceration and puncture wounds to left foot. |
Species and length unknown. |
2012/06/26, 10:00 am | Maui, Kahana; approx 3 yards from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est 2-3 ft | S. St. Claire | Laceration and puncture wounds to left calf. |
Requiem shark, small. |
2012/04/03, 12:30 pm | O‘ahu, Kawailoa, Alligators; approx 30-45 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 35-40 ft | J. Holley | Lacerations to left foot. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2012/01/27, 11:05 am | Lāna‘i, Keōmuku; approx 500 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | est 30-45 ft | J. Graden | No injury. Shark bit end of fin. |
Species unknown, length 6-8 feet. |
2011/09/04, 11:30 am | O‘ahu, Kalaeloa, Nimitz Beach; approx 30 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 ft | M. Felipe | No injury. Shark bit tail of board. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2011/05/25, 1:15 pm | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Lyman Beach; approx 10 yards from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | T. Fernandez | No injury. Shark bit tail of board. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2011/05/22, 11:15 am | Hawai‘i, Kailua-Kona, Lyman Beach; approx 10 yards from shore | Stand-up paddleboarding | Clear | 8-10 ft | A. DeBina | No injury. Shark knocked victim and child off board, then bit side of board. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2010/12/26, 3:30 pm | Maui, Kahului Harbor, Trenches; approx 300 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | 10-15 ft | V. Stover-French | Lacerations to left shin and foot. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2010/12/12, 1:50 pm | Maui, Pā‘ia, Mantokuji Bay; approx 75 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 10-15 ft | Confidential | Lacerations to right foot. |
Requiem shark, small. |
2010/04/19, 4:00 pm | Kaua‘i, Hanalei Bay; approx 400 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 8 ft | J. Rawlinson | No injury. Shark bit off section of surfboard, left side of tail. |
Tiger shark, length unknown. |
2009/10/19, 6:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, Kalama; approx 300 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 ft | S. Henrich | Lacerations to right leg from thigh to ankle. |
Tiger shark, length unknown. |
2009/08/06, 8:45 am | Hawai‘i, Ka‘ū, Kāwā; approx 50 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | 6-8 ft | D. Crawford | No injury. Shark bit off section of surfboard, left side of nose. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2009/03/16, 8:03 pm | Hawai‘i, approx 10 miles northwest of ‘Upolu Pt | Swimming | Clear | over 2,000 ft | M. Spalding | Bitten on lower chest and left calf. First documented and confirmed bite by a cookiecutter shark on a live human. |
Cookiecutter shark, length unknown. |
2008/09/09, 4:30 pm | O‘ahu, Ka‘a‘awa, Makaua; approx 500 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | T. Murashige | Bitten on right thigh and ankle. |
Species and length unknown. |
2008/07/26, 3:30 pm | Maui, Kā‘anapali, Honokōwai; approx 10 yds from shore | Wading | Turbid | est 3 ft | U. Mataafa | Lacerations to left calf. Not confirmed as shark bite, so not included in accompanying graphics. |
Data insufficient. |
2007/12/10, 11:00 am | O‘ahu, Hale‘iwa, Kaiaka "Walls"; approx 200 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 8-10 ft | T. Ramirez | No injury. Shark bit tail of surfboard after apparently becoming caught in leash. Considered a provoked incident due to the interaction with the leash. |
Tiger shark, length 6-8 feet. |
2007/10/29, 3:30 pm | Maui, Kīhei, Keawakapu; approx 30 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | est 25 ft | A. Finley | Laceration to left calf. |
Species unknown, length 11 feet. |
2007/08/28, 4:30 pm | O‘ahu, Ka‘a‘awa, Makaua; approx 400 yds from shore | Body boarding | Turbid | est 10-15 ft | J. Sumait | Laceration to heel of right foot. |
Tiger shark, length 10-12 feet. |
2007/07/19, 3:00 pm | O‘ahu, Waimānalo, Bellows; approx 150 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | est 8-10 ft | H. Miller | Severely bitten on left knee and calf. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
2007/06/24, 7:05 am | O‘ahu, Mokulē‘ia, Silva's Channel; approx 50 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 5-10 ft at channel's edge | E. Yamada | No injury. Shark bit right side of surfboard as victim was paddling. Abandoned fishing net in channel. |
Tiger shark, length 6 feet. |
2007/05/07, 8:00 am | Maui, Wailea, Keawakapu Beach; approx 25 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | 10-14 ft | P. Marion | Bitten on right foot and calf. |
Species and length unknown. |
2007/01/05, 11:00 am | Kaua‘i, Mānā, Waiokapua Bay; approx 50 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | 5-6 ft | R. Read | No injury. Shark bit right side of surfboard as victim was sitting on board. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2006/11/11, 1:00 pm | Maui, Kīhei, Kama‘ole; approx 10 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | 20 ft | K. Gruen | Bitten on left thigh and hand. |
Species unknown, length 8-10 feet. |
2006/05/31, 1:30 pm | O‘ahu, Kawailoa, "Marijuanas"; approx 150 yds from shore | Spearfishing | Clear | 25-30 ft | R. Deguilmo | Bitten on left forearm. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2006/05/24, 4:30 pm | Lāna‘i, Club Lāna‘i | Spearfishing | Clear | 10-15 ft | A. Balmaceda | Bitten on left knee after poking shark with spear. Considered a provoked incident for obvious reasons. |
Gray reef shark, length 3 feet. |
2006/03/23, 11:30 am | O‘ahu, Kawailoa, "Leftovers"; approx 130 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 6 ft | E. Dunn | Puncture wounds to left calf. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2006/02/27, 4:30 pm | Maui, Mākena, Oneloa Beach; approx 10 yds from shore | Wading | Turbid | 2-3 ft | N. Raleigh | Multiple wounds to right leg. |
Requiem shark, length 8 feet. |
2005/12/21, 11:30 am | Maui, Keawakapu; 200-400 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | est 30 ft | J. Genant | Loss of top part of ring finger and all of small finger of left hand. |
Species unknown, length at least 8 feet. |
2005/10/13, 6:00 pm | Maui, Honokōwai; 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10-20 ft | C. Sado | No injury. Shark bit surfboard. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
2005/05/02, 10:30 am | Maui, Pā‘ia, Kū‘au; 70 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 6 ft | S. Hoyt | No injury. Shark bit surfboard rail. |
Tiger shark, length unknown. |
2005/02/16, 2:30 pm | O‘ahu, Sunset Beach, Rocky Point; 40 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 10 ft | G. Long | No injury. Shark bit board from below with considerable force. First incident in which species ID was confirmed by DNA. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
2004/10/09, 12:30 pm | Moloka‘i, Pūko‘o, Kupeke; 400 yds from shore | Spearfishing | Turbid | est 4-5 ft | D. Sanada | Lacerations to left side of face and tissue loss from left shoulder. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length 8-12 feet. |
2004/04/07, 7:13 am | Maui, Kahana, Pōhaku; 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | W. McInnis | Fatal. Severe wound to right leg involving thigh and calf. |
Species and length unknown. |
2004/03/24, 10:00 am | Hawai‘i, Punalu‘u; 10 ft from shore | Snorkeling | Turbid | est 6 ft | C. Mooney | Lacerations to left foot. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
2004/03/16, 7:45 am | Kaua‘i, Kalihiwai; 75 ft from shore | Surfing | Turbid | est 10 ft | B. Orth | No injury; bite marks in surfboard. |
Species unknown, length 10 feet. |
2003/10/31, 7:30 am | Kaua‘i, Hā‘ena, Tunnels; 350-500 yds from shore | Surfing | Clear | est 4-5 ft dropping to 20 ft at reef edge | B. Hamilton | Loss of left arm below shoulder. |
Tiger shark, length estimated at 15 feet. |
2003/10/05, 12:55 pm | Maui, Kīhei, Kalama; 10 yds from shore | Wading | Turbid | 4-5 ft | C. Alo | Bitten on left thigh, right knee, and right index finger. Unattended gill net nearby. |
Species unknown, length 4-5 feet. |
2003/06/24, 8:00 am | O‘ahu, Mākua; 75 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | More than 50 ft | J. Marrack | Bitten on right foot while snorkeling with dolphins. |
Species uncertain, length 12-14 feet. |
2003/05/10, 12:45 pm | Hawai‘i, Kahalu‘u; 5 ft from shore | Swimming | Unknown | 8 ft | K. Paulo | Bitten on right lower calf, ankle, and foot. |
Requiem shark, length 6-7 feet. |
2002/11/17, 10:45 am | Maui, Honokōwai; 100 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 6 ft | J. Glance | Bitten on right shoulder and forearm. |
Species unknown, length 8-10 feet. |
2002/10/30, 11:00 am | Maui, Kīhei, Kama‘ole I; 20 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 7-10 ft | K. Miller | Bitten on left foot. |
Requiem shark, small. |
2002/09/27, 3:35 pm | O‘ahu, Kāhala, 100 ft beyond reef crest | Fishing from surfboard | Clear | 25 ft | A. Lum | No injury; shark came from side and bit rail of surfboard as fisher pushed board into underside of approaching shark's snout. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
2002/09/16, 7:50 am | Kaua‘i, Princeville, Hideaways Beach | Body boarding | Clear | Unknown | Anonymous | No injury. Shark fin seen just before body board ripped away and dragged out to sea. Not confirmed as shark incident, so not included in accompanying graphics. |
Data insufficient. |
2002/08/28, 3:45 pm | O‘ahu, Kewalo; harbor channel 4-5 ft from reef edge | Surfing | Turbid | 20 ft | S. Farden | Bitten on left foot while duck-diving under wave; shark grabbed tail of board and shook laterally. |
Tiger shark, length 10 feet. |
2002/06/11, 1:45 pm | Kaua‘i, ‘Anini Beach; 100 yds from shore | Surfing | Unknown | Unknown | C. Levin | No injury. Shark came from behind and bit side of surfboard as victim was sitting on board. |
Tiger shark, length 8-9 feet. |
2002/03/25, 12:00 noon | Kaua‘i, Brennecke's Beach; 30-50 yds from shore | Body boarding | Turbid | 6-8 ft | H. Aki | Severely bitten on lower left leg; left foot lost above ankle. |
Tiger shark, length 9 feet. |
2002/01/01, 1:00 pm | Maui, Olowalu; 100 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | 20-40 ft | T. Holmes | Bitten on buttocks. |
Tiger shark, length at least 7 feet. |
2001/11/14, 5:00 pm | Maui, Kapalua | Surfing | Clear | 5-6 ft | M. Schweitzer | No injury. Portion of board's lower surface removed. |
Species and length unknown. |
2001/04/11, 7:00 am | O‘ahu, ‘Ewa Beach | Surfing | Turbid | 10 ft | G. Dano | Bitten on left hand. |
Whitetip reef shark, length 3 feet. |
2001/03/23, 2:40 pm | O‘ahu, Sandy Beach; 30-40 yds offschore | Body boarding | 6-8 ft | M. Mendez | Bitten on left hand. Portion of body board's left front corner removed. |
Requiem shark, length 3-5 feet. | |
2000/10/18, 11:20 am | Maui, Olowalu; approx. 450 yards from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | 35-40 ft | H. Musselwhite | Bitten on upper right torso and right buttock. |
Species unknown, length 6-8 feet. |
2000/08/15, 11:50 am | Maui, Kanahā; 0.7 miles from shore | Surfing - wind | Clear | est 70 ft | J. Goenvec | Severely bitten on lower left leg when struck after falling off board and shaking sand out of boots. Tooth fragments recovered. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
1999/11/23, 5:15 pm | Hawai‘i, Kona, Kahuwai; 250-300 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | 12 ft | L. Boyett | Severely bitten on right buttock; also lacerations to hands when victim reached for shark's mouth. |
Species unknown, length 10 feet. |
1999/10/01, 6:30 pm | Hawai‘i, Old Kona Airport; 80 yds from shore, just outside reef crest | Surfing | Clear | estimated 6 ft dropping to 30 ft at reef edge | J. Spencer | Severely bitten on right arm above and below elbow when struck from side while lying on surfboard. |
Tiger shark, length 8-10 feet. |
1999/08/09, 1:30 pm | O‘ahu, Mokulua Island, back lagoon | Swimming | Unknown | Unknown | S. Watkins | Minor injury to right foot. |
Requiem shark, length unknown. |
1999/07/21, 10:25 am | Hawai‘i, Honoli‘i | Surfing | Turbid | 6 ft | G. Yamaguchi | Bitten on right thigh and buttocks when struck from side and behind while lying on surfboard. |
Species unknown, length 6-8 feet. |
1999/03/05, 10:45 am | Maui, Kā‘anapali; 200-600 yds from shore | Swimming | Clear | 75 ft | R. Knutson | Severely bitten on leg from hip to knee; substantial tissue loss. Witness reported 16-foot white shark, but not confirmed. |
Species and length uncertain. |
1997/10/28, 7:00 am | Kaua‘i, Waiokapua Bay; 100-150 yds from shore | Body boarding | Muddy | Unknown | M. Coots | Bitten on both legs and right hand; loss of lower part of right leg. |
Tiger shark, length 12 feet. |
1997/06/25, 11:00 pm | O‘ahu, Sunset Beach; 40 yds from shore | Spearfishing | Unknown | Unknown | Confidential | Bitten on left leg just above ankle while night diving with a fish stringer on left side. Considered provoked due to activity. |
Species unknown, length 8 feet. |
1996/08/29, 4:00 pm | Maui, Paukūkalo; 100 yds from shore | Body boarding | Unknown | Unknown | D. Nanod | Bitten on right calf; shark approached from behind and was "thrashing around" while biting victim. |
Tiger shark, length 8 feet. |
1996/01/16, 3:45 pm | Maui, Nāpili; 100 yds from shore | Snorkeling | Clear | 15 ft | R. Rogowicz | Bitten on top of left foot and right shin. |
Species unknown, length 10 feet. |
1995/06/13, 11:50 am | Maui, Wailea; 200 yds from shore | Swimming | Turbid | 20 ft | D. Bloom | Small punctures and scratches on left side above waist; victim kicked shark in midsection. |
Tiger shark, length 11 feet. |
Notes:
Provoked incidents are defined by the International Shark Attack File as occurring “when a human initiates physical contact with a shark, e.g. a diver bit after grabbing a shark, a fisher bit while removing a shark from a net, and attacks on spearfishers and those feeding sharks.” Incidents resulting from fishing activity are generally considered provoked. Sudden activity next to a shark, such as falling off a surfboard, may also result in an incident being classified as provoked.
Unprovoked incidents are those “where an attack on a live human by a shark occurs in its natural habitat without human provocation of the shark. Incidents involving…shark-inflicted scavenge damage to already dead humans (most often drowning victims), attacks on boats, and provoked incidents occurring in or out of the water are not considered unprovoked attacks.”
An incident at Lahilahi, Mākaha, O‘ahu, on July 25, 2008 was initially reported as a shark bite. However, the wound characteristics were determined to be inconsistent with a shark bite, based on analysis by the International Shark Attack File.
An incident at Hā‘ena, Kaua‘i, on November 25, 1995 was misdiagnosed as a shark bite. The wound was initially attributed to a cookiecutter shark, but a tooth fragment recovered from the victim was determined not to have come from a shark, based on information from the International Shark Attack File.
For incidents prior to 1995, see Balazs, G.H. “Annotated list of shark attack cases in the Hawaiian Islands 1779-1996”.