(For example the shark bit their surfboard or standup paddleboard only.). Dr. Smiley was swimming about 60 yards (55 meters) from shore when the attack happened, authorities stated. Kauai, Hanalei Bay, The Bowl, approx 320 yds from shore, Oahu, Lie, Pounders, approx one-half mile from shore. Puncture wounds to right chest and shoulder. There was 1 shark attack on Oahu that occurred while surfing 700 yards from shore. Investigating 108 alleged human and shark interactions in 2022, there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites and 32 provoked bites, with most occurring in the United States and Australia. Bitten on upper right torso and right buttock. The beach is famous among paddle boaters and surfers and due to less population, everyone here is in the water. Early Hawaiians recognized this, and cautioned against going in the water at that time, states DLNRs incident report. Not only does Maui have the highest number of tiger sharks in the state, the area also sees the most shark attacks, according to local scientists who have tracked and studied Hawaii sharks for decades. And then, prior to the December 2020 fatality, officially, the last death from a shark attack in Hawaii was in May 2019 on Maui. The water often looks fine, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people out to sea. All shark lengths are estimates. Bitten on left forearm. The beach is beautiful but dangerous and has had 8 shark attacks including two fatalities. Let's take a look and discover the Maui beaches with the most shark attacks. Read the news story. So as it stands, there have been 6 to 8 deadly shark attacks in Hawaii since 2004, with Maui being the deadliest island in Hawaii for shark attacks. The Makena point has seen the highest number of shark sightings, making it the most dangerous beach on Maui. The sharks swimming around the beaches in Maui and beyond have been around for longer than dinosaurs. Holland is a research professor at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at University of Hawaii at Manoa and the founder of the Shark Research Group at the institute. The other 3 shark attacks listed as taking place on Oahu happened in the Kaiwi Channel. Laceration and puncture wounds to left foot. Honolua Bay is a part of a marine life conservation district on Maui and is considered one of the top snorkeling spots on Maui. 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. Flexibility and savings are just some of the benefits of flying with Trip Support. People from all over come to swim in crystal clear waters, eat fresh fish, and enjoy the relaxing sun. A far-flung vacation destination in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is a true-blue paradise in terms of sun and sea. In both cases, there were no injuries reported, just boards being bitten. There are about 7 to 8 shark incidences in Hawaii per year, based on the past 10 years data.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. Yes, swimming with sharks is a thing, and you dont have to be a professional to do so. Recently, there were two shark attacks that took place while the victims were snorkeling. Lacerations and puncture wounds to right leg. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Unfortunately, sharks like most of those things too! Optometrist Dr. Thomas Smiley was a frequent visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. Although shark bites occur around the year, there is a slight increase in the late fall, he added. Shark bit right side of surfboard as victim was paddling. Baldwin has reported seeing a few shark attacks and the latest shark attack took place in the first week of September 2022, when a 51-yeard-old woman was bitten by a shark after which the beach had been closed down for a few days. HALEAKALA HI Lacerations to left arm and hand. Of these in 2019, there has been 1 deadly shark attack officially recorded. If youre headed to Oahu, see how to spend 3 days on Oahu, along with the best snorkeling spots and best white sand beaches and best beaches on the North Shore. Beyond that, many local surfers make their way out to Honolua Bay to find some of the world's best waves. We are proudly leading the industry with an innovative and flexible Book Now, Pay Later option. Oahu shark attacks; Maui shark attacks; Big Island shark attacks; Kauai shark attacks . Located on the secluded Na Pali Coast, Hanakapi'ai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. Magical views across to the island of Lanai. It is known that there were 8 shark attacks in Hawaii in 2021, yet none of these were fatal. There were 6 shark victims in Hawaii recorded in 2020 on the Hawaiian islands of Maui (3), the Big Island (2), and Kauai (1). They are in the process of reassessing what theyve done. Shark bite frequency by island from 1995 to 2021 shows that Maui outpaces any other Hawaiian island with about 40 nonfatal bites and five fatal bites, research from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology shows. Discover the 7 Oldest Countries in the World, 9 Maui Beaches with the Most Shark Attacks, Kahana (Kahana, Pohaku, and Honokowai Beaches) 3. The shark attack is thought to have happened just south of Kailua Bay. Shark bit rail of foam surfboard. Not confirmed as shark incident, so not included in accompanying graphics. In this case, this means going on a swimming with sharks tour, but provoked incidents can also include fishing. Contents1 What is the least windy beach on Maui?2 Which side of Maui has better beaches?3 What time of year is the water the calmest [] When it comes to shark attacks, swimmers, snorkelers and surfers are usually bitten by the sea creatures that bring to mind the famous Jaws movie. Within Hawaii, however, are multiple islands. In fact, Maui has the most shark attacks of any of the Hawaiian islands. In fact, researchers have claimed that South Carolinas waters are just as dangerous as Floridas when comparing the swimmer-to-attack ratio. Shark bit board from below with considerable force. Tiger shark, length estimated at 12 feet. This is the deadly Hawaii shark attack in 2020. No injury. Provoked incidents are defined by the International Shark Attack File as occurring when a human initiates physical contact with a shark, e.g. Haleiwa is on the North Shore, which is a popular tourist area. Next, is Palauea followed by Olowalu. Surrounded by resorts and condos, this beach is sheltered and safe. person grazed by a shark), nor incidents classified by the International Shark Attack File as boat attacks, scavenge, or doubtful. 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. The Waiehu area is located just north of the Kahului Harbor and is known for its dunes and wetlands wildlife refuge. Honolua Bay is not far from the charming historic town of Lahaina, so you could combine a trip to both places in a single day. Beaches in this area include Kahana Beach, Keonenui Beach, and Honokwai Beach Park. Hanak?p?'ai Beach, Hanak?p?'Ai Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA 2. Makaha Beach while surfing, 100 years from shore in August, Haleiwa (4), most while on a boat tour, a few miles from shore in May and September, Kaiwi Channel (3) while swimming, 11-12 miles from shore in March, April, and July, Honokowai while swimming, 120 yards from shore in May, Kihei while surfing, 150 yards from shore in September, Kihei while stand-up paddleboarding, 200 yards from shore in December, Kealakekua Bay while snorkeling, 15 yards from shore in August, Anaehoomalu Bay while paddling, 35 yards from shore in April, Unofficial/unconfirmed: Kailua-Kona while diving maybe 100 yards from shore in October, Hanalei Bay while surfing, 320 yards from shore. Just to the south of Waileais the Mkenaarea. Which Hawaiian island has the most tiger sharks? No injury. Severely bitten on leg from hip to knee; substantial tissue loss. If you are into beach hopping, this one should be included on your must-see beaches. No injury. Read the news story. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. Divers discovered a shipwreck in Hawaii. Bitten on left thigh, right knee, and right index finger. Notably, there is Kailua Bay, which is the location of the swim start of the Ironman triathlon world championship. Severe deep lacerations to right shoulder and underarm; minor lacerations to right arm and right side of face. In this article, you'd find out about Hawaii's 2021 shark attacks. Maui seems to be a mecca for tiger sharks both resident and visitor.. Unofficially, the last fatality from a shark attack in Hawaii was possibly in December 2022. PEARL HARBOR HI One of the most popular vacation beaches in the U.S., Myrtle Beach and its neighboring coastlines are associated with a high number of shark attacks. Bitten on right calf; shark approached from behind and was "thrashing around" while biting victim. Both of the Kihei shark bites are listed as happening about a half mile north of Kalama Beach Park, which is the north side of South Maui. Oahu, Kalaeloa, White Plains Beach, approx 200 yds from shore, Kauai, Kekaha, Davidsons, approx 150 yds from shore, Kauai, Kekaha, Davidsons, approx 120 yds from shore, Maui, Khei, Kamaole Beach Park 1, approx 30 yds from shore, Maui, Pia, Hookipa Beach Park, approx 100 yds from shore, Maui, Khei, Kamaole Beach Park 1, 40-60 yds from shore, Oahu, Mkaha Beach, approx 300 yds from shore, Maui, Pia, Hamakuapoko, approx 1 mile from shore, Kauai, Lhue, Kalapaki Beach, approx 30 yds from shore, Maui, Wailea Beach, approx 40 yds from shore, Kauai, Hanalei Bay, Black Pot, approx 120 yds from shore, Maui, Wailea Beach Point, 150-200 yds from shore, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Pahoehoe Beach, approx 600 yds from shore, Hawaii, Puna, Kehena Beach, 100-150 yds from shore, Lnai, Poawa Beach, approx 300 yds from shore, Oahu, Makaha Beach, approx 50-60 yds from shore, Oahu, Kailua, Lanikai, approx 600 yds from shore, Oahu, Kawailoa, "Leftovers"; 150-200 yds from shore, Hawaii, North Kohala, Upolu Point, 60 yards from shore. The Maui Fire Department said the incident happened. Well, shark attacks in Hawaii are said to be rare, but they do happen. Shark bit tail of surfboard after apparently becoming caught in leash. Lacerations to left side of face and tissue loss from left shoulder. Overall, there have been 182 shark attacks across the state, a number that is only bested by Florida, one of the shark attack capitals of the world. Many of the major resort hotels like Aston Kaanapali Shores, Hyatt, Sheraton, Westin, Marriott are facing Kaanapali Beach. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Side note! Is Maui a sizzling place for shark attacks? Lacerations to upper right thigh. Deadly shark attack on Maui The Kaanapali area is known as having among the best beaches on Maui. There are beaches every few miles in this area, including Maluaka Beach, Changs Beach, Poolenalena Beach, and more. She . Read the news story. Those took place in 2020, 2019, 2015, 2013 (2), and 2004. Shark fin seen just before body board ripped away and dragged out to sea. Lacerations to right knee and right hand. The culprit sharks often responsible for shark attacks on the Hawaiian Islands are the tiger sharks and whitetip reef sharks. Experts think that the encounters are proportionate to the high numbers of people in the waters here at any given time. It is hard to know how common white sharks are in Hawaiian waters or their relevance to local attacks, although they have been detected by researchers off the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, Holland said. Large avulsion above left knee, additional puncture wounds to left leg. Species unknown, length estimated at 8 feet. Maui, Hawaii is also one of the most shark-infested states in the United States. Minor laceration to hand. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to not go in the ocean as shark attacks can happen anytime and anywhere. 1 spot went to Ka'anapali Beach on Maui's west side, a three-mile long stretch of sand lined with resorts and a high-end shopping district. This seemed to be a tour that advertises swimming with sharks so it is also considered to be a provoked incident. It's 1 of 60. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS The results may surprise you! Extensive laceration to right inner calf, minor lacerations and puncture wounds to right shin and ankle. Witnesses onshore said there was a red cloud in the water. The area of Kapalua also has a number of good things to do for tourists. There were no fatalities from sharks in 2021. Learn more about close encounters between people and sharks. You can book now and pay later in installments. The beaches of Horry County may be beautiful, but their waters are attractive to species like tiger sharks and bull sharks. Concern about sharks has spiked in Maui recently, especially after attacks over three recent months. Annotated list of shark attack cases in the Hawaiian Islands 1779-1996. Shark bit off section of surfboard, left side of nose. Because of its history of attacks and frequent sightings of great whites, the beach is popular among shark-seeking tourists who come to tour the waters by boat. This leads to more shark bites compared with waters off other islands, Holland said. So beware of palms and angry dogs. Severe wound to right leg involving thigh and calf. The victims leg was also reported to be stitched and stapled back together. Read the news story. That said, one of the 2020 shark bites is reported as happening around Wailea, with a paddleboard being bitten. Tiger sharks are extremely cautious in how they approach prey, Holland said, but white sharks are much more aggressive. My guess would be there is more now than there were 50 years ago because of how their population has rebounded on the West Coast.. If youre interested in sharks in Hawaii, you may also be interested in this marine life in Hawaii: Officially there were 14 shark attack victims in Hawaii recorded in 2019. He and other researchers have been implanting or attaching acoustic tags and satellite tags to dorsal fins for tracking. Her husband told authorities the pair fought off the shark and then tried to swim to shore. shark attacks of any of the Hawaiian islands, Florida has a total of 896 documented shark attack, incredibly rare to be attacked by a shark, The 9 Best Books About National Parks for Travelers, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 6 Worst Tornadoes in the United States and the Destruction They Caused, Meet the 10 Largest Land Owners in Montana. Fire at a Y-12 uranium facility in Tennessee contained, officials say. No injury. 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