Sharks

There are about forty species of sharks in Hawaiian waters, ranging in size from the 8-inch pygmy shark, to the 50 foot whale shark. About eight species are encountered near shore. The most common inshore sharks are the reef whitetip, scalloped hammerhead and tiger.

Sharks can detect sounds and smells up to two miles or more away. They detect electromagnetic fields given off by all living organisms with receptors in their snouts. They are aware of people in the water well before people are aware of them.

Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters occurrs at about a rate of two to three per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare. Although any shark may be dangerous, encounters between sharks and people are infrequent and most inshore species pose little threat to humans.

Only a few species have been known to bite people including the tiger, Galapogos, and gray reef. Gray reef sharks only attack when provoked, but the tiger and Galapagos may be more aggressive. White sharks are also very dangerous but are rarely seen in Hawaii. Tigers are considered the most dangerous in Hawaiian waters.

Tigers are attracted to stream mouths after heavy rains, when upland fishes and other animals are swept out to sea. Tigers are also attracted to waters frequented by fishing boats, which often trail fish remains and blood. Sharks generally find prey at dusk, night and dawn.

Tips:

• Swim, surf or dive with other people and don't move too far away from assistance.
• Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night when sharks move inshore to feed.
• Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations.
• Avoid muky waters, harbor entrances, channels or steep drop-offs, and areas near stream mouths especially after heavy rains. These types of waters are frequented by sharks.
• Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.
• Sharks are attracted to excessive splashing.
  
• Keep pets which swim erratically out of the water.
• Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and leave the water if one is sighted.
  
• Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.
• If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water, a shark may be present.
• Remove speared fish from the water.
• Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing.
  
• Stay away from dead animals in the water
• Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards.