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The Global Insight

Where in Maui was the fatal shark attack

Author

John Johnson

Updated on April 18, 2026

A file photo of Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii, where the shark attack took place.

Where are the most shark attacks in Maui?

Makena Point has the highest number of sharks sightings, followed by Kalama, according to local scientists who have been tracking and documenting shark movement and behavior for decades.

What happened in Honolua Bay?

A surfer was attacked by a shark on Tuesday morning near Honolua Bay in Hawaii, forcing the suspension of a surfing competition, officials said. A 56-year-old man, who was not yet identified by officials, was paddling out from the coast of Maui when the accident occurred, state wildlife officials said.

What shark killed the man in Maui?

HONOLUU (KHON2) — A pair of University of Hawaii (UH) researchers used new DNA technology to determine that it was a tiger shark that killed the 56-year-old Lahaina man who was surfing on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Maui’s Honolua Bay.

How many shark attacks have there been in Maui?

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.

How do you avoid sharks in Maui?

  1. Don’t swim at night or twilight hours. …
  2. Stay away from Rivermouths and stream outlets. …
  3. Stay out of the water after it rains. …
  4. Don’t swim in heavily fished areas or anywhere near active fisherman. …
  5. Stay away from murky waters. …
  6. Swim with a buddy.

Are there great white sharks in Maui?

Great white sharks are not native to the waters of Maui, but there is always a chance that there may be one lurking just offshore in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. … Because sightings of great white sharks are extremely rare. Many local Hawaiians have never even seen a great white.

Who died at the Maui Pro?

According to KITV, the recreational surfer — who was not competing at the Maui Pro — was attacked off the island of Maui on Tuesday close to the competition site in Honolua Bay and died Wednesday. The man’s identity has not yet been announced, but he was from Lahaina, a town in Maui.

Who owns Honolua Bay?

In 2014, the State of Hawaiʻi purchased 244.12 acres of land encompassing the coastline from Honolua Bay to Honokōhau Bay following a tremendous effort by the community, guided by the SHC and the state’s political leaders to protect the area from development and to preserve the area’s cultural, archaeological and …

Who died at Honolua Bay?

MAUI, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui police have identified the Honolua Bay surfer who died Wednesday after being bitten by a shark earlier this week. Authorities initially said 56-year-old Robin Warren of Napili was in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday.

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Which island in Hawaii has the most shark attacks?

So as it stands, there have been 6-7 deadly shark attacks in Hawaii since 2004, with Maui being the deadliest island in Hawaii for shark attacks. Scientists say it’s not a coincidence that Maui sees more shark attacks. They say Hawaii sharks like the ocean environment of Maui’s shores.

Are sharks attracted to urine?

Sharks have a keen sense of smell and are also hungry little buggers. So they are most tempted by the sweet smell of your bodily fluids, urine or blood, both can smell quite tasty.

Where can I see sharks in Maui?

Fortunately Maui does have a shark dive site where you can encounter White Tip Reef Sharks at Mala Wharf. This is by far the best place to see sharks in Maui due to the frequency we see sharks and the amazing topography & sea life. It is also called Mala Pier.

Are there dolphins in Maui?

The dolphins in Maui have got you covered! These playful sea creatures are a permanent resident in the waters surrounding the island. They will entertain you regardless of the time or season in which you visit their native island.

Is it safe to snorkel in Maui?

Snorkeling in Maui is very safe, though, because of how many beaches on the island offer protected waters. … As long as you’re vigilant to keep an eye on the surrounding environment and the behavior of the water, snorkeling in Maui is very safe for the entire family!

Are there sharks in Kapalua Bay?

Yes, there are several resident sharks in the area. There are also some that like Slaughterhouse (also known as Mokule’ia) and Napili Point. Another good spot is down by Mala Wharf, out at the end of the old pier.

Should I worry about sharks in Maui?

From a statistical standpoint, being attacked by a shark is one of the last things you should worry about when playing in the ocean in Maui. … So are dogs, deer, bathtubs, and ants—all of which, according to this list, annually kill more people than sharks.

Is it safe to swim in Maui sharks?

Swimming in brackish, murky or brown water is unadvisable for a variety of safety reasons (see below). This occurred in open water—not in a bay: Swimming in geographically protected areas such as Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay or Black Rock are recommended to minimize exposure to the open ocean.

What time of day do sharks come close to shore?

Sharks are the most active at dusk and dawn when they are hunting for food. You can reduce your risk of shark encounters by staying out of the water at these times of day.

Where on Maui is Honolua?

Honolua Bay is located in West Maui, on the northernmost point. This is one of Maui’s best snorkel spots.

What is the meaning of Honolulu?

Honolulu means “sheltered harbor” or “calm port” in Hawaiian; its old name, Kou, roughly encompasses the area from Nuʻuanu Avenue to Alakea Street and from Hotel Street to Queen Street, which is the heart of the present downtown district.

How do you spell Honolua Bay?

Honolua Bay is a marine preserve on the island of Maui.

Are there shark attacks in St Martin?

There’s only been one unprovoked and non-fatal bite reported in St. Martin, and it occurred in 2005, Tyler Bowling, manager of the Florida Program for Shark Research, told the AP. … A shark attack also was reported in Cuba in 2019, according to the Florida-based International Shark Attack File.

Why did the Maui Pro move?

The Maui event was moved to Oʻahu after a fatal shark bite incident at Honolua Bay on Tuesday, Dec. 8 involving a recreational surfer. In a historic moment for surfing, the final day of the Maui Pro presented by ROXY marks the first time a women’s CT event has ever been held at the Banzai Pipeline.

What pro surfer died today?

Spanish surfer Óscar Serra recently passed away at age 22 following a tragic surfing accident in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Family and friends are mourning the loss of surfer Óscar Serra. The 22-year-old star passed away on July 17 following a tragic surfing accident in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

Do you see sharks while snorkeling in Maui?

Snorkeling from Shore or from a boat in Maui it is extremely unlikely you will see a shark or get bit etc. … (In the Hawaiian Islands, since 1828, there have been 116 confirmed shark attacks and only 8 confirmed shark attack fatalities.

Are there sharks at Black Rock Maui?

Black rock is a very popular snorkeling area right at a strip of hotels. Down the beach a bit is another beach where they warn of sharks.

Does period blood attract sharks?

Medical Mythbuster: Will Swimming in the Ocean During Your Period Attract Sharks? While it’s true that a shark’s sense of smell is powerful and that menstrual fluid contains blood, there’s no scientific evidence that women swimming in the ocean while having their period are more likely to be bitten by a shark.

Can a shark taste blood?

They do have the capacity to detect tiny amounts of various compounds in the water. Some types of sharks, such as the lemon shark, can even detect a scent in a large swimming pool or a substance that is several hundred meters away. … The lemon shark, for example, can detect a small drop of blood in the water.

Does human poop attract sharks?

Human blood may attract and excite sharks, and divers and swimmers should avoid or come out of the water with bleeding injuries or, for women, when menstruating. Similarly, feces and urine may be attractive, and should not be scattered indiscriminately where one swims or dives.

Can you shark cage dive in Maui?

The only shark tank dive is at the Maui Ocean Center. It is very $$$$ and you must be a certified diver. Ocean cage or tank dives for sharks are illegal here.