HANALEI – Ocean Safety officials closed Hanalei Bay to swimming until further notice due to a shark encounter that occurred at around 1 p.m. today. The six- to eight-foot-long hammerhead shark was initially sighted roughly 30 yards off shore at
HANALEI – Ocean Safety officials closed Hanalei Bay to swimming until further notice due to a shark encounter that occurred at around 1 p.m. today.
The six- to eight-foot-long hammerhead shark was initially sighted roughly 30 yards off shore at Waioli Beach Park, also known as Pine Trees, Kauai County officials stated in a press release. Before lifeguards could clear everyone out of the water, a surfer reported that the shark hit his board fronting Hanalei Pavilion. The surfer was not injured and his board was not damaged.
“Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs have been posted along the beach and the public is advised to stay out of the water until further notice.
The beach will remain closed until at least Tuesday morning, when lifeguards will reassess if the water is safe. The public is reminded that a High Surf Advisory has been posted for all north- and west-facing shores until Tuesday evening.
For updates, call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.
