HANALEI — Hanalei Bay was closed to swimming after a man reported he was attacked by a shark Thursday afternoon. A Minnesota tourist, who had been surfing, said he was paddling to shore near the Hanalei Pier about 2 p.m.
A Minnesota tourist, who had been surfing, said he was paddling to shore near the Hanalei Pier about 2 p.m. when he was bitten by what he believed was a shark.
Although officials did not see the shark, lifeguards noted the man suffered lacerations to his hands. The man was treated by lifeguards on scene and drove himself to seek medical treatment.
As a safety precaution, lifeguards posted “Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs along the beach and warned beachgoers to stay out of the water until further notice.
Per standard protocol, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources was notified of the incident. Lifeguards will re-assess the water this morning to determine if it is safe for swimming.
One person at the scene said that about an hour after lifeguards posted warning signs, many people, including children, were back in the water.
Kawaki Michaeledes, of Kapahi, said he was surprised tourists and residents would ignore the warning to stay out of the water so soon after a reported shark incident.
In April, Hanalei Bay was closed after an estimated 15-foot tiger shark was sighted in a swimming area fronting Hanalei Pavilion.
