On Monday, a calm afternoon at Nanakuli Beach Park turned tense when Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards spotted two large sharks near the swim area. Lifeguards posted warning signs, cleared people from the water, increased patrols, and the city’s alert system notified residents and visitors.
Sharks spotted off Nanakuli
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Ocean Safety lifeguards reported seeing two sharks, each about 12 feet long, roughly 20 yards from shore. An HNL Alert went out at about 3:45 p.m., and crews moved fast to line the beachfront with bright Shark Sighted signs while lifeguards continued patrols from shore and in the water.
Officials urged caution
The HNL Alert, as relayed by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, urged beachgoers to “notify Ocean Safety personnel or call 911 immediately.” Lifeguards said they would reassess conditions before clearing people to reenter the water and reminded beach users to check in with an on-duty lifeguard before heading into the ocean.
Leeward coast trend
Shark sightings along Oʻahu’s leeward shore have been popping up repeatedly in recent months. Hawaii News Now reported similar shark encounters at Nanakuli and other west-side beaches last fall. Local crews have responded with stepped-up monitoring and frequent posting of warning signs whenever large sharks move inshore.
How to get alerts and stay safe
The city’s HNL Alert system sends official notifications about incidents like Monday’s sightings; residents and visitors can sign up online or text “HNLALERT” to 888777 for urgent messages, according to Hawai‘i Public Radio. For on-water safety guidance, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources recommends avoiding murky water, steering clear of dawn and dusk entries, swimming in groups, and always checking with lifeguards before going in. You can review DLNR's safety tips, and call 911 in an emergency.
