Hanalei Bay got an unwelcome visitor Sunday afternoon when lifeguards reported a shark cruising near the Pavilion Lifeguard Tower, prompting Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau officials to urge beachgoers to stay out of the water. The shark was estimated at roughly 6 to 7 feet long, and officials said no one was injured. Warning signs went up along the shoreline as lifeguards roved the beach and kept watch on the bay.
Official advisory and timeline
In a Facebook update, the County of Kaua‘i said Ocean Safety crews had posted “Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs at Hanalei Bay and warned people to stay out of the ocean. According to the county, lifeguards plan to reassess the area Monday afternoon and, if there are no additional sightings, ocean activities could resume at about 2:15 p.m. Monday.
What lifeguards reported
Hawaii News Now reported that lifeguards first spotted the shark near the Pavilion Tower at about 2:15 p.m. Sunday and estimated it at 6 to 7 feet long. The outlet said no injuries were reported and that Ocean Safety crews will continue to monitor the bay while roving the shoreline.
Hanalei's history of sightings
Hanalei Bay has seen repeated shark sightings and precautionary closures in recent years, with local reporting and county releases describing similar short-term shutdowns after both reef and tiger shark reports. For example, Kaua‘i Now and county statements document earlier closures that were lifted once officials observed no additional activity.
Where to get updates
For the latest ocean conditions, officials advise speaking with a county lifeguard at any staffed tower or contacting the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at (808) 241-4984, according to the county’s Ocean Safety Bureau page. They said updates will be shared and warning signs removed once they are satisfied there is no further shark activity.
