Shark warning signs went up Monday at Ke Iki Beach on Oʻahu’s North Shore after lifeguards spotted a tiger shark cruising close to shore, prompting yet another caution day for one of the island’s most notorious stretches of sand. Lifeguards described the animal as non-aggressive and estimated it was about 50 yards offshore as crews lined the beach with bright yellow warning placards. The move came on the heels of a broader North Shore shark alert that started Sunday after aggressive sharks were reported near the Banzai Pipeline.
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Ocean Safety issued a North Shore alert Sunday morning after observers reported two aggressive sharks "off the wall" near the Banzai Pipeline. The paper reports that lifeguards then expanded precautions, posting shark warning signs at Ke Iki and other nearby beaches while crews kept an eye on the lineup and shoreline.
Hawaii Ocean Safety is reminding beachgoers that when those yellow signs are up, the water is off-limits. The agency advises, “Do not enter the water in areas where signs are posted, and obey all warnings to clear out of the water when a shark is sighted,” and it urges visitors to check with on-duty lifeguards for the latest conditions. Hawaii Ocean Safety also points people to real-time beach-condition tools for lifeguarded beaches.
What Lifeguards Saw at Ke Iki
Lifeguards at Ke Iki reported seeing a single tiger shark about 50 yards offshore and characterized it as non-aggressive, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Crews put up warning signs along the shoreline and conducted shoreline patrols while the alert remains in effect. Authorities say the advisory will be lifted once conditions are considered clear.
Why Ke Iki Matters
Ke Iki has a long history of dangerous shorebreaks, rescues and occasional fatalities, fueling ongoing calls for more lifeguard infrastructure on the North Shore. Local outlets have repeatedly flagged Ke Iki as a trouble spot, noting the beach's hazards and the need for patrols and public education.
Ocean Safety officials and local news outlets continue to urge people to obey posted signs, check in with a staffed lifeguard tower before heading into the water, and report any shark sightings to lifeguards or by calling 911. For current conditions, visitors can use the state’s beach-condition tools and sign up for city alerts to receive HNL Alert messages. Hawaii Ocean Safety and HawaiiBeachSafety.com maintain safety resources for ocean users.
