Are there whale sharks in Hawaii?

Whale sharks have been in Hawaiian waters for as long as anyone here can remember. Despite its name and size, the whale shark is not a whale but classified in a family of its own “Rhincodontidae”.

Has there ever been a shark attack at Molokini Crater?

Maui County Ocean Safety officials received a report that a shark had attacked a man fishing in a kayak between Maui and Molokini, a small island less than 3 miles off the southwest coast of Maui that is popular for diving and snorkeling.

When can you see whale sharks in Hawaii?

Though extremely rare, they do. Not only are the winter months in Hawaii considered Humpback Whale season, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark (don’t forget that whales are mammals). These bad boys can get up to 40 feet long.

Where can I see whale sharks in Maui?

They are most commonly seen while scuba diving off of Molokai. When they do come close to shore on Maui, they warrant beach closings. The last occurring in November, 2016. Though rare, there were two prominent sightings of whale sharks in Maui in 2017, both occurring near Molokini.

How rare are whale sharks in Hawaii?

“Currently we have over 120 verified, documented sightings from 1991 to 2018—with over half of those reported from 2017 (when we started our research) and 2018. It is likely that whale sharks have always passed through Hawaii, but it was so rare for an individual to see that they weren’t reported.”

How many shark attacks have there been in Maui?

How many deadly shark attacks have there been in Hawaii? Since the time that shark attacks have been recorded, officially there have been 6 deadly shark attacks in Hawaii, and all of those have taken place on Maui. Those took place in 2020, 2019, 2015, 2013 (2), and 2004.

Where are hammerhead sharks in Maui?

Most Adventurous Shark Dive in Maui County A short boat ride from Mala Ramp, across the Pailolo Channel from Maui, is the neighboring island of Molokai. Molokai is famous for its high sea cliffs, fresh waterfalls, untouched nature, and its resident hammerhead shark population.

Do you see sharks while snorkeling in Maui?

Snorkeling from Shore or from a boat in Maui it is extremely unlikely you will see a shark or get bit etc. You are far more likely to be in a car accident while driving on Honoapiilani Highway.

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

Swimming with whale sharks in the middle of the ocean! While whale sharks have a huge mouth, they almost exclusively feed on plankton. That is why they are absolutely harmless to humans. They are mainly interested in fish eggs, algae and krill, and they are definitely not interested in the person swimming next to them.

Are there bull sharks in Maui?

Other sharks like Great White sharks, Hammerhead sharks, Bull sharks, and Mako sharks are less likely to be spotted in shallow waters where swimming and snorkelers are usually frolicking.