How Common Are Shark Attacks in Hawaii? 2025 Incident Details
What you need to know about shark activity.
Diver Injured in Shark Encounter Near Haleiwa Marks Hawaii’s First Incident of 2025
A male crew member from a tour boat was bitten by a shark near Haleiwa, Oahu, on January 12, 2025. The incident happened in open water close to the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor. The man, who was in the water doing safety checks, was bitten on the hand. Despite the injury, he managed to shove the shark away. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors said his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
What We Know About the Incident
According to online sources, the injured man worked for Hawaii Ocean Adventure Tours, a company known for fishing trips and shark dives. While their website gives little information about shark tours, many customers have mentioned shark cage dives and free-swimming with sharks in their reviews. The company gets a lot of praise, with plenty of five-star ratings from happy customers.
Some people online have raised concerns about the possibility of chumming—tossing bait into the water to attract sharks. This practice is controversial and avoided by some tour operators. While it’s unclear if chumming played a role in this case, reports say there was a bait ball in the water, which likely drew the shark’s attention.
The Debate Around Shark Tours and Eco-Tourism
Shark tours are a big draw in Oahu, giving people the chance to see these incredible creatures up close. But practices like chumming have sparked heated debates. Some eco-friendly diving companies in Hawaii avoid chumming, instead choosing safer and more respectful ways to show sharks in their natural environment.
Reef Protect has written about shark diving in Oahu, recommending eco-conscious operators who prioritize both customer safety and marine life preservation. By working with carefully selected companies, tourists can enjoy thrilling shark encounters while respecting these animals and their habitats.
How Often Do Shark Attacks Happen in Hawaii?
This is the first shark bite reported in Hawaii in 2025. On average, the state sees about three or four shark attacks per year, and most of them aren’t fatal. Between 1950 and 2024, there were 137 recorded unprovoked shark bites, with 11 resulting in fatalities.
Shark activity in Hawaii often increases between September and November, especially during tiger shark pupping season. Even then, the chance of encountering a shark is slim, given how many people swim, surf, and snorkel in Hawaii’s waters daily.
What’s the Difference Between Provoked and Unprovoked Shark Attacks?
The key difference is whether the shark was intentionally or unintentionally provoked. Unprovoked attacks happen when sharks bite people without being disturbed, usually because they mistake a person for prey or are curious. For instance, a surfer in murky water might look like a seal to a shark.
Provoked attacks occur when humans interact with sharks in ways that lead to a defensive reaction. This could include feeding sharks, grabbing them, or accidentally stepping on one. For example, a diver getting too close for a photo might provoke a bite.
Ocean users are advised to exercise caution, avoid areas of high shark activity without a professional, and choose eco-conscious operators when engaging in shark-related tours.