UPDATE: Just reported, heightened safety measures are now in effect at Nanakuli Beach on Oʻahu following multiple shark sightings over the weekend. Authorities confirmed two significant encounters: a non-aggressive 7-8 foot shark spotted on Saturday, October 28, at 10:55 a.m., and a more alarming 10-foot tiger shark seen soon after.
Local officials from the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department are urging beachgoers to remain vigilant. Visitors are advised to report any shark encounters directly to Ocean Safety personnel or call 911 immediately. This proactive alert comes after a prior incident that forced lifeguards to clear the beach due to an aggressive shark sighting earlier in the day, around 1:20 p.m. on the same day.
In a statement, officials emphasized the importance of community safety:
“We are committed to keeping our beachgoers safe. Please stay out of the water and report any sightings.”
The safety protocols include clearing swimmers from the water, posting warning signs, and intensifying patrols until the situation is thoroughly assessed.
Shark sightings along Oʻahu’s leeward coast are not uncommon, with the Department of Land and Natural Resources maintaining an incident log accessible to both residents and tourists. This year, multiple encounters have been documented, highlighting the need for caution. Authorities recommend swimming in groups, avoiding murky waters, and steering clear of the ocean during the peak activity times for sharks—dawn and dusk.
Lifeguards are on high alert at Nanakuli Beach, where they continue to monitor the waters closely. Similar protocols were implemented during shark sightings earlier in 2025 at Makaha and Waimea Bay, when advisories were issued to protect beachgoers.
For anyone planning to swim or surf at Nanakuli Beach Park, city lifeguards urge you to check in with an on-duty lifeguard for the latest conditions. Stay safe and informed by following local ocean safety channels as the situation develops.
With the current shark activity raising concerns, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to prioritize safety as they enjoy the beautiful beaches of Oʻahu. This urgent situation will continue to unfold, and authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all beachgoers.
