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A shark attack at Hanalei Bay on Kaua'i Island has left the popular tourist destination closed to the public. The incident occurred on Wednesday (November 5) around 3:10 p.m. when a local surfer was bitten by a shark while surfing near the Pine Trees surf break. The Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) reported that the surfer suffered leg injuries and was treated by first responders before being transported to Wilcox Medical Center.
Officials have not identified the type or size of the shark involved in the attack. As a precaution, lifeguards have posted "Shark Sighted" and "No Swimming" signs along the beach and are patrolling the shoreline to warn visitors to stay out of the water.
In a related incident, Po‘ipū Beach, located about 45 miles from Hanalei Bay, was also closed following a shark sighting. A 3-to-4-foot reef shark was seen in the waters near the beach, prompting authorities to close the area to swimmers.
This attack is part of a series of shark incidents in the United States this year. As of October 12, there had been 16 reported shark bites nationwide in 2025, including one other attack in Hawaii, according to Fox News.