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Makua Beach • North Shore
Facts, Incidents & Expert Safety Recommendations
While Tunnel Beach has experienced one documented severe shark attack, the beach remains one of Hawaii's most visited snorkeling destinations. Understanding shark behavior, seasonal patterns, and safety practices enables informed decision-making about ocean recreation.
Tunnel Beach is most known in shark safety discussions for the October 31, 2003 incident involving 13-year-old surfer Bethany Hamilton. At approximately 7:30 AM, Hamilton was bitten by a 14-15 foot tiger shark in clear water at the outer reef edge (350-500 yards from shore). The shark severed her left arm below the shoulder.
Despite this life-altering incident, Hamilton went on to become an accomplished professional surfer and motivational speaker, demonstrating remarkable resilience. The incident remains the only documented severe shark attack at Tunnel Beach in recent decades.
According to marine biologist Terry Lilley, who has conducted extensive research at Tunnel Beach, the attack location is significant: it corresponds to a turtle-cleaning station where sea turtles gather to have algae removed from their shells by reef fish. This ecological feature may attract larger predators, including tiger sharks seeking prey like sea turtles.
— Terry Lilley, Marine Biologist
This research underscores an important reality: sharks are regularly present at Tunnel Beach, particularly white-tipped reef sharks in the lava tubes and occasional tiger sharks cruising the reef. However, attacks remain extraordinarily rare.
The most commonly encountered shark species in Kauai's nearshore waters include:
Resident species in lava tube caves. Shy and avoid humans. Documented resting in underwater tunnels.
Risk Level: Very Low
Occasionally present in nearshore waters. General avoidance of humans is typical behavior.
Risk Level: Low
Most dangerous species present. Occasionally cruise the reef, particularly seeking sea turtle prey.
Risk Level: Moderate
📊 Statistical Context
Tiger sharks are implicated in the majority of serious shark incidents across Hawaiian waters. However, the Tunnel Beach attack represents the only fatal or severe shark bite officially recorded at this specific location since the 1950s—despite thousands of annual visitors.
Hawaii experiences elevated shark activity during specific times of year:
May - September
Warmer temperatures, calmer conditions. Fewer reported shark incidents. Better ocean visibility.
October - December
Changing water temps, currents, and fish activity may attract sharks. Most elevated shark activity period.
Important note: Sharks are present year-round in Hawaiian waters. Seasonal patterns indicate elevated activity, not absence during other months.
Current safety recommendations for visiting Tunnel Beach include:
While shark attacks at Tunnel Beach garner significant attention due to the high-profile Hamilton incident, the beach remains one of Hawaii's most visited snorkeling destinations. The single documented severe attack across two decades represents an extraordinarily rare occurrence relative to the thousands of visitors who safely enjoy the beach annually.
Marine biologists emphasize that sharks avoid humans as a general behavioral pattern, and the vast majority of shark species present in Hawaiian waters have never attacked humans. The presence of sharks should not deter responsible ocean use—instead, awareness of their habitat, seasonal patterns, and behavioral patterns enables informed decision-making.