Mākena Shoreline Reopens After Shark Attack

Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock in Mākena, 8/14/14. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 12 p.m. 8/15/13)

Beaches from Maluaka to the Mana Kai were reopened at noon today following a shark attack at Palauea (White Rock) on Wednesday afternoon.

(Update: 9:45 a.m. 8/15/2013)

Land and sea searches continue this morning by crews from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ocean Safety and Fire department personnel, following a critical shark attack at Palauea Beach, or “White Rock,” in Mākena yesterday afternoon.

A 20-year-old woman from Germany was hospitalized in critical condition, after her right arm was severed in the attack, reported at 4:41 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14. County officials today say an update on the victim’s condition is not available at this time.

An assessment will be made at noon to evaluate the possible reopening the two-mile stretch of shoreline that was closed yesterday between Mākena Beach Resort and the Mana Kai Resort, a county press release stated.

The public is asked to adhere to all warnings and beach closures.

Full details from yesterday’s incident are posted here.

Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock in Mākena, 8/14/14. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The incident comes on the heels of a separate incident in which a shark bit an unmanned board about a quarter mile offshore of Kaʻa Point near Kanahā Beach in Central Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 13. No one was injured in that incident.

And days prior, a shark attack reported on Wednesday July 31, in Ulua Beach area of South Maui. During that incident, a California woman was treated and released from the hospital after suffering bite marks to her torso.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has a list of tips for “Safety Dos and Don’ts” relating to water safety and sharks.

***Check back for further details, which will be posted as they become available.