Shark Sighting Forces Temporary Makena Beach Closure

Makena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Ohser

***At 3:23 p.m., county officials said the temporary beach closure had ended, and the area was reopened.

A portion of beach in Makena is closed this afternoon following a shark sighting reported by a diver at around 12:50 p.m. in waters off of Little Beach.

The diver reported that an 8-foot Galapagos shark attacked a string of fish that he had trailing behind him, county officials said in a media advisory.

The diver reportedly released the fish and headed for shore.

Ocean Safety officers on a jet ski later  found the string with some partially eaten fish still attached to it, county officials said.

Maui County Ocean Safety officers and the Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the area from the south end of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort to the third entrance of Big Beach.

The closure was to remain in effect for two hours. Once the two hours has expired, Ocean Safety and DLNR to reevaluate the area to determine when the beach will reopen.

***Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.