Fatal Shark Encounter in Kāʻanapali, Maui

Ocean Safety officers patrolling the West Maui shoreline following a reported fatal shark incident in Kāʻanapali. Photo near Hanakaʻōʻō credit
Bill Arter

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Division of Aquatic Resources personnel are assisting Maui County in putting up shark warning signs at Kāʻanapali Beach Park on Maui after what is reported as a fatal shark incident this morning.

Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement confirms the victim of today’s shark incident was a 65 year-old man. Maui police say the male victim has since been identified as 65 year old Thomas Smiley visiting from California. A witness reported the man was swimming about 150 yards offshore in an area fronting Kāʻanapali Shores.

Following standard protocols, warning signs are up for 1/2 mile on either side of the incident area and will remain in place until at least noon tomorrow. At that time if an assessment shows no signs of sharks the signs will come down.