DLNR: Woman Spearfishing Offshore of Lahaina Bit on Leg by Shark, Injuries Non-Life Threatening

A 27-year-old woman from Kauaʻi was spearfishing Sunday morning, Nov. 7, when a shark bit her leg about 100 yards offshore of Lahaina on Maui, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The Maui Fire Department responded to the incident at 10:38 am. The woman told first responders a 4- to 6-foot Blacktip reef or Galapagos shark bumped her. After losing sight of it, she said the shark returned and bit her. 

Shark warning signs were put up on beaches for about one-mile in each direction of Mala Wharf, a popular snorkeling and dive site. The signs will remain up until at least noon on Monday. If no further shark presence is detected during this time frame, the signs will come down.

Maui Ocean Safety assisted DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers in clearing the beach and water.

To learn more about the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement response to shark incidents see the state’s video below: