61-year-old man critically injured, bit by shark at Waiehu, Maui

Maui emergency crews responded to a report of a shark attack incident in the area known as “Sand Piles” at Waiehu on Maui at around 7:05 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

The 61-year-old male patient was reportedly surfing when the incident occurred. He was transported in critical condition to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room with injuries to his leg, which was severed below the knee, authorities tell Maui Now. He remains at the hospital where he is receiving further care.

Maui police responded to the incident at Waiehu Beach Park regarding a report of a miscellaneous accident. Upon arrival, officers located the man onshore, alert and conscious, who reported suffering a shark bite while surfing, police said.  With the assistance of other surfers, the man was able to swim back to shore, according to police.

County officials say police applied two Combat Application Tourniquets to control bleeding, before medics and fire personnel arrived. 

Maui Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeffrey Giesea said the patient did not get a good look, but believes it was a shark that that caused the injury. “Something bit him, wrenched his leg off and swam away—so he could not give any information as to the type of shark or size of shark,” said Giesea.

At approximately 7:42 a.m., personnel with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the area for one mile in either direction from Paukūkalo to Waiheʻe until further notice. The closure will remain in place until at least noon on Saturday, Nov. 2, but could be extended if further shark sighting activity is observed in the area.

At around 10:30 a.m., crews continued to patrol the area on land, by jet ski, and by drone.

Friends identified the man as Kenji, a surfer who is familiar with the area. A GoFundMe for the patient has been launched by friends at the following direct LINK.

He reportedly underwent a first round of surgery on Friday and continues to heal.

*This is a developing story. Details surrounding this incident are pending release. Further details will be posted as they become available.