Shark Attacks
Tunnels Beach Shark Attacks
Yes, sharks do visit Tunnels Beach, Kauai!
Although shark attacks are extremely rare, if you enter the ocean anywhere in Hawaii, you need to know that there is always a risk.
White-tipped reef sharks reportedly rest in the tunnels of Tunnels Beach, and other sharks may occasionally be present in the waters off Tunnels Beach.
In an unfortunate incident in October 2003, then 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing at Tunnels Beach with her friend when her left arm was bitten off by a 14-foot tiger shark, resulting in the loss of the arm below the shoulder.
Best Things to Do in Kauai at a Glance
Group Type Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve now, before they sell out)Everyone / Casual Tourists Napali dinner & sunset cruise, scenic flight, luau, botanical garden & chocolate tasting, local food tour, Waimea Canyon Families (with smaller kids) Napali snorkel, helicopter ride, kayak & hike to Secret Falls, guided shore snorkel, learn to surf Adventure Tourists / Teenagers Napali raft & snorkel, doors-off helicopter, zipline, Waimea Canyon downhill bike, waterfall rappel
Planning a trip to Tunnels Beach? Be sure to check the Tunnels Beach website for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Is a doors-off helicopter tour on your bucket list for Kauai? This highly rated tour comes with no dreaded rear middle seats and offers breathtaking views over Kauai! 🚁 🚁
Tunnels Beach Sharks
It is said that there is an increased risk of being attacked by a shark in the waters off Hawaii during the months of October through December, but know that a variety of shark species is present in the ocean here throughout the year.
The species that are most commonly seen in nearshore waters are white-tipped reef sharks, sandbar sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and, sometimes, tiger sharks. Tiger sharks are considered the most dangerous.
Read about shark safety tips here.
Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.