Hapuna Reopens Following Wednesday Shark Attack

Following a day long closure on Thursday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources will open Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Waialea beach Friday morning at 7 a.m.

The beaches closed Wednesday afternoon following a shark attack that sent a 58-year-old male visitor to Queen’s Medical Center. Around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the shark, identified as a 10-12 foot tiger shark, was seen again.

Two helicopter overflights of the area did not see any sign of the shark along the coast of the beaches on Thursday, but at the recommendation of Hawai’i County Ocean Safety, the beaches remained closed.

Officials say shark warning signs were posted along Hapuna and Waialea beaches Wednesday and Thursday.