Update: Hapuna Beach Closed After Shark Attack

***Update to story made at 5:58 p.m. to include DLNR information***

Hapuna Beach State Park has been closed following a shark attack that occurred just before noon, March 18.

The shark was identified as a 10-12 foot long tiger shark, and was again spotted near the beach after 1 p.m.

Warning signs were posted at Hapuna Beach, and up and down the coastline to caution swimmers of the shark threat.  Notices were put up as far north as Spencer Beach Park, and south to Puako beach.

Hapuna Beach will remain closed until the fire department conducts helicopter flyovers of the area tomorrow morning.  The park will reopen at noon if no sharks are sighted.

***Original story posted at 3:43 p.m.***

A 58-year-old Kansas man was attacked by a shark at Hapuna Beach this morning, March 18.

The man was reportedly snorkeling with his family at the south end of the beach when he was bitten on the arm.  He was taken to the North Hawai`i Community Hospital and treated for severe wounds to his left forearm, and injury to his left thigh.

Swimmers were evacuated from the water following the incident, which was reported shortly before noon.