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Hawaiian Sharks
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| At
the top of the oceans food chain, Sharks have evolved from prehistoric
times and are essential in maintaining the balance of our underwater
ecosystem. New divers' primary concerns usually revolve around these
misunderstood creatures. Many people believe that if you see a shark
underwater you are about to be attacked. Close up shark encounters
are very rare and usually require a lot of effort on the diver's part.
Out of the 375 species of shark in the world, divers are only likely
to come across a few species on or near Hawaiian reefs. |
 White-tip
Reef Sharks are the most common sharks found on the Hawaiian reefs.
They can usually be seen resting in the sand or underneath overhangs
during the daytime. |
 Gray
Reef Sharks are not as common in Hawaii as the White-tip, but
they are occasionally encountered near current swept drop offs. |
 Scalloped
Hammerhead Sharks are found inshore and far out at sea, they are
more common in shallow waters during spring and summer. |
 Galapagos
Sharks are rarely encountered when diving around the main islands
of Hawaii but are frequently seen patrolling Midway's reefs. |
 Tiger
Sharks are considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters.
A tiger shark is easily recognized by its blunt snout and the vertical
bars on its sides. Tiger sharks are mainly solitary. |
 Sandbar
Shark's most distinguishing characteristics are it's taller than
average first dorsal fin. This is a commonly seen shark with an average
size of 4-6 feet and a maximum size of almost 8 feet. |
 Whale
Sharks are the largest fish in the world, able to reach up to
60 feet in length, but average around 40 feet. These giants are harmless
plankton feeders that are found throughout tropical waters. |
Manta
Rays, Monk Seals and Humpback Whales  |
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Please
follow the following guidelines when diving or snorkeling in Hawaii
and help us protect and preserve these beautiful reefs for generations
to come.
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Avoid
touching living marine organisms with your body and equipment.
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Never
touch or stand on living coral.
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Take
care on caves dives and try to spend as little time as possible
inside as air bubbles cancause damage to fragile organisms.
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Be
aware of your fins, even without contact, the heavy surge from
fin strokes can cause damage to reefs.
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Secure
gauges, computer comsoles and the octopus regulator so they're
not dangling like miniture wrecking balls.
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Be
careful when swiming in strong currents with kicking and handholds.
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Avoid
the temptation to collect coral or shells.
Ensure you take home all your trash and secure it while you
are aboard a dive boat.
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Minimize your disturbance of marine mammals and NEVER ride on
the backs of turtles or manta rays.
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