A dead whale that washed ashore at Waimanalo Beach Park on Saturday morning turned the usually mellow shoreline into a shark hot spot, as lifeguards warned swimmers to stay on the sand while multiple sharks fed close to shore. Honolulu Ocean Safety crews put up shark-warning signs and stepped up patrols while officials evaluated the scene, asking beachgoers to hold off on entering the water until conditions could be checked again.
At about 9:01 a.m., the City Ocean Safety Department issued a formal shark advisory, and lifeguards confirmed multiple shark sightings off Sherwood’s and other stretches of Waimanalo Bay. Warning signs went up along the beach, and officials urged visitors to talk with on-duty lifeguards before heading into the ocean, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Past Incidents at Waimanalo
This is not the first time a whale carcass near Waimanalo has brought big predators in close. In April 2021, at least three tiger sharks were seen feeding on a humpback carcass that drifted near shore. Authorities coordinated removal of the remains and held a Hawaiian blessing, according to Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
What Lifeguards Are Advising
Lifeguards have been actively patrolling the bay and keeping “shark sighted” signs in place while they track both the sharks and the whale remains. Officials said anyone who spots a shark should immediately notify Ocean Safety personnel or call 911, and dog owners were reminded to keep pets leashed and away from any tissue that might wash ashore, per the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Why Carcasses Attract Sharks and What Research Shows
Large carcasses are high-calorie food sources that can draw predatory sharks into nearshore waters, creating a temporary hot zone for feeding activity. Scientific studies suggest that the decomposition plumes are usually highly localized and that proper removal or burial can limit how much they attract sharks. Summaries and research on these effects are outlined in Swellnet and the Marine Pollution Bulletin.
How Authorities Usually Respond
When whales wash ashore, agencies including DLNR, NOAA and city crews typically coordinate on assessments, removal options and cultural protocols with local practitioners. Past responses have involved heavy equipment, interagency teams and community blessings before any removal or burial of remains, as documented by local reporting in Maui Now…