A tense afternoon at Nanakuli Beach Park on Saturday saw an estimated six to ten foot shark cruising close to shore, forcing lifeguards to clear swimmers from the water and post warning signs along the sand. Witnesses reported the shark in both the swim and surf zones, while Ocean Safety crews kept a close watch from land and sea. Officials said patrols and signage could stay up until the shark is no longer seen.
According to Hawaii News Now, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department said the animal was spotted at about 1:20 p.m. and measured an estimated 6 to 10 feet in length. The shark was described as “aggressive,” and crews lined the shoreline with bright yellow “Shark Sighted” signs to warn visitors and keep them on the sand.
City lifeguards also reminded beachgoers to immediately alert Ocean Safety personnel or call 911 if they see a shark, as reported by the Honolulu Star‑Advertiser. Before anyone heads back into the water, officials urged checking in with an on-duty lifeguard for the latest ocean and beach conditions.
Leeward Oʻahu Sees Regular Shark Sightings
Shark sightings are not unusual along Oʻahu’s leeward coast, and the state keeps a public incident log tracking reports across the islands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources lists multiple incidents this year and provides safety tips for swimmers, surfers and paddlers who share the water with marine predators.
How Lifeguards Respond When Sharks Show Up
When a shark is reported, lifeguards typically post warning signs, clear people from the water if there is any risk and continue patrolling the area until Ocean Safety officials reassess the situation. Similar steps were taken during earlier 2025 sightings at Makaha and Waimea Bay, when advisories went up and patrols increased to protect beachgoers, according to Hawaii News Now…