The Great, Great White Shark

Photo Courtesy G. Zsilavecz, Fishbase.org

Of all the sharks that travel in Hawaiian waters, the white shark is probably the most feared, yet most compelling to watch.  The ancient Hawaiians called this shark niuhi.  According to Mary Pukui, any Hawaiian shark longer than 3.5 meters was probably known as niuhi, or ‘man eater’.  Catching a niuhi was a game played only by chiefs, as it was a very dangerous sport and there were special techniques that were used. Eating the meat from a niuhi was forbidden to women.

As a naturalist and working on the water in Hawaii for well over a decade, I have seen the white shark from a boat only once.  It was a small shark (under 10 feet), and was very close to shore.  It appeared to be patrolling near a new mother humpback resting with her calf.  We stayed in the area as long as we could.  Eventually the shark moved away and dove deeper and we did not see it again.  It was a breathtaking experience and one I will never forget.  Others have seen white sharks in Hawaii as well.  Click HERE for a video clip.  Fishermen, recreational boaters, commercial boat captains and crew, and a few lucky visitors, all when telling their story were very excited to do so.  White sharks in Hawaii are a very rare occurrence, but may be seen with more frequency.  Why?  They are hunted and fished by many around the world, but are also protected from fishing in a few countries.  Some researchers speculate the numbers could be on the increase, which is a very good thing if this is true.

Seeing a great white in Hawaii is highly unlikely.  We can only hope that may change in our lifetime.  If you are planning on a trip to Hawaii, please plan on taking a boating trip.  We never know how very fabulous your outing may be and what spectacular memories await you.

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