A couple from Maui had a terrifying run-in with a tiger shark while kayaking off the western shore of the island.
Cheslei Akima and Alika Dickerson said the incident occurred about a mile off the coast of Olowalu. The couple reported that a large shark emerged from the water, struck their kayak, and shook it violently.
“It was one of the scariest things of our lives,” Akima said. “We thought we were gonna flip.”
“It was either me or the shark or us or the shark,” Dickerson added.
Tiger Shark Identification
The pair believes the shark was a tiger shark based on its light gray stripes and its length, which exceeded that of their 12-foot kayak. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tiger sharks are apex predators and are considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters.
After returning to shore, the couple noticed bite marks on their kayak but were unharmed. Despite the scare, they said the experience would not stop them from venturing into the water again.
“I’m just more like, on alert now,” Akima said.
Safety Tips to Avoid Shark Encounters
The Hawaii State Division of Aquatic Resources recommends several precautions to stay safe from tiger sharks:
- Swim, surf, or dive with others and remain close to assistance.
- Avoid the water at dawn, dusk, or night, and stay away from murky waters, stream mouths, channels, and steep drop-offs.
- Avoid wearing high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry, and refrain from excessive splashing.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding, and keep pets away.
- Leave the water calmly if sharks are sighted, and never provoke or harass them.
- Remove speared fish from the water and stay away from dead animals.
- Swim or surf at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and follow their guidance.
The couple’s encounter highlights the importance of awareness and caution in shark-prone waters, especially for those kayaking or engaging in other inshore activities.
