The recent incidents involved a 10-foot tiger shark attacking a surfer just four days after a standup paddle boarder was attacked in the same bay. Both cases resulted in boards with bite marks. Fortunately there
were no injuries to the people involved and they were able to get back to shore unharmed.

When the standup paddler was attacked she was knocked to the left of the board while her 3-year-old grandson was knocked to the right of the board. The woman recounted landing on the shark and kicking at it before paddling her grandson back to shore.

Just days later a surfer recounted how her board lurched forward and then was pulled underwater. The shark left a large bite mark in the surfboard. Experts concluded that the bite came from a tiger shark about ten feet long. These were the first two recorded shark attacks in Holualoa Bay.

Shark Attacks Relatively Rare in Hawaiian Waters

Despite the recent incidents, the fact is that shark attacks are relatively rare in Hawaiian waters. More than seven million visitors come to Hawaii each year and most enjoy the beautiful beaches, yet total attacks in one year are typically between one and eight with fatalities being even more rare.

Historically the number of shark attacks has not been increasing even though the number of visitors has been increasing. Since 1882 there have been more than 115 total unprovoked shark attacks in Hawaiian
waters with eleven fatalities. Based on these numbers, a much more dangerous risk in Hawaiian waters is drowning – about sixty drownings occur in Hawaii each year.

Why Do Sharks Attack Humans?

Of the forty species of sharks known to inhabit Hawaiian waters, eight species are seen near shore including Tiger Sharks. Humans are not the intended prey of any of these sharks though it is possible the sharks may mistake humans for their natural prey, particularly in murky water. Areas frequented by fishing boats may also attract sharks, especially when there are fish remains and blood in the water.

The State of Hawaii Shark Task Force has issued a series of recommendations to reduce the risk of a shark attack, including: Never swim alone; swim in guarded areas; don’t wear highly contrasting colors or bright jewelry; avoid excessive splashing; be alert if fish and turtles are fleeing an area; remove speared fish from the water; and avoid swimming at dusk, in murky water, when bleeding and when sharks are known to be present.

The Inspirational Story of Bethany Hamilton

Perhaps Hawaii’s most infamous shark attack on a surfer took place on October 31, 2003 on Kauai’s north shore when then 13-year-old Beth- any Hamilton lost her left arm to a tiger shark estimated at 14 feet in length.

Hamilton wrote about the shark attack in her 2004 book Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. Overcoming the setback, in 2005 Bethany took first place, the National Surfing Championships of the National Scholastic Surfing Association.

Bethany has also appeared on major television shows including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Inside Edition and Good Morning America to talk about her inspirational story which is also told in the feature film Heart of a Soul Surfer released in April, 2011 and starring Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Craig T. Nelson and Carrie Underwood.

At first we both agreed that Kauai was our favorite island. My fiancée loved the
beauty of the island and the surf at Hanalei while I couldn’t stop raving about how
beautiful Waimea Canyon was. I did a service trip up in Koke’e and I have been
in love with Kauai ever since. My love of the island grew even more when we
discovered the Happy Talk Bar (I am in love with the movie “South Pacific”) and
a secret beach up in Hanalei. I’ve heard of the pool at Grand Wailea on Maui and
Waikoloa on the Big Island but I didn’t realize that they had such an awesome pool
hidden right there on the fourth largest Hawaiian island.

After going on our early Honeymoon my fiancée and I debated if Maui might be
the best island. I hadn’t been to Maui since I was a child and I don’t think I truly
appreciated how beautiful the island is as a child. It was a pleasant surprise and
I quickly fell in love with both the food and the resort at Mama’s Fish House. The
scuba diving is better than all the other islands and I am a sucker for a pool with a
waterfall, which is one thing Maui does not lack. On the drive to Hana we snacked
on the banana bread and found a private waterfall to swim in. Whether your hobby
is hiking, swimming, surfing, kite surfing, or scuba diving Maui has a plentitude of
activities for you.

I would have to say that the best Hawaiian Island to visit is The Big Island of
Hawaii. I have never visited such a diverse island. If you have a four wheel drive
then you have got it made. There are tons of private beaches you can drive to and
when you’re done taking a dip in the crystal clear blue water you can drive up to
Mauna Kea to maybe see some snow. Even if it’s not the season for snow the star
gazing is unbelievable. Each town on the big island has a different charm. You
can get the city feel when you visit Kona town but almost every other town on the
island is laid back and nostalgic…Hawaii before all of the development. I also love
the diversity of beaches. I don’t know where else you can find white sand, black
sand and green sand beaches. For the daredevils, you can jump off the rocks at
South Point although I still haven’t been able to scrounge up the courage to do it.

Choosing the best island to visit depends on what you want to get out of your
vacation. Oahu has the infamous Waikiki and known to all surfers…North Shore. It
is the island I live on so I don’t think of it as a vacation destination but whenever I
want to spend the weekend hiking, sailing, scuba diving, shopping, or just hanging
out at the beach swimming and tanning I am never disappointed.

One of the best resort areas in all of the Hawaiian Islands is Maui’s Wailea Resort just south of Kihei. The Grand Wailea has been listed among the top resorts in the world by numerous travel magazines including Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure.
The Grand Wailea is also known for its large, full-service day spa called Spa Grande which offers everything from massages to aromatherapy and has been rated as one of the world’s top spas.

Another luxury resort at Wailea is the Four Seasons Resort which provides a bit more serenity than the Grand Wailea, which can be quite busy during the peak season when excited children fill the pool area. The Spa at Four Seasons has also received awards from prominent travel magazines for its high quality.

The Fairmont Kea Lani at Wailea features an adults-only pool and a kid’s camp with lots of activities for children. The elegant hotel provides the finest in luxuries, and every room is a suite. The beach along these oceanfront resorts of Wailea is sheltered from the open ocean making it great for snorkeling and relaxing, while also providing some small waves that are fun for kids. The area also boasts the most high-end shopping on Maui at the Shops at Wailea retails shopping center.

One of Maui’s most popular fine resort areas is Kaanapali known for its golden sands, pristine water, and world-class luxury hotels and condominiums as well as vacation club resorts.

Located on Maui’s western shore, Kaanapali also has a paved beach walk with great restaurants and shopping. You can enjoy sailing, snorkeling, golf, tennis, or a beach side massage in the ultimate luxury of Kaanapali.

Visiting Maui and staying in a bed and breakfast can enrich an already well-planned island itinerary. Where you stay is critical, because most travelers will spend a good portion of time in their hotel room, even if they plan to indulge in nightlife. A Maui Bed and Breakfast (B&B) has a good deal of perks, so it’s an option to consider if you’re seeking a departure from the conventional hotel room or Maui condo rental.

Staying in a home might feel intimidating, when you don’t know the owners. Bed and Breakfasts are all about people who love to share their home, hospitality and a piece of their community with you. Aside from the smaller bed and breakfast inns with just a handful of rooms, several offer enough rooms that make it more of a small, intimate inn rather than a tiny B&B.

Does it mean you have to clean up after yourself? No. You are the guest and daily housekeeping is included in your rate, as are many other expected and unique amenities. Most likely, you’ll also have Internet access included in your rate. It is possible that you won’t have screaming kids nearby as many bed and breakfast homes are tailored for romantic getaways. Conversely, today, you’ll also find more options for family-friendly ones and even pet-friendly.

Fees are sometimes a part of the package, though some are simply deposits. Also, some bed and breakfast inns require a minimum night stay. While these seem like terms that a traveler may not want to face, consider that in most cases, a hotel has your credit card number and if you damage the room, they can charge you after the fact.

What’s so special about a Maui Bed and Breakfast? You’ll have an advantage as a guest—you’ll be treated as a special guest since the inn will be small enough to give you the attentiveness you need. A large hotel with varying shifts for staff can find that their guests become a blur after a day. At a bed and breakfast, you’ll find as much, or as little attention as you’d like. Breakfast is a large part of the stay, and many owners are excellent chefs, so you’re breakfasts will be memorable. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, diabetic, heart-healthy and other nutritional specifications are met with more ease at a Maui bed and breakfast because the owners are often more accommodating when given advance notice.

Another perk for visitors staying at a Maui Bed and Breakfast is the insider viewpoint. Owners of the inn have likely lived in the area all their lives, or at least for several years, and as business owners, they have cultivated working relationships with many of the area attractions and other businesses. You will have the scoop about the best of everything and insight into the area that only a local can share.

While many hotels have mini-bars, bed and breakfast inns often include a small basket of snacks in your room or in the main area. You’ll likely have access to books and movies plus a chance to walk on the grounds of private property you wouldn’t normally have if staying elsewhere. Wraparound porches, small signature gardens, a custom blend of coffee and a sense of home are just a few amenities you’ll enjoy.

A stay at a Maui Bed and Breakfast is for a certain type of traveler, and worth the try as you’ll find Maui fascinating and enjoyable from a local perspective. Contact the Maui Bed an Breakfast Association for a list of licensed/permitted bed and breakfast inns.?

Most beaches cannot be all things for all guests. Some travelers seek fine, white sand for an idyllic setting, some want excellent swimming, others need a challenging surfing spot and families may want a place for picnics. Kailua Beach Park is the beach that meets a multitude of needs for visitors staying in an area hotel or one of the many Kailua vacation rentals.

The water, land and sky sports are seemingly endless. Kayaking and para-sailing are a few more sports popular at Kailua Beach, on Oahu’s Windward Coast. Pretty and pristine are naturally facets of this beach, but beyond the photography is a beach that was proclaimed the world’s best beach, which is awarded based on a long list of amenities. Convenient for guests in a Hawaiian vacation rental home, Kailua Beach is within close proximity, has lifeguards on site, picnic areas with tables, restrooms, showers, food concessions and phones.

Plan a variety of itineraries for a day at Kailua Beach because fishing, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and kiteboarding are all available and you can arrange for a guide and/or instruction. Another day, you can easily while away hours watching others surf as you enjoy a glorious sunny day with a picnic. Kailua is a residential area too, so the beach is sheltered from the typical tourist throngs; however, all beaches in Hawaii are open and accessible to the public.

Adding more character to the mix, Kailua Beach connects to Lanikai Beach via a boatramp and scenic spot. Lanikai Beach is less accessible to the public, so those seeking a space a bit more remote will enjoy it. The appeal builds with the three islands within visibility and proximity (kayak or swim), Popoia Island (Flat Island) and the pair of islands, Mokulua Islands (Moku Nui and Moku Iki), also called the Twin Islands or Moks. Families like Kalama Beach, on Kailua Bay between Kailua and Lanikai Beaches. It offers picnic areas and a great starting point for beginning surfing and bodyboarding. Kalama Beach has restrooms and shower facilities but no lifeguards. See the entire area on bike by starting at Lanikai Beach.

Popoia and Mokulua Islands are bird sactuaries. Moku Nui is open to the public only during the day. Once you swim or paddle to it, enjoy a scenic hike, with rocks and lava. Make sure to hike with shoes that you won’t mind getting wet.

Guests staying in a Hawaiian vacation rental home will find the area is a pleasant escape from congestion; apparently, both Elvis and President Obama sought Kailua Beach as their getaway destination, partially for the privacy and possibly for the shave ice and plate lunches.

This is not an easy question. It all depends on what you want to do on your Hawaiian vacation. If you want to kick back in a Maui luxury villa and relax with Mai Tais and sunsets, then cruise in Wailea or Kaanalpali. If you are looking for a more affordable Big Island condo rental and want to trip around Hilo or explore Volcano, check out rentals on the southern end of Hawaii. Of course you can stay on the beach in Hanalei for a pretty penny, but many people have created memories on Hanalei Bay that are priceless. Being surrounded by Bali Hai, walking the famed Hanaeli Bay, and soaking in the Hawaiian sun is hard to put a price on. For sun and fun on Kauai, the south side (Poipu and Koloa) are more guaranteed to give you that Hawaiian tan. The Parrish Collection Kauai has some great offerings for Poipu Kai resorts and condos.

A lot of tourist have found that going on the cruise ships around the islands is a great alternative. You don’t have to constantly pack and catch airplanes. You can be playing shuffleboard on the lido deck on Kauai, go take a dip in the pool, catch a nap or a movie, and the next thing you know you are at Oahu. The drawback to the cruises is that they don’t stay for extended periods in any one port. While it is fine to get a sense of an island for the day stopover that you might have there, don’t expect to get the true sense of the place in that short of a time span. One compromise to this, is that some visitors will stay on one island for 4 or 5 days and get to fully explore there, and then do a cruise. This way you get a little of the best of both worlds.

Your personal preference should end up being the overall most important factor when determining where to stay in Hawaii. If you like crowds and the kinetic energy of cities and events, then you are probably best off checking out Oahu or Maui in summer time when more stuff is going on. If you are looking for a true get-away, no phone calls, no traffic, no people, then Kauai and everywhere on the big island except Kona and Hilo, are going to give you the solitude you are looking for. If you like the lush greenery of the tropics, then try to stay on the windward (northeastern) sides of the islands. If you want the warn sunny beach days, then most southern and western shores will fit your bill.

Unless you are a particularly picky person, or don’t like humidity, it is pretty hard to go wrong when coming to Hawaii.

One of the first things I tell people to do on their vacations is RELAX. I know when you are traveling, sometimes it can be a little hard, you want to do everything and see everything. Well, luckily in Hawaii, most of the stuff you have to see or do, is very relaxing. Whether you soar over the islands on a Hawaii helicopter tour, see rainbows of fruity fish on a Maui snorkel tour, or just cruise in a convertible, you will be feelin’ the island groove in no time.

Their are many great boat tours on all of the islands, all of them offering unique experiences: towering Na Pali cliffs, whales breaching off of Diamond Head, lava violently introducing itself to the sea, or just a voyage in our great big blue. And if you can get a good one, and the weather is just right, you will have a “moment”. By moment, I mean an unforgettable, dolphins playing, turtles basking, whale flapping, experience. One of those things that stick in your head. When you are back to work, the Hawaii coastline will grace your thoughts when you need it most. When you are trying to decide where to go next summer, that nagging desire to do it again will be pulling you. When it is gray and cold, it is the other place you are going to be wishing you were. If you aren’t prone to seasickness, seeing Hawaii from the surrounding Pacific is quite the ticket.

If you are going to do it from the ocean, then you might as well do it from the sky. Another heart stopping, pulse racing, yet altogether soothing way to see Hawaii is on a helicopter tour. You see waterfalls and cliff lines that are inaccessible to almost all humans. You feel the enormity of your smallness (not at all in a bad way), you feel the power of the land, the island, the ocean and earth. Catch the Waimea Canyon deep and ancient, watch new Hawaii being formed over Volcano. The few helicopter tours that I have been on, have all been accompanied by a soundtrack that amplifies the experience and an experienced pilot the put the passengers at easy. If it puts you more at ease, select your tour operator based on their safety record.

If you are able, get a convertible rental car in Hawaii and drive with the top down. Many visitors come to the islands and hop on big tour buses that drag them around to all of the tourist traps. While there is some valid reasons for those less mobile to take these tours, if you have a license and a heartbeat, go cruising. The drive around the west side of Oahu up to the North Shore is prime “leave your troubles behind” cruising. And basically anywhere on Kauai and the Big Island are perfect for going topless. Or see how far you can make it up Haleakala on Maui before you need to pull over a put the top up. Hint: bring a sweater!

Now, I have failed to mention about a million other things that are great about Hawaii; And many are well worth a visit. But if you just did the above, with a little beach time on top, you would go home a happy camper. For more great information or ideas, there are many great guides online that can detail Oahu activities, Maui activities and things to do on Kauai and the Big Island.

Answer: Thank you for the very long, and not easily answered question. A lot of people come to the islands looking to get their piece of Hawaii real estate, especially after staying in a great rental home. There definitely is a huge time share market. It has grown so large, that a huge portion of hotels and resorts are now time share commodities. A lot of times this goes unnoticed by the casual visitor, because they go to these hotels and stay in the rooms just as they would any other hotel. The difference is that they are not sole properties of the hotel chain or corporation, they are often just being managed by the hotels and privately owned by investors. This has become a very popular way for people to feel that they have their own piece of Hawaii. However it is much different than traditional property ownership. I won’t go into the full details of time shares here, but often times it is more like owning a club membership than owning land.

As far as Hawaiian homes as vacation rentals go, there is a vast assortment of situations in which houses are used as vacation rentals. There are some owners who split their time in Hawaii with living on the mainland or abroad. A lot of these owners hire management companies to fill their homes while they are not in them. This can be a great source of income depending on the economy. A nice vacation rental can demand anywhere from $300 a night to $3000 a night. Beach homes and large estates are often rented out for wedding parties and by celebrities. Even a modest home can get over $200 a night. If you do the math based on 75% occupancy, that is upwards of $4200 a month. This is a great way to offset the cost of a mortgage for a house that you only occupy a week or a month out of the year, and real estate is often a very solid investment.

Local home owners also rent out portions of their homes as vacation rentals. Many builders in Hawaii design homes with lock-outs, mother-in-law quarters, or guest cottages.  Often times for visitors these can be great finds. A lot of owners will go out of their way to make a guest feel at home. They can provide great insider tips about places to visit or to skip and be all around great resources for someone visiting the islands for the first time.

Some people buy property in Hawaii strictly for the rental income. They often hire a vacation rental management company and/or a property manager to make sure that their investment is well taken care of, and fully booked. There are some investors that never even visit Hawaii, but look at their property as a commodity.

For everyone the decision to own part of paradise is personal and depends greatly on expectations and money. By purchasing a property in Hawaii, you be assured that you will always have a place to stay, possibly generate some additional income, and own your slice of heaven. That said, you still have the headaches of maintenance, you often have to hire a property manager, deal with advertising and you hold the risk when times are not so good.

I’m pretty certain that shot wasn’t in Hawaii. It looks to me like it is The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. I went through that a couple of times, it is awesome.

IMDB lists about 18 different shot locations for that movie and only a few of them are in Hawaii.

Aloha Jim,

Yes, there is a helicopter tour that flies from Maui over to the Big Island and Volcano National Park.

Big Island Volcano Air Tour Ultimate Experience

Fly from Kapalua in the morning or Kahului at sunset and experience the wonder of Hawaii’s only active volcano, Kilauea! This must-do activity offers the safest and most sure way to see lava flow; if you’re lucky, you might even see snow caps on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Mahalo for asking here on Hawaii Questions!

Based on Census Bureau’s estimate, Hawaii’s population in 2007 was 1,283,388.

Based on the charts below Hawaii welcomes between 550,000 to 650,000 visitors monthly (based on 2007 reports).

With the economy the way it currently is, and high fuel prices affecting the price of flights, tourism has drastically dropped the last few months. September 2008 only recieved around 461,000 visitors compared to 552,000 in 2007. This is a drop of 15.6 percent from the same month last year.

Ironically the average daily spending by tourists while in Hawaii didn’t change. It remained at about $189 per day for both years during the month of September.

Source: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/visitor-stats/tourism/

Actually Hawaii has more endangered plants and animals per square mile than any other place on earth. It is sometimes referred to as the “Endangered Species Capital of the World.”

Some examples of endangered animals include 5 different species of turtles, the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Oahu Tree snails, 30 species of birds and around 279 plants.

There are an estimated 10-30 million species of insects worldwide (most still to be discovered and described by scientists). The following link will show you the estimated number of species going extinct while you view the webpage.
http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/endangered/numbers/numbers.html

Source: Hawaii Biological Survey