Hawaii's beaches offer stunning scenery and numerous recreational opportunities, yet visitors should remain vigilant about potentially hazardous marine life.
Dangerous Ocean Creatures
Coral
Be sure to watch your step and be careful surfing and boogie boarding over a reef in shallow water. Sharp coral edges can cause cuts requiring careful disinfection to prevent infection.
Jellyfish
These tentacled creatures deliver irritating stings. Every month, about 9-12 days after a full moon, jellyfish drift close to shore. If stung, rinse the area with water and avoid scratching. Seek emergency help if experiencing breathing difficulties.
Moray Eels
Dwelling in reef caves, eels rarely attack unless threatened. If an eel swims near you, stay calm. Let it go about its way and don't touch it. Their backward-pointing teeth make forced removal extremely painful.
Portuguese Man-of-War
Similar to jellyfish, these creatures can cause a painful sting and come in pink, blue, or violet hues.
Sea Urchins
Hidden in reef crevices, their needle-like spines and toxins cause severe pain upon contact.
Sharks
Most shark attacks occur when these predators confuse humans with their regular food. Surf in groups and avoid dawn and dusk hours.
Snorkeling Safety
Avoid positioning yourself within fish schools and monitor marine behavior for erratic movements signaling danger.