Page 309 - Hawaii: Diving, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes and More

harks play an essential part in the world’s oceans. They balance other fish
S populations. The most common shark attack on humans is the so-called “hit
and run” attack. In other words, the shark bites the human (usually in the arm
or leg), but quickly lets go because he realizes that the human is not the seal
or turtle he thought it is. From below, this is how humans look like to a shark,
especially surfers on a surfboard. Even though most sharks have a well-de-
veloped sense of vision, they can confuse humans with other marine animals
that are on their regular menu. Humans also often times splash around while
swimming, which further attracts sharks because for them it symbolizes sick or
injured marine life.

here are about forty species of shark in Hawaii, of which eight can be ob-
T served near shore, including the reef whitetip, sandbar, scalloped hammer-
head and tiger shark, according to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. Tiger
sharks are the shark species that most often attack humans in Hawaiian waters.

harks have always played a big role in Hawaiian culture. From one side, the
S animal provided the people with tools. Shark teeth, for example, were used
as a knife and shark skins were used for hula drums. But sharks also played
a role in Hawaiian spirituality. Some shark species were considered equal to
Hawaiian ali’i (royalty). Sometimes when a family member died, it was be-
lieved that the deceased could reincarnate in the form of a shark. This shark
then was the family’s ‘aumakua, a guardian spirit and protector. Also, at least
nine Hawaiian gods are associated with sharks: Kamohoali’i, Kua, Kuhaimoana,
Kawelomahamahai’a, Kane’apua, Kaholia-Kane, Ka’ahupahau, Keali’ikau o Ka’u
and Kaehuikimano o Pu’uloa.