Sharks in Hawaiian Culture

Traditionally it has always been the Hawaiian way to value all living creatures as having a rightful place in the ecosystem, including sharks.

Many Hawaiian believe that certain sharks are the embodiment of gods and family deities called 'aumakua. In Hawaiian, 'aumakua is defined as a guardian spirit or family protector. Not all sharks are 'aumakua but the most prevalent 'aumakua in Hawai'i seems to be the shark.

Whether you are living in Hawai'i or just visiting, please be respectful and aware when in the ocean.

Surfers Should Avoid:

1. Surfing alone. 
2. Surfing in the dark.
3. Wearing flashy jewelry.
4. Surfing near a stream or river mouth.
5. Surfing near fishermen.
6. Surfing with open wounds.
7. Surfing after heavy rain or in murky waters.

In Man vs. Shark it is the shark that should be afraid; humans will kill approximately 100 million sharks in an average year which has resulted in some shark species approaching near extinction.