2 shark sightings force closure at Kua Bay

KAILUA-KONA — Kua Bay is closed after two reported shark sightings this morning in north Kona ocean waters.

The closure at Maniniʻowali Beach, also known as Kua Bay at Kekaha Kai State Park, took effect at 11:30 a.m., according to the DLNR Department of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

The first sighting was in Kukio Bay where a kayaker reported that an aggressive tiger shark bumped the kayak.

Later that morning, a visitor saw and photographed a shark in the surf line at Kua Bay. That photo was shared with park groundskeepers who then notified the DOCARE office.

The beach will remain closed for the rest of the day and overnight, pending a re-evaluation Saturday morning for any shark presence, before park officials reopen the beach to people.