A surfer was bitten by a shark earlier this week in Hanalei Bay on Hawaii’s island of Kaua’i, prompting officials to close one of the island’s most visited beaches.

According to the Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB), the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on November 5, when a local surfer was attacked while in the water. The man sustained leg injuries and was treated at the scene before being taken to Wilcox Medical Center for further care.

Officials have not yet identified the shark’s species or size. As a precaution, “Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs were posted along the beach, and lifeguards are patrolling the area to keep visitors out of the water.

Authorities have not confirmed when Hanalei Bay will reopen.

Meanwhile, Po‘ipū Beach, located roughly 45 miles away, was also temporarily closed after a 3–4-foot reef shark was spotted about two hours after the Hanalei attack, according to the Kaua’i Fire Department.

As of mid-October, there have been 16 confirmed shark bites in the United States in 2025, including one previous incident in Hawaii, according to data from TrackingSharks.com.