While the sparkling, turquoise waters found in the vast Pacific Ocean off the Hawaiian coast are certainly beautiful and enticing, the world below the surface is home to some deadly secrets. From shark attacks to rogue waves, rip currents, and various sea creatures, your favorite Hawaiian waters are no doubt full of things that can be harmful. Here are nine commonly found things that just might kill you, if you’re not careful, that is. Have you ever encountered any dangerous sea creatures in Hawaii? What about dangers in the natural world? Check them out!

1. Sharks
Amy/Flickr
Believe it or not, shark attacks are probably not the greatest risk while living or visiting Hawaii. Sure, Hawaii gets a bad rap for shark attacks, but as long as you swim with a buddy and don’t go too far out, you’ll be just fine.
2. Rip Currents
JulianBleecker/Flickr
Currents are almost impossible to see from the shore, but can be wildly dangerous - even if you are a strong swimmer. Do your research, pay attention to warning signs and other swimmers, and when in doubt, stay out.
3. Sharp + Slippery Rocks*
Thank You (22.5 Millions+) views/Flickr
Tourists and locals alike can easily be injured from walking on sharp and slippery rocks, either below the ocean's surface, or near the water. If you're going to hang out on the rocks, considering wearing water shoes.
4. Box Jellyfish + Portuguese Man-of-War
Aloha Howdy/Flickr
Jellyfish stings burn, and in rare cases of allergic reaction, can cause hospitalization. Luckily, these sneaky little creatures are quite predictable. They often invade shallow waters approximately 9-12 days after a full moon, and many beaches will put up warning signs once they are spotted.

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5. Rogue Waves
John M/Flickr
If you’re not careful, and you fail to heed warning signs posted on the shore, you could easily get swept away by a giant wave. Depending on the time of year, there are beaches that are simply too hazardous to swim at, and others that can produce sudden waves + surf advisories. Always check the surf reports and head warning signs posted at the beach.
6. Eels
DenAsuncioner/Flickr
You remember the eel attack on Waikiki beach last summer that was originally assumed to be a shark attack? Yeah, you should be scared of eels too.
7. Coral Reefs
sheraca/Flickr
Reef cuts are quite common in Hawaii, especially if you aren't careful. These cuts often go unnoticed as your skin is already wet, and can get infected easily - since the coral is alive and bacteria-ridden.
8. Various Sea Creatures
jtu / Flickr
While sharks and jellyfish are perhaps the more well-known of Hawaii's dangerous sea life, creatures like sea urchins can feature needle-like spines filled with venom.
9. Territorial Surfers
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Okay, we're mostly kidding about this one, but it is best to stay away from crowded areas during periods of high surf to avoid collisions.

Want more reason to be afraid while in paradise? Check out this list of 15 things that might just kill you in Hawaii!

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Dangerous Sea Creatures in Hawaii

Tori Jane | August 05, 2022

How many species of venomous fish in Hawaii are there?  

In just a word? Numerous! Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, sure, and it’s definitely a paradise – but some of the aquatic critters that call it home are capable of tremendous harm to humans and other critters! Take the scorpionfish, for example - there are 25 species of them in and around Hawaii. Other venomous and dangerous fish and invertebrates in Hawaii include the box jellyfish (DO. NOT. TOUCH.), the Portuguese Man-O-War (DEFINITELY DO NOT TOUCH), sea urchins, and even some types of sea snails!  

What are the deadliest sea creatures in Hawaii?  

Any and all of the animals listed in the above paragraph are considered very dangerous, and should not be handled or played with by anyone. You know how we mentioned snails? Well, yeah – the cone snail is incredibly dangerous thanks to its venom and the locals call their shells “dizzy shells”. They can cause anaphylactic shock in people who mishandle them, so seriously, just don’t even try. Look, don’t touch! Another very dangerous, deadly sea creature of Hawaii is the moray eel, which has more than 80 species that call the region home. They can easily stun and kill other fish, as well as people, and they too are never to be trifled with.  

Are there any sharks in Hawaii? 

Unfortunately, yep. The deadliest species of sharks in Hawaii are the Tiger sharks. They are very efficient, deadly predators and operate with a succinct precision one could only expect from a shark. They can be up to 13 feet long and, while Great Whites seem to get all the scary cred, Tiger sharks are much deadlier. Of course, this doesn’t mean attacks are common – since the beginning of recordkeeping in 1928, there have been just 11 fatalities from sharks in Hawaii (and most of them occurred near Maui).  

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