Scalloped Hammerhead Shark | Hawiian Marine Life

Park Hours
9 AM - 5 PM

Park Hours 9 AM - 5 PM

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Found both in coastal and pelagic regions in all oceans of the world, the hammerhead shark is by far one of the most unique and distinct sharks in our oceans today. The scalloped species has four lobes between their eyes on the leading edge of the head and is the basis for their name. Their bodies are grey with lighter underbellies, which is known as countershading and is very common with offshore species. Adult scalloped hammerheads live offshore and come into shallower areas to pup. In Hawaiian waters, pupping grounds include Hilo Bay, Kāne’ohe Bay, and Waimea Bay, to name a few. Hammerhead sharks have been recorded down as deep as 900 feet!

 

Juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks primarily feed on bony fish and squid, while adults eat bony fish, squid, sharks, and rays. Their gestation period is 11-12 months, and litter size ranges from 15-31 pups. Birth size is anywhere from 16-20 inches, and adults having been known to reach lengths of up to 13 feet, with 6-8 feet being the average in Hawaiʻi. Although usually seen solitary, hammerhead sharks are known to school in large numbers in the hundreds. Considered a shy and docile species, the scalloped hammerhead is not likely to approach divers in the ocean.

 

Due to activity conducted by small commercial fisheries, scalloped hammerheads are sought out for various reasons, including food, oil, and their fins. These factors have dwindled the population, adding this species to the list as an endangered species.

Did you know?

Studies indicate that their strangely shaped flattened head might serve more than one function. Researchers believe their abnormal head shape enhances the shark’s sense of electroreception, smell, maneuverability, and lift. It’s no doubt why this species is so abundant and widespread and serves as proof of successful adaptation.

In Hawai‘i, sharks were worshipped, cared for, and protected as an ‘aumakua, or family deities, while others viewed sharks as an important source of food and tools. Those who had the shark as their ‘aumakua wouldn’t hunt or eat sharks. They believed their departed ancestors took the form of a shark, and therefore would feed and protect the shark and in return, the shark would then protect the family. Shark stories are very frequent in Hawaiian literature and make for a fascinating read. Cultural advisor to the Maui Ocean Center, Kahu Dane Maxwell, blesses each shark that enters or leaves the park.

 

*Due to the constant rotation of animals back to the ocean, we cannot guarantee the presence of any specific animal.

Hawaiian Name: Manō Kihikihi
Scientific Name: Sphyrna lewini
Where to See: Open Ocean exhibit*

share with friends

Discover More Maui Ocean Center marine life

Broad Stingray

The broad stingray is found only in Hawaiʻi and Taiwan. Most researchers agree their populations are plentiful. They are one of four species known to inhabit Hawaiian waters that belong to the suborder elasmobranchs (cartilaginous fishes including sharks, skates, and rays).

Whitetip Reef Shark

The whitetip reef shark is found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is associated with the coral reef environment. In the Hawaiian Islands, they can be observed resting in caves or under ledges since they are the only shark in Hawaiian waters with the ability to stop swimming and rest for long periods at a time, making them more commonly observed by divers. These sharks are gray in coloration and have slightly flat heads with distinct white tips on the tops of the first and second dorsal and tail fins.

Cone Snail

The cone snail is one of the largest marine snail families represented in the Hawaiian Islands. Displaying beautiful patterns and colors, they are quite popular with collectors. They are typically active at night, and many spend a great deal of time buried under sand or hiding under plate corals. Cone snail habitats vary for different species; some prefer mangroves or sandy banks, while others prefer much deeper waters to search for other snails and fish. Hawaiʻi has 34 species of cones, with a few species being endemic to the islands.