We are planning a trip to Kauai in September. We enjoy snorkeling and swimming. Today a friend asked about sharks, and I realized I hadn't heard anything about them. So I'm assuming it's not a big worry. Anyone know anything about them?

Sharks live in the ocean. No, I wouldn't worry about them however if you see bait fish being churned up (jumping by the thousands), it is a good idea to get out of the water.

Yes, there are shark attacks on Kauai. And bigger sea life there because the water is cooler. You have to watch water conditions and the locals know which are the "safer" areas. About once a year or so someone loses a foot.

Never get in murky water or follow the turtles or dolphins.

Hhhhhmmm. Maybe you ask Hoku Aki.....the local boy who was attacked by a shark while surfing off Brenneke beach last year. Hoku got away from the shark by punching at him but not before he lost his foot to that shark. If you got 3 keiki that are going into the waters off any of the Hawaiian islands, you better educate yourself and them on sharks, jelly fish, portugese-man-o-war, honu (green sea turtles) etc. And that's just the sea life! I realize you probably won't be going surfing out at Jaws, Pipeline or Sunset but at ANY beach teach them to NEVER turn their backs on the ocean.

Tiger sharks move in to the reefs to feed under cover of darkness or murky water.
I never snorkle or swim after sunset.

In the Atlantic, sharks and dolphin are natural enemies and stay out of each others way.

Are you talking about the fish dolphin?

No, someone was just bitten on Oahu, a guide, because the dolphins were giving birth.

Or that it was birthing season.