Haleiwa Shark Tours

Owned and Operated by Kala Alexander and Makua Rothman

Duration

2 Hours

THE ADVENTURE

As the North Shore’s only cage-diving experience owned and operated by Native Hawaiians, Haleiwa Shark Tours is the most authentic adventure available.

The sacred and culturally significant mano (shark) is a powerful apex predator that we want to share with visitors and locals alike. Hawai‘i is home to approximately 40 different shark species, all which serve as caretakers of the ocean by removing sick, injured, and deceased animals, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Not only are sharks essential players in healthy marine life populations, they are ‘aumākua to many Hawaiians— a family god, a deified ancestor rebirthed in shark form. There are many beautiful legends in our Hawaiian history of sharks acting as spiritual counselors, protecting family members from drowning, or aiding in food supply to fishing families, and even a central figure in the Hawaiian Islands’ creation story.

We will tell you about the shark God Kamohoali`i as we motor just three miles out from Hale‘iwa. You will learn that when sharks were killed in ancient times, the shark’s skin was used to make drums for music and cultural ceremonies, the teeth were used to make traditional weapons like clubs—everything was used and the mana (energy) would live on in other forms. We are proud to share our history and one of our most magical family members with you.

Aloha a mahalo i keia kipa ‘ ana mai! (Aloha and welcome aboard!)
—Kala & Makua

About Kala & Makua

Kala Alexander – is a Native Hawaiian big wave surfer, professional waterman, and founder of Nani Kai Ocean Adventures and Go Fishing Hawaii. He has over 40 years of experience in the ocean. Born in Wahiawa on O‘ahu and raised mostly on Kaua‘i, Kala is also a father of five, actor, stuntman and producer. He has a regular character on shows Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI. He has also played parts in films Blue Crush, Into the Blue Part 2, The Inhumans, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He also hosted an episode of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week called “Sharkageddon” in 2014. Kala is one of the founders of the Mauli Ola Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with genetic disorders. Kala can always be found in the water—if not on a surfboard, on one of his many boats in Hale‘iwa Harbor.

Makua Rothman – is a Native Hawaiian big wave surfer, accomplished musician, and father of three. Growing up on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Makua was surfing by age two, and by the time he was 18, he had caught the world’s biggest wave (66 feet) and won the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award—the youngest surfer ever to achieve such a feat. He was also the youngest invitee to the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at the age of 18, and was crowned the Big Wave World Champion in 2015. As a singer and ukulele player, Makua continues to grow his musical repertoire and is passionate about sharing Hawaiian culture with the world.