State Warns of Sperm Whale Carcass Off Oahu's Southwest Coast

Blubber, bones, and other remnants are washing ashore, attracting large predators like tiger sharks.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:03am

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The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is warning the public about a sperm whale carcass off Oahu's southwest shore. Officials said blubber, bones, and other remnants are washing ashore between Nanakuli Beach Park and Barbers Point, which has attracted large predators such as tiger sharks. The state is advising visitors to avoid contact with the carcass remnants and is asking the public to leave any pieces where they find them to allow for natural biodegradation.

Why it matters

Whale strandings and carcasses can pose risks to public safety and disrupt local ecosystems. The state is working with cultural practitioners, researchers, and agencies to properly manage and monitor the situation to protect both the public and the natural environment.

The details

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources, in partnership with cultural practitioners, the University of Hawaii Marine Mammal Stranding Lab, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is currently monitoring the sperm whale carcass. The largest section of the carcass has been removed, but smaller pieces of blubber, bones, and other remnants continue to wash ashore, attracting large predators like tiger sharks.

  • The carcass was first reported on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Hawaii's natural resources, including responding to wildlife incidents like this sperm whale carcass.

Division of Aquatic Resources

A division within the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources that is monitoring and managing the sperm whale carcass situation.

University of Hawaii Marine Mammal Stranding Lab

A research lab at the University of Hawaii that partners with the state to respond to and study marine mammal strandings and deaths.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A federal agency that works with state and local partners to protect marine ecosystems, including responding to incidents involving protected marine species like whales.

Dr. Lelemia Keoho Irvine

A kupukaaina (native resident) and member of Ka Hui Kupukaaina o Waiʻanae, as well as an assistant professor of Physics at the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu, who provided cultural guidance on honoring the sperm whale's transition.

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What they’re saying

“'With aloha (love), this kupuna palaoa (sperm whale) has chosen to return home to the shores of Waiʻanae Moku. We remember this palaoa connects us to our ancestors as recounted in the Kumulipo, Wā II. We humbly invite everyone to 'e mālama kou ponoʻī' (please hold space from where you are) for such a sacred moment to honor the transition of this kupuna palaoa to pō. Do not enter the area, except for those entrusted with kuleana. Refrain from drones, photography, video, and social media posting, for public and spiritual safety.'”

— Dr. Lelemia Keoho Irvine, Kupukaaina and member of Ka Hui Kupukaaina o Waiʻanae, assistant professor of Physics at the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu

What’s next

DLNR and its partners will continue to monitor the sperm whale carcass and remnants, working to protect public safety and the local ecosystem. Cultural practitioners will also be involved in honoring the whale's transition.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of respecting and protecting Hawaii's marine life, even in death. By following the state's guidance and allowing the natural biodegradation process to occur, the public can help maintain the delicate balance of the local ecosystem and honor the cultural significance of this sperm whale's return to the shores.