A woman (65) has been killed in a shark attack off the shore of Maui.

The woman was found unresponsive about 200 yards out to sea and was taken ashore by other snorkellers, authorities said.

She had suffered injuries to her torso and paramedics were unable to save her.

The victim had been snorkelling with two friends but had separated from them - and was alone when she was attacked, Maui Fire Department said.

It happened in the Kanahena Cove area of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui, the second largest of the Hawaii islands.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the area to swimmers, divers and other activities until it is safe to reopen.

There are no reported witnesses of the shark attack, which was the first fatal encounter of the year in Hawaii.