Shark bites are on the rise in Hawaii and scientists seem to have figured out why sharks bite here more than anywhere else.

Blame Hawaii's tropical environment and relentless global warming. Scientists say warming ocean temperatures mean typical shark habitats are expanding. This expansion of shark territories means the numbers of encounters between human and sharks is bound to increase and has done so, said the 2015 International Shark Attack File.

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The report also found that sharks in Hawaiian waters are naturally attracted to the area near Maui because of the coral reefs and abundant food supplies in this location. One other reasons sharks like Maui is because this is a mating area, sort of an ocean motel, for sharks in Oahu's waters.

Experts reported that Maui has had almost double the number of shark bites than any other Hawaiian island over the past 20 years.

Shark attacks spiked between 2012 and 2014 when a total of 19 shark bites were reported. There were eight bites in 2013. Before 2012, there was never been more than three documented shark bites in one year going back to 1980. There was only one reported shark bite off Maui in 2015.

While shark attacks are increasing, the trend "most likely reflects the ever-increasing amount of time spent in the sea by humans," a result that increases opportunities for humans and sharks to come into close contact, according to the report.

The report was conducted over two years and specifically studied sharks in Hawaii.

These factors have led to a general upward trend in the number of shark bites in Hawaii and other locations around the world. Another reason for closer encounters between sharks and humans is more of the latter are swarming into the ocean to frolic and gambol.

Here's how to prevent a really close encounter with a shark. Avoid murky water or swimming near dead seals and other known shark prey.

It's worth remembering attacks are still very rare and experts say you have a better chance of winning the lottery than being attacked by a shark.

Statistically, that means humans have about a 1 in 738,000,000 chance of being attacked by a shark while in the ocean.

Tagssharks, bites, Hawaii, maui, 2015 International Shark Attack File