The Shark Fin is one of those quest items in Path of Exile 2 that can easily leave players wondering what to do next. It takes up a surprising amount of inventory space, so keeping it around for too long can become annoying, especially when you are collecting POE2 Currency and other useful loot during Act 4. Fortunately, the item has a specific purpose and is tied to a valuable permanent reward.

Start the Tribal Medicine Quest

The Shark Fin is connected to the Act 4 side quest known as “Tribal Medicine.” Your objective is to deliver the item to Kaimana, a tribal medicine woman. Unlike ordinary loot, the Shark Fin should not be sold, destroyed, or left behind.

Kaimana’s location changes depending on how far you have progressed through the story. This is the main reason some players have difficulty finding her. If you know which stage of Act 4 you are currently in, however, locating her is fairly straightforward.

Visit Ngakanu During Earlier Progress

If you are still progressing through Act 4 and have not advanced too far, Kaimana can be found on Ngakanu Island. To reach her, return to Kingsmarch and locate Mikoru on his ship. Select Ngakanu as your destination, then enter the Karui village after arriving.

Once inside the settlement, travel toward the eastern side. Kaimana is located in that area, so you can approach her and hand over the Shark Fin. This is generally the quickest way to finish the quest when you are still at the appropriate stage of Act 4.

Because the Shark Fin occupies considerable inventory space, completing this step sooner rather than later is convenient. It also prevents you from accidentally forgetting about an item that provides a permanent character upgrade.

Find Kaimana at Kingsmarch Later

If you have already progressed further through Act 4, the situation changes. Kaimana eventually moves away from Ngakanu and returns to Kingsmarch. Players who search the original village may therefore assume that something has gone wrong with the quest.

Instead, head back to the harbor area in Kingsmarch. Kaimana can be found aboard a Karui catamaran positioned on the pier opposite Mikoru’s boat. Her new location makes the quest accessible even after you have moved further into the story.

This relocation is especially useful after completing more of Act 4, since you do not necessarily need to retrace your steps through the island.

Keep the Item for Its Permanent Reward

One of the biggest reasons to complete the Shark Fin quest is the reward. Earlier versions of the game offered different rewards, but later updates changed the quest so that Kaimana provides a permanent defensive bonus.

After turning in the Shark Fin, you can select between two defensive options. The first grants 30% increased Armour, Evasion, and Energy Shield. It is a broad defensive improvement and can be useful for characters that rely on multiple defensive layers.

The alternative is Rakiata’s Lesson. This option allows 15% of Armour to apply to elemental damage, provides Deflection Rating equal to 12% of Evasion Rating, and gives 12% faster Energy Shield recharge initiation.

Choose the Bonus That Fits Your Build

The two rewards are designed for different defensive approaches. Characters with balanced or hybrid defenses may find the general Armour, Evasion, and Energy Shield increase more attractive. Meanwhile, evasion-oriented characters and builds that make strong use of Energy Shield may benefit more from Rakiata’s Lesson.

The elemental damage benefit can also make Rakiata’s Lesson appealing when your character needs additional protection against elemental threats. Consider your equipment, passive choices, and primary defensive mechanics before selecting a reward.

Remember the Choice Is Permanent

The most important detail is that the reward selection is permanent on the character. You should therefore make the decision carefully rather than choosing an option simply because it sounds powerful in isolation.

Once you have completed the quest, the Shark Fin has served its purpose and you can continue your adventure without carrying the bulky quest item around. For players working on upgrades and looking for additional ways to improve their equipment, knowing where to obtain Path of Exile 2 Orbs can also help streamline future gearing and progression.