There are 9 major channels throughout the state of Hawaii where individuals attempt to swim between island:
- Au’au Channel (or the Maui Channel): 14.1 km between Lānaʻi and Maui
- Kalohi Channel: 14. 9 km between Lāna’i and Molokaʻi
- Alalakeiki Channel: 11.9 km between Kaho’olawe and Maui
- Pailolo Channel: 13.5 km between Maui and Moloka’i
- Alenuihaha Channel: 48.2 km between the Big Island of Hawai’i and Maui
- Kaulakahi Channel: 27.3 km between Kaua’i and Ni’ihau
- Kealaikahiki Channel: 27.3 between Kaho’olawe and Lāna’i
- Ka‘iwi Channel (or Moloka’i Channel): 42 km between O’ahu and Moloka’i
- Kaieiewaho Channel: 115.8 km between O’ahu and Kaua’i
Where there are many more smaller islands and shorter inter-island swims possible (e.g., Manana Island below which is near Makapu’u Beach off the eastern coast of O’ahu, also known locally as Rabbit Island, photographed by Colin Capelle), these 9 are the major marathon-swimming distances available.
One of the most beautiful and challenging swims is the Maui Nui Swim between the islands of Maui, Moloka’i and Lāna’i.
The 3 channels were initially attempted by International Marathon Swimming Hall of Famer Harry Huffaker – that he originally called the 3 Islands Swim in 1989. Dr. Huffaker made at least two legs of the three non-stop crossings, but weather and water conditions ultimately prevented him from a successful crossing. But 30 years after his first attempts, Becca Mann completed the first 57.78 km Maui Nui Swim in August 2019 with Captain Michael Twigg-Smith, Steve Haumschild, Shelley Oates, Mike Scott, and Beth Mann.
The ʻAu I Nā Mokupuni ʻEkolu Maui Nui Swim is an event annually organized by Dr. Steve Minaglia. He says, “Maui Nui SwimTM is a 3-day event that typically starts on the island of Maui. The goal of the challenge is simple: swim across the 3 channels that separate the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai over a 3-day period.
The two dates for the 8th annual challenge this year are in July and October. Preference is given to groups of 4 or more that apply with comparable swimming speed. If you are a solo swimmer, you will be contacted once a group of swimmers matched for your speed is assembled.”
- July 12th – 15th 2024
- October 11th -14th 2024
Swimmers who have completed the challenge include
- Dr. Steve Minaglia (6 times)
- Joe Zemaitis (3 times)
- Devon Clifford (2 times)
- Stefan Reinke (2 times)
- Kirk McKinney
- Amy Gubser
- Abigail Fairman
- Sarah Roberts
- Tina Neill
- Emily Evans
- Deb Merwick
- Steve Gruenwald
- Natalia Chuich
- Nicole Forelli
- Michael Herrmann
- Edie Markovich (at the age of 16)
- Lauren Grous
- Jamie Tout (at the age of 68)
- Skylar Webb
- Alex Webb
- Ryan Leong
- John Zemaitis
- Van Cornwell
- Scott Schroeder
- Stephen Rouch
- Paul Towers
- John Humenik
- Colby Dimsdale
- Jess Hoag
- Matthew McGillicuddy
- Melodee Liegl
- Aby Ortega
- Niels Pantenburg
- Mark Spratt
- Kelly Quinn
Photo above shows Jamie Tout, Mark Spratt, Edie Markovich, Lauren Grous, Dr. Steven Minaglia, and Dan Worden huddle up during the 3-day, 3-stage swim ‘Au I Na Mokupuni Ekolu Endurance Challenge Invitational where they swam the 14.9-km Kalohi Channel between Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi on 27 August 2021, the 14.1 km Auau Channel between Maui and Lānaʻi on 28 August 2021, and the 13.5 km Pailolo Channel between Maui and Molokaʻi on 29 August 2021.
For more information, visit www.mauinuiswim.com.
© Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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