Completing a triangular course in the open ocean – especially in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – is technically challenging and flat-out tough. The surface chop was relentless, the cross-currents were constant, the anxiety about the varied marine life was
Harry Huffaker was the first swimmer to dream of completing the Maui Nui Swim between the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, and Lāna’i in the state of Hawaii.
First Attempt by Harry Huffaker
At the age of 50 in 1989, Dr. Huffaker attempted the first solo non-stop swim between Mau’i, Lāna’i and Moloka’i, but he was pulled after 31 hours and 56 km when it was clear the cross currents became too difficult on his last leg.
First Success by Becca Mann
30 years later, he helped plan the next attempt at the 63.9 km Maui Nui Swim – by an ambitious Becca Mann. The 22-year-old USA National Swim Team star – on her first true ocean marathon swim – pioneered the first successful attempt in 20 hours 53 minutes.
Most Recent Success by Ted Lomicka
Dr. Steve Minaglia (52, USA, MSF bio here), the Hawaiian Channel Swimming Association Honorary Secretary, reported on the first male to complete the famed Maui Nui Swim. He said, “Ted Lomicka (56, USA, MSF bio here) swam a heavily nuanced route based on years of [my] experience running the 3-day Maui Nui Swim with tandem swim groups and swimming 46 crosses in these waters. Years ago, [Hawaii channel veteran] Mike Spalding (76, USA, MSF bio here) and I agreed that swimming the ʻAuʻau, Pailolo, and Kalohi Channel in that order is the best.
Captains Andy Joca and Phil Kibby escorted Lomicka on his Maui Nui Swim in 23 hours 47 minutes, starting at 3:23 pm on February 21st and finishing at 3:10 pm the next day. He swam the 14.1 km ‘Auau Channel first in 5 hours 54 minutes from the Old Club Lanai on Lāna’i to Ka’anapali Beach on Maui; the 13.5 km Pailolo Channel second in 9 hours 48 minutes from Ka’anapali Beach on Maui to Kamalō on Moloka’i, and the 14.9 km Kalohi Channel third in 8 hours 0 minutes from Kamalō on Moloka’i Island to Shipwreck Beach on Lāna’i.
On his last leg heading to Shipwreck Beach, there was a pod of humpback whales
Future Attempts
Dr. Minaglia predicted, “Now given Ted’s accomplishment and more expertise and established knowledge, the opportunities for more swimmers to take on this challenge is readily available. We have and can expect greatness from Captains Andy Joca and Phil Kibby. Both of these guys bring incredible expertise to the table as well as attention to safety.
Ted managed to see all the beauty of those channels all at once – a rarity – and during whale season.“
For more information, visit www.mauinuiswim.com.
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