A beautiful, highly technical, challenging channel event in Hawaii is the Maui Nui Swim, held between the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, and Lāna’i.
The three channels were initially attempted by International Marathon Swimming Hall of Famer Harry Huffaker (MSF bio here) in 1989, but it wasn’t until 30 years later that Becca Mann (MSF bio here) completed the first successful 57.78 km Maui Nui Swim.
The ‘Au I Nā Mokupuni ‘Ekolu Maui Nui Swim is an event annually organized by Dr. Steve Minaglia. He says, “Maui Nui Swim 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 swimmers have to navigate the 14.1 km Au’au Channel between Lānaʻi and Maui, the 14.9 km Kalohi Channel between Lāna’i and Molokaʻi , and the 13.5 km Pailolo Channel between Maui and Moloka’i.
Jonathan R. Storm (@jonstormofficial) wrote about his Maui Nui experiences in Chasing Limits: Pushing physical & psychological boundaries to swim 30 miles in 3 days in the Pacific Ocean, his most recent book that was recently released on April 25th. Today was a book signing on Oahu where the author was joined by Dr. Minaglia.
Storm’s transition from a beginner to a channel swimmer took dedication, curiosity, and a deep passion for adventure. His first book Catch Pull Recover: My Journey from Doggy-Paddler to Long-Distance Open Water Swimmer, published in December 2023, tells of his novice beginnings in the sport.
Photo above shows Dr. Steve Minaglia (MSF bio here), Edie Markovich (MSF bio here), Lauren Grous (MSF bio here), Jamie Tout (MSF bio here), Mark Spratt, (MSF bio here) and Dan Worden huddle during the 3-day, 3-stage swim ‘Au I Na Mokupuni Ekolu Endurance Challenge Invitational in August 2021.
For more information, visit www.mauinuiswim.com.
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