Local Updates

Effective April 1, 2025 HCSA's official position statement regarding the Molokaʻi (Kaiwi), ʻAlenuihāhā, Kaulakahi, and Kaʻieʻiewaho Channels:

In addition to considering sea and weather conditions and sun exposure duration, a strong recommendation supporting human safety can be made to structure channel swimming so that a swimmer transits through the zoogeographical habitat (the deepest portions of the channel) of Isistius spp. (cookiecutter sharks) during moonlit nights or daytime. 

To learn more check out the recent interview with Steven Minaglia on Hawaiʻi News Now here.

News Flash:  Lorelei Schmidt completes the first Molokaʻi Channel swim crossing of the 2025 season.  Congratulations to her and her crew.  Departure time was April 3, 2025 at 6:05 AM consistent with HCSA's suggested windows to reduce cookiecutter shark contact.

News Flash:  Tina Neill is the first person since 2011 to complete the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel!  She started at Upolu Point, Hawaiʻi on February 12, 2025 and finished at Kaupo Beach, Maui February 13, 2025.  The moon was full that night.  Congratulations Tina, Captain Mike Spalding and crew for a safe and successful crossing.

News Flash:  Andreas Waschburger of Germany sets a new Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel course record of 9:55:10!  This swim crossing was organized by Dr. Steven Minaglia of Maui Nui Swim and observed by Ocean 7 creator Steven Munatones on October 6, 2024 and officially ratified by HCSA on October 9, 2024 after full board review.  Watch videos: https://hylo.sport/stories/waschis-nachste-herausforderung-der-kaiwi-kanal/.  Departure time was October 6, 2024 at 4:41 AM consistent with HCSA and Maui Nui Swim's suggested windows to reduce cookiecutter shark contact. 

News Flash:  Graco Morlan of Mexico attempts a double Molokaʻi Channel crossing and ends up setting the record for the fastest Oʻahu to Molokaʻi crossing with a time of 15:33 besting the existing record of 16:15 set by Dr. Harry Huffaker back in 1972.  Congratulations to this excellent team including (left to right) Jorge, Graco, Irina, and Tania!

Noticia de última hora: Graco Morlan de México intenta un doble cruce del canal Moloka'i y establece el récord del cruce más rápido de O'ahu a Moloka'i con un tiempo de 15:33, superando el récord existente de 16:15 establecido por el Dr. Harry Huffaker en 1972. ¡Felicitaciones a este excelente equipo que incluye (de izquierda a derecha) a Jorge, Graco, Irina y Tania!

News Flash:  Steven Minaglia consults on the first successful 2024 season Molokaʻi Channel crossing by Colby Dimsdale and organizes the second successful crossing in 2024 by Petar Stoychev.  Departure times were April 12, 2024 at 3:03 AM for Colby and May 14, 2024 at 3:01 AM for Petar consistent with HCSA and Maui Nui Swim's suggested windows to reduce cookiecutter shark contact.