Kaiwi Channel Swim FAQs

Send us an email at hichannelswim@gmail.com.  What we need to know upfront:

How many crew members will you bring?  

What month/year(s) are you interested in swimming?

Then choose from the following two options:

1. "Your way"- HCSA provides a historical list of crew- you plan everything with the crew you choose.  Read "Your way" disclaimer.

2. Full service options- HCSA connects you with a subcontractor that offers a modular build:  (full course planning, crew/support vessel, event insurance, flexible lodging and ground transport on Molokaʻi, drone pilot, feeder, news media connections, and/or kayaker) depending on your needs.  Be sure to look at the new flexible swim window plan.

We will send you a swim application (timing matrix) and information about contributing to the HCSA.  Easy!

"Your way"- you pay the HCSA Contributor fee only.  The rest is up to you based on the logistics you plan and the crew you select.

Full service- According to Maui Nui Swim, "We know that every swimmer comes with significant resources.  Through collaboration we work within a swimmer's budget in order to maximize chances of success.  Talk to all the swimmers we have worked with.  Look at our results.  Ask about our discounts."

Average: 16 Hours 29 Minutes*; Range 9 Hours 55 Minutes- 29 Hours 10 Minutes

24C-27C; 75F-80F year round

Oʻahu: We recommend lodging in and around Waikiki.

Molokaʻi: Maui Nui Swim can provide a house that sleeps up to 8 on the departure beach.  Our terms are incredibly flexible meaning you pay to stay for just one day during your whole window.  Of course if desired you can stay longer.  Alternatively- you can book lodging at Kalua Koi Villas- booking minimums and cancellation fees apply.

 There is no Uber or Lyft on Molokaʻi and the local taxi service requires reservations in advance.  You can rent a vehicle using Alamo but this requires you to return the vehicle to the airport.  Maui Nui Swim can hook you up with a private vehicle on Molokaʻi that you can pick up at the airport (MKK) and drop off at the beach for a fee.

You can take a boat but this is not advised if you plan to start your swim once you arrive in Molokaʻi.  Mokulele Airlines is the carrier that offers flights between Oʻahu and Molokaʻi.

Honolulu Airport (HNL) offers access to most rental companies and Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous on Oʻahu.

The Hawaiian Channel Swimming Association (HCSA) fees for Kaiwi Channel swim crossing ratification can be viewed here.  

No.

Honolulu offers a variety of options to prepare for your upcoming channel crossing.  We recommend getting familiar with the temperature and salinity of our ocean before your swim.  Ala Moana Beach Park and Kaimana Beach are excellent venues to log in some swims and acclimate to the local conditions while on Oʻahu.  Looking for someone to swim with contact us.

Hawaiʻi is also home to a large number of outdoor, long course meter format pools that are free of charge to the public.  For a complete listing visit the Department of Parks and Recreation.  There is also Cooke Memorial Pool on Molokaʻi.

Available through Maui Nui Swim