This island never ceases to amaze me, as I was able to explore more toward the eastern part of Oahu – mainly Sandy Beach (pictured with the “No Swimming” red flags along the beach due to the dangerous shore break) as this is where the Molokai Channel crossing should finish. I say “should finish” because after having a lengthy chat with Jeff Kozlovich (kayaker) and Matt Buckman (pilot) at Mekong II Thai, it is evident that ANYTHING is possible during this swim! If the current pushes us south, we might end at Hanauma Bay (if the current doesn’t push us south into the Pacific!) or north toward Makapuu Point! Due to the extreme nature of the landscape, any of these three are dangerous, however Sandy Beach is the preferred landing!
Jeff did an awesome job of presenting us with evidence that our best opportunity could be Friday (after an early morning idea of a possible Wednesday crossing) however we will get a better opportunity to figure that out tomorrow! The more difficult the swim, the more logistics involved! Both Jeff and Matt answered our questions, and made us feel very comfortable that we were in great hands…
As we rounded the corner by Hanauma Bay, I was treated to a sight of Moloka’i (pictured) off in the distance! The island was barely visible, yet it made me feel pretty good to know I could at least see it! The toughest part about marathon swimming is being able to always see a finish, however this time I was glad to know where I stood in reference to the two islands! We traveled north, and rounded Makaluu Point and visited some beautiful land formations and inlets near Waimanalo Bay.. AMAZING! I couldn’t believe how blue the water was, and how magnificent the mountain ranges were! We took Kalaniana’ole Hwy north until we hit the H3 back into Honolulu!