FAQs

What months do you swim in Hawaiʻi?

People swim open water and channels in Hawaiʻi during all months.

What swim does HOW consider to be the easiest?

The 12km + Ala Moana Beach Round Up is thought to be the easiest.  This entry level swim includes a sandy beach to start and land on.  Currents are minimal and the swimming area is protected by a reef.  Consult the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for general information as well as the hours that lifeguards are on duty.

Hey, I have already done some of these swims how do I get mine listed?

Become a member today and submit the required documentation.  HOW reserves the right to intrepret prior swims in context of past rules in effect. 

I don't have any connections in Hawaiʻi.  How can I make connections in order to do some of these swims?

Since HOW does not organize swims and does not endorse the use of any service this can be tricky.  If you have never swum in Hawaiʻi then starting with marathon swims listed on this website is a very bad idea and heavily discouraged by HOW.  Some swimmers will contact local swim clubs for information.  Some swimmers will contact other swimmers who have completed open water swims and/or channel crosses in Hawaiʻi .  Some swimmers will look at local race results to find swimmers active in the swim community and familiar with these types of swims.  The open water swim community in Hawaiʻi is quite small and it is easy to connect with people using social media once you have a few names.

How do I create a swim course?

Lifetime members are encouraged to create swim courses to be considered for certification by HOW.  Become a lifetime member today.

Hawaii Open Water

Established 2025