Kauaʻi

Swimming in open water is inherently a high risk activity especially in Hawaiʻi. Through years of experience members of HOW have encountered many high risk situations including but not limited to harsh marine and coastal conditions and dangerous wildlife and human activity. For example, we have seen some swimmers, Olympians, and several Oceans 7 swimmers succumb to severe debilitating injuries, sea sickness, stings, food-poisoning and currents. These risks are in addition to the high physical demands marathon swimming already places on the swimmer.

ALL SWIMMERS SWIM AT THEIR OWN RISK. HOW recommends against any swimmer taking on any open water swim without the necessary training, preparation, research, and safety planning. It is absolutely the swimmers responsibility to plan all aspects of their swim and to verify that they are in adequate health prior to engaging in any open water activity.

Hawaii Open Water

Established 2025

Keʻe to Kalalau

Distance: 10.5 kilometers

Background: This swim was popularized by Zachary Kayser and Colby Dimsdale as part of their exploration of the NāPali Coast.

What to expect:

Temperature: 70s any month

Tides: It is highly advised to plan this swim around the tide cycle. Check here.

Weather:

Predominantly easterly winds

Logistics:

This is a very remote part of the island and access by vehicle is limited.

Swimmer notes:

This swim has ample sandy beach access from which to launch swimmers and kayaks. Expect moderate winds, big water, and dangerous wildlife.

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