Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel

Book your Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel swim with Maui Nui Swim, successfully complete it, and receive this special edition certificate and the official Hawaiian Channel Swimming Association ratification.

Maui Nui Swim has access to a fleet of boats and crews for swimming the Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel.  

Steven Minaglia began coordinating Hawaiian Channel swim crosses in 2011.  He formed Maui Nui Swim in 2017 and to date has organized 178 Hawaiian Channel swim crossings for 53 unique swimmers through the organization.  Maui Nui Swim works closely with the Hawaiian Channel Swimming Association (HCSA) and all rules are followed.  The HCSA, formed in 1984 is the sanctioning body for all 9 Hawaiian Channels including the Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel for the purpose of Oceans 7.

News Flash:  Andreas Waschburger (GER) sets new Molokaʻi Channel swim crossing record with a time of 9:55:10 on October 6, 2024.  This swim organized by Dr. Steven Minaglia of Maui Nui Swim and observed by Ocean 7 creator Steven Munatones was ratified unanimously by the board of the Hawaiian Channel Swimming Association.  Watch the videos:

https://hylo.sport/stories/waschis-nachste-herausforderung-der-kaiwi-kanal/

Dr. Steve's course plan based on weather conditions and athlete ability

"Dr. Steve's Picks" 2025 Season Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel Swim Windows

Each summer Steven Minaglia creator of Maui Nui Swim suggests optimal Molokaʻi (Kaiwi) Channel swim windows based on experience and current science.

Early morning departure advised*

2025

February 3-7

March 4-8

April 2-7

May 2-6

May 31-June 4

June 30-July 4

July 29-August 2

August 28-September 2

September 28-October 2

October 27-31

November 26-December 1

*For more information on how to reduce the likelihood of cookiecutter shark interaction read the recently published, peer-reviewed study.

**The above referenced study has now been discussed on Hawaiʻi Public Radio:

Moonless night sky increases Isistius species (cookiecutter shark) and live human contactThe nocturnal feeding behavior and zoogeographical habitat of cookiecutter sharks Isistius brasiliensis and Isistius plutodus (Isistius spp.) greatly reduces interaction of this species with live humans. Attacks on live humans are exceedingly rare with 7 cases reported worldwide, 6 of them in Hawaiʻi, and 5 of these occuring among channel swimmers. Published research suggests that periods of bright moonlight may increase Isistius spp. contact with live humans and does not otherwise identify significant trends or risk factors. Yet 5 of the 6 Isistius spp. bites on live humans in Hawaiʻian waters occurred with the moon set and after nautical twilight end and before nautical twilight start. From 1961–2023 in Hawaiʻi, 129 successful solo channel crosses and 5 Isistius spp. related injuries in the habitat of cookiecutter sharks were analyzed across two groups: one where both the moon and sun were set (dark group) and one where the moon and/or sun was in the sky (light group). There was a significant difference for swimmers bitten by Isistius spp. in the dark 4 (12%) versus light groups 1 (1%), p = 0.012, RR 12.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.5–108.9). Swim start time and year was also significant (Pearson correlation 0.566, p <0.001). Swimmer gender and use of shark deterrent devices and artificial illumination were not significant. The growing popularity of channel swimming in Hawaiʻi and swim start times have contributed to an increasing likelihood of live human and Isistius spp. contact and a moonless night sky is a significant risk factor for this interaction.

Evening departure reasonable- partial overlap with box jellyfish window (late swim window)*

2025

January 20-25

February 17-22

March 20-24

April 17-22

May 16-20

June 16-20

July 13-19

September 12-16

October 11-15

November 10-14

**For more information on how to reduce the likelihood of box jellyfish interaction and to possibly reduce impact visit the adjacent webpage.