Aloha, TWIM family. Since moving to Hawaii in May of 2020, I have rediscovered the joy of swimming just to swim. Don’t get me wrong, if the North Shore Swim Series is actually held this summer I will suit up. However, while all of you had to suffer through months of no pool or suitable body of water to get into (Polar Bear Plunges excluded), I have been blessed with unlimited access to liquid heaven.
Sometimes I just cruise back and forth in Kailua Bay, but usually three or four days a week I’m either circling Popoi’a or swimming to Moku Nui. The way the ocean pushes around and through the islands creates some really interesting conditions which vary infinitely with winds and tides. It’s like a playground.
Popoi’a is also known as Flat Island, and it’s a little chunk of old reef still sticking up about five feet from the surf. The Hawaiian name translates to “fish stench” and was a place where not only were the tide pools used to keep the early part of the days’ catch fresh, but where some fish were thrown onto the island as an offering to the gods. It is a quarter of a mile offshore, but circling it is probably more like 3/4’s when you add everything in. The south-east side of the island is a popular surf spot, and swimming through the breakers is always a joy. (No, really!).
Moku Nui is 3/4 of a mile off shore, and the perimeter is accessible, unlike it’s twin, Moku Ini. Both are a sanctuary for nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, a bird that ranges throughout the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. Moku Nui also has a great little beach that is frequented by Monk Seals. I have not done any circumnavigating of “the Mokes” because the far side of the islands is the neighborhood of Tiger sharks.
Both swims may feature honu (green sea turtles) sightings, and I’ve spotted several stingrays, but alas, if you want to swim with wild dolphins you have to go to the leeward side of Oahu.
When I’m not swimming, I’m taking kayak tour groups out to one or other of the destinations, so if any of you are ever in my neighborhood give me a holler. We can take in the beauty of Hawaii together by either or both means (and I can get you a discount on kayaking).
One thought on “Aloha TWIM Family”
It sounds so wonderful James. Maybe someday we will see you! Swim on brother!