Swimming in Hawaii

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

philoswimmer — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:50:25 GMT

Out of curiosity... what, specifically, are the reasons for not swimming at Polihale? I've also read that the area is known for "dangerous" surf, but I don't know what that means. Big waves? Riptides? Or just "dangerous" for poor swimmers and/or those without ocean experience? A few years ago I did a guided kayak trip of the Na Pali Coast that finished at Polihale. The waves were not small - my kayak flipped on the ride into shore. But it seemed like a nice bodysurfing spot. It means very unpredictable riptides. So, to tell my story: I used to be an ocean lifeguard, so I am very comfortable with the ocean in all sorts of conditions. But my partner is not (he's never been a competitive swimmer, either). I kept saying, no, we shouldn't go in, but other swimmers were in, and he wore me down and I gave in. All seemed fine until we looked back and saw that the current had taken us so far out that our umbrellas were tiny dots on the sand. So, we began the long journey in, and you had to be pretty smart about it or you'd end up fighting a riptide. I just kept trying to encourage him and keep us at a steady pace. I knew I could get in but didn't think I could bring us both in. Thankfully, he is not the type to panic and we eventually made it to the sand. But if we hadn't, we'd have been screwed. You are basically in the middle of nowhere... the road to the beach is... can't remember how long... 5 miles of rutted, dirt road? And once you get to the regular road, you are still in the middle of nowhere. Lesson: Even if it doesn't look that rough (i.e., even if the waves aren't that big), don't swim at Polihale (or any other place that has a similar record of drownings). My partner believes me now when I say that a certain beach is too rough to swim in. We were lucky. (I should also add that this was a relatively calm day for Polihale... I've seen the waves there be much, much bigger).

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

philoswimmer — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:45:15 GMT

They say "don't swim at Polihale." Don't. I second the recommendation for Hanalei Bay. It's beautiful, too. The whole island is beautiful. :jealous:

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

evmo — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:18:39 GMT

They say "don't swim at Polihale." Don't. I second the recommendation for Hanalei Bay. It's beautiful, too. The whole island is beautiful. :jealous: Out of curiosity... what, specifically, are the reasons for not swimming at Polihale? I've also read that the area is known for "dangerous" surf, but I don't know what that means. Big waves? Riptides? Or just "dangerous" for poor swimmers and/or those without ocean experience? A few years ago I did a guided kayak trip of the Na Pali Coast that finished at Polihale. The waves were not small - my kayak flipped on the ride into shore. But it seemed like a nice bodysurfing spot.

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Allen Stark — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:11:11 GMT

If you are going to drive all the way to Hanalei(which isn't that far really) I'd recommend you also try Anini Beach.It has the largest reef in Hawaii,a good long swimming area(my wife's favorite place to swim) and a very good chance to get close to turtles(but not too close,don't disturb them.)

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Former Member — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:40:20 GMT

If you need a pool, the YMCA is the best pool on the island. It would be nice anywhere. It is a deep 50 meter 8 lane outdoor pool that never gets too hot. The manager is a swimmer (former U.Mass swimmer that swam 400IM in the 2001 world championships) who will let non-member out of town visitors swim there.

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

philoswimmer — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:05:44 GMT

Thanks for your excellant post. We have way too many drownings in HI and stories like yours need to be publicized. Glad to share it. It is very hard to explain to people who don't have much experience with the ocean just how dangerous it can be, especially when the waves don't look that big. Thanks, Philo. That's exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like a good time to me; but then, I'm a marathon swimmer and grew up in SoCal surf. My spouse, on the other hand... Polihale is perhaps the most awe-inspiring, magical beach I've ever experienced, so I plan to be back. And I remember the road well - we did it in a Kia Rio! There was a sense in which it was exciting, yes, but I would not want to relive the fear I had for my partner, or the fear that I would have to make an unchoosable choice. :shudder: And anyone can misjudge the ocean, even the experienced (the ocean always has the last word). I agree about Polihale being magical. The wind, the cliffs, the waves... I saw a beach picture recently and I said *that's* Polihale (and it was). It is so distinctive; no other place in the world looks like that.

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Former Member — Thu, 05 May 2011 09:09:44 GMT

Another vote for Hanalei Bay. Also do NOT miss the Kalalau Trail - I'm sure you've read/heard of it. You can do the first 2 miles & back in 4-5 hours if you're going about it at a fairly steady pace. On your way back, go for a dip in Hanalei Bay to cool off. Then stop at the Kilauea Fish Market and get an ahi tuna wrap. Oh man, I can't think of a better way to spend a day. Oh, and don't go swimming at Hanakapi'ai either... I'm not speaking from experience. I believed the warning signs & drowning markings. upload.wikimedia.org/.../220px-Hanakapiai_Beach_Warning_Sign_Only.jpg

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Former Member — Thu, 05 May 2011 05:45:26 GMT

It means very unpredictable riptides. Thanks for your excellant post. We have way too many drownings in HI and stories like yours need to be publicized.

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

evmo — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:53:17 GMT

So, to tell my story: Thanks, Philo. That's exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like a good time to me; but then, I'm a marathon swimmer and grew up in SoCal surf. My spouse, on the other hand... Polihale is perhaps the most awe-inspiring, magical beach I've ever experienced, so I plan to be back. And I remember the road well - we did it in a Kia Rio!

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Former Member — Wed, 04 May 2011 08:16:39 GMT

for around 600 bucks you can hire a boat and pilot and swim the maui channel (lanai to maui) send me a pm if you want a contact

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Allen Stark — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:39:29 GMT

I was on Kauai in Feb.Near you but further west is Salt Pond Beach Park.There is a very nice protected are there behind the reef which is popular with swimmers.Lots of beautiful fish near the reef,or you can just swim in the middle.Most of the beaches on the south or north end of the island have good swimming.The east has too much current and the west is mostly inaccessible.

RE: Swimming in Hawaii

Lane Mom — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:18:42 GMT

I will be at the North Shore of Kauai about the same time. Hanalei Bay is a perfect place to open water swim. It is protected by a reef and is gentle that time of year. The bay itself is rimmed by 5 miles of beach. It is about 50 minutes from where you staying, but if you get to that side you should check it out. Also check with Kauai Masters. They do pool workouts at Lihue High and would be a good source for swim buddies, and, when and where there are open water swims. You should be able to find their information on this site.