I am headed to Maui and Kona for 2 weeks end of July/beginning of August, and have a 4.8 mile swim a week after I get back. Need to swim, will find a pool, but would like to OW swim
In Maui will be in Kihei so could go Wailea or Lahaina direction.
Big island will be mostly on a boat, but I will have a couple days available for a swim, staying right at Kailua pier at the King Kam, near Dig Me beach if you know about that.
Anyone know of any drop in friendly groups?
Aloha Chris,
When I was in Kona, I swam with the Kona Aquatics group (in the pool). I emailed the coach prior to arrival for permission. I'm sure they have a group that gets together for open water swimming. There were always swimmers in the water at the Ironman start across from Lava Java. I bet you could find either a group, or at least a partner, any time. We stay out at the Mauna Lani resort and there is a great private beach perfect for open water swimming. You can access it without being a guest at the hotel or condos.
I haven't been to Maui in a long time, but the last time I was there I swam at a pool in Lahaina. You might be able to look up either a club or masters team there and email a coach to see if there are any open water groups.
Have fun!
Michele
http://www.swimmaui.com/ and then contact the coaches identified. I know there is a regular group that does open water swimming and I am sure that some of those people could let you know. For Kona, check the Hawaii masters swimming website for information. You could also check the local tri clubs--they probably have scheduled group swims.
have fun--you will have lots of opportunities.
Did you have any luck? I am headed to Maui and Lanai in February and will be in the same boat.
Never heard from any of the two coaches in Maui I emailed directly unfortunately.
I jsut swam out from Wailea Beach and swam to the next bay a few times, and also from the beach in front of the Makena Resort (used to be the Maui Prince) up to Makena Landing a few times. Note that even if it's calm, once you start going around the points and it gets shallower you get knocked around a bit. Have to go out pretty far around the rocky points to avoid the swell action, and being alone I got a little spooked a couple times, since there is no direct beach access if it went FUBAR
We were on Lanai for a day right near Manele Bay Hotel, was a nice shore break but looked nice beyond that. That is much more remote obviously
Thank you, I will keep that in mind. Someone told me that the public pools in Maui our free (???), but the whole point of going to Hawaii is to get out of the indoors and the pools :)
I agree. My goal is to not be inside as much as possible! Except for the Maui Ocean Center, which allows certified scuba divers to dive in their 750k gallon aquarium with their sharks. I don't think that will count as swimming, but I know my heart rate is going to be up :).
