I like to call Kaimana Beach, “My Kaimana Beach” because it is the closest beach to my house, and I am there at least three times per week to swim and to watch sunsets with Tim, to teach ocean running classes with Raul, or to just hang out with my friends. Oh! Kaimana is also the original start line for Ironman Hawaii back in 1978, so “My Kaimana Beach” had to be the first place on my “swim” category to share with you!
WHERE
Honolulu – Hawaii – USA
DISTANCE & ROUTE
photos by: Keyan
INFO ABOUT THIS BEACH
- From the beach to the windsock flag is around 250m. The map above shows that the distance is 0.5mi, but it is not. The garmin I have does not calculate the distance on the water very well, sorry! But at least you can see the swim route. So if you swim all the way to the flag and back, it is around 500m.
- The best time of the day to swim at Kaimana is around the low tide times. You can check the tide here.
- Stinging box jellyfish can appear between 8 to 10-days after the full moon. So avoid swimming during these days. You can check the Box Jellyfish Calendar here.
- Before you get in the water check the current conditions with the lifeguard on duty.
- There is reef on the right and left side, so when you start swimming aim at the windsock flag, and once you get to the windsock flag, turn around and swim aiming at the last building on the beach.
MY FAVORITE WORKOUT ON THIS BEACH
Swim 3 times back and forth from the beach to the windsock. Total workout is almost 1.5km.
First lap: I swim nice and easy.
Second lap: I swim the first 300m doing 30 seconds pick up and 30 seconds easy, and I swim back to the beach at a nice tempo.
Third and last laps: I swim hard to the windsock and I swim back focusing on my technique.
SHARING A FEW TIPS
- When you are swimming on the ocean don’t worry too much about your time and speed, because you cannot control the conditions of the ocean (waves, currents, etc). So my tip is to focus on your techinique and strength.
- There are good chances to see turtles and fish during your swim, but please don’t get in their way. Give them space and admire them from afar.
- Sea turtles are called “Honu” in Hawaiian. Native Hawaiians consider Honu the bearer of good luck and peace. Every time I swim at Kaimana Beach and I see a turtle, I have a good day! Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it works every time.
- Coral reef are alive and provide protection and shelter for many different species of fish, so be mindful. Don’t touch or step on the reef. They are very fragile. Even slightly touching coral can kill an entire colony.
[Sorry for being so “don’t do this” and “don’t do that,” but a quick eco reminder is never too much, right?] - When you are watching the sunset at Kaimana, make sure not to blink at the very last second, so you can see the magical “green flash.”
some dreams are worth sharing
Mariane
