Epic Swim Maui honors legacy of Duke Kahanamoku

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is supporting Epic Swim Maui in its call to action for ocean health and safety. Swimmers have been working their way around Maui since July 7. The world’s top open ocean swimmers have gathered on Maui to attempt an unprecedented feat: circumnavigating the island for the first time.

Swims have included: July 7 – Hāna to Keʻanae; July 8 – Keʻanae to Maliko; July 9 – Maliko to Kahakuloa; July 10 – rest day, camp at Waiheʻe Refuge; July 11 – Kahakuloa to Honolua; July 12 – Honolua to Kāʻanapali.

The upcoming schedule includes: July 13 – Lōkahi Day at Kāʻanapali Aliʻi; July 14 – Rest Day at Kāʻanapali Aliʻi; July 15 – Kāʻanapali to Olowalu; July 16 – Olowalu to Wailea; July 17 – Olowalu to Wailea / Rest Day at Ekahi Village; July 18 – Rest Day at Ekahi Village; July 20 – Camp at Nuʻu Refuge / Hāna to Kīpahulu; July 21 – Kīpahulu to Nuʻu; July 22 – Nuʻu to Kanaio; July 23 – Kanaio to La Perouse; July 24 – Kanaio to La Perouse / Rest Day at Ekahi Village; July 25 – La Perouse to Wailea / Rest Day at Ekahi Village; July 26 – La Perouse to Wailea / Rest Day at Ekahi Village; July 27 – Wailea to Kahoʻolawe; July 28 – Wailea to Kahoʻolawe;

A community day at the Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary “Waterman” will be held in honor of legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku takes place tonight, Saturday, July 13. A closing celebration will be held July 27 in Wailea.

The expedition — and accompanying documentary film — will feature swimmers from six continents and Hawai’i, as well as scientists, community leaders and environmental champions all focused on improving the health of our oceans and nearshore environments.

The public can track the progress of swimmers live online. 

HTA is supporting the event as part of its mission toward a regenerative tourism future for Hawai‘i. “Hoʻomaikaʻi to the incredible athletes from Hawai‘i and beyond, event organizers, and volunteers who have come together to advance the wellbeing of our ocean that connects us all,” the HTA reports.

Learn more about Epic Swim Maui at www.epicswimmaui.com.