Whales, Rainbows and Island Cruising on Gemini

Pacific Offshore Challenge 17-1: Sailing to Molokai and Lanai aboard Gemini with Chris, Angelyn and Gary, February 6-13, 2017

Heading out from Kewalo with Kona winds blowing out of the south, Gemini's crew were able to sail on a smooth starboard tack beam reach all the way to Molokai, crossing the Kaiwi channel in record time (for Gemini) of about 5 hours. After a nice sail and seeing breaching Humpbacks, the plan was to make the first stop in Lono Harbor, but just as we made our approach to the harbor a huge Kona swell and waves crashing over the breakwater made us think otherwise. Not advisable to enter Lono with Kona winds and south swells. So we set a new course for Kaunakakai...

Arriving in Kaunakakai, it's easy to tie up to the loading/guest dock. While it's the most convenient spot to moor, it's first come first reserved. The tires on the dock also scuff up the hull if you're not careful. We check in with the Harbormaster, Bernie who is cool with us staying for 1 or 2 nights. Now, although this is a sailing class, Molokai is just too beautiful to not spend some time on land exploring, so the crew all wants to stay two nights and one full day so we can rent a car and drive around the island.

If you have a car, you definitely have to drive north to Kalaupapa Park, a beautiful cliff which overlooks the historic site where people with Hansen's disease were exiled. Next, you can drive to the east side of the island and see the spectacular jungle beauty of Halawa Beach Park. And to the west to see the wide endless sandy beaches of Papohaku Beach. And at the end of the day, you're certain to end up at Paddler's Inn- the happening site for night life on Molokai. There's live entertainment every night and tonight it's a duo of teachers from the local elementary school. 

Departing Kaunakakai by mid morning the next day, the crew of Gemini set out for Lanai. We still have strong Kona winds and as they blow around Lanai to the south of us, we encounter strong head winds all the way. We're also fighting the current and the crew decides that it's better to arrive at our destination by daylight, so we motor most of the way. Lots of humpback whales everywhere!

Arriving in Manele Bay by late afternoon, it was a good thing we motored. There's a big rush of boats from Lahaina, taking shelter from a coming storm. The strong Kona winds are making the anchorage area off Lahaina unsafe, as they're expecting on-shore winds. Every mooring spot in Manele Bay is taken. Looks like we'll be staying put in Manele Bay for a full day and two nights. Luckily we found a nice vacant slip between two friendly neighbor boats who invite us over to hang out.

If you have a day to spend in Lanai, you have to go into Lanai City and rent a Jeep. The crew of Gemini went off-road down to Shipwreck Beach. There's a big rusty monument there to remind sailors to avoid the lee shore. The beach is nearly deserted- the perfect place to escape and get lost. Back at the harbor in time for dinner, the crew rides out the storm that has arrived, makes a spaghetti feast aboard Gemini and plans the next leg of the voyage.    

The Kona winds disrupt our plans to visit Lahaina so the crew of Gemini decides to plot a course back to Oahu. These winds make for a quick sail back home. Even so, departing by mid morning we still arrive back at Kewalo in the dark hours of the morning. Hearing whales sing at night and the stars shine with the moonlit waves is a magical way to end an unforgettable cruise through the islands.   

Photo Gallery of s/v Gemini cruise to Lanai and Molokai with Gary, Chris and Angelyn, February 6-13, 2017