The Long Way to Lanai, the Leisurely Way in Lahaina

3/20/2017

Pacific Offshore Challenge 17-2: Sailing to Lanai, Maui and Molokai aboard Gemini with James, Anne, Leandroe and Angelyn, March 19-26, 2017.

Cruising out to the neighbor islands, Gemini and her crew first took a detour and made a brief stop in Ko Olina, on the leeward side of Oahu. Angelyn joined us on the first day of the cruise and so we thought we would drop her off on the west side. Smooth sailing from Kewalo and around Barber's Point, we arrived just at sunset. Where to go from here? Leaving from Ko Olina adds a few more miles to the course to Lanai and with normal ENE Tradewinds, points us more into the wind. But this is the Pacific Offshore "Challenge" after all!

Sailing for 22 hours upwind from Ko Olina to the south of Lanai, is exhilarating but a little bit exhausting. You don't get much (any) sleep really, especially when fishing boats come out of nowhere and try to run you over at 0200. Actually had to call them on the VHF radio to avoid a collision. Remember: "Red over White Fishing at Night" and sailing vessels giveaway to fishing vessels. So a little bit damp from the warm Hawaiian sea spray, the salty crew of Gemini is more than eager to set foot in our first destination.

On the south side of Lanai is the island's only harbor, Manele Bay. It is a cozy little marina, tucked away near the Four Seasons Resort and Hulopoe Beach. The harbor has boat slips that are assigned to resident boaters but when we arrived, there were a few open that were available for a temporary stay. Manele Bay harbor makes a comfortable port call and the crew is happy to explore the beach and have a drink at the Sports Bar at the Four Seasons Resort.

After a restful day on Lanai, it was time to move on. Lahaina is just 15 miles away across the Auau channel. This short leg between Lanai and Maui is usually flat calm, and today is no different. We set out with the gentle wind behind us and are able to sail halfway before we need to turn on the motor. We're so lucky, we called ahead and Daynette at the Lahaina Harbormaster's office said that their one guest slip, #99 is available! Lahaina is a very busy harbor and the Lahaina Yacht Club's guest mooring buoys are currently down for maintenance.

Lahaina is a cute little town. This former old whaling village is a tourist haven with lots of shops and great restaurants. The crew enjoys their night ashore and finds all the best places for food and drink. The harbor is so peaceful, the vibe is so fun and we feel we could stay here longer but the sea calls...

Departing Lahaina mid morning, we announce to the busy harbor over VHF channel 68 that Gemini is setting off. The harbor of Kaunakakai on Molokai is about 25 miles away across the windy Pailolo Channel. As expected, across this channel Gemini and her crew encounter some stiff winds across the beam and more salty spray. But the crew also encounters a hungry Aku fish, that can't resist the tasty Rapalla lure!

Kaunakakai is the main harbor in Molokai and makes a great destination for visiting boats. The guest/loading dock is first come, first reserved and makes a convenient tie up and stepping off point into Molokai. The main town is a 10 minute walk from the harbor and is the center of activity on the island. Venturing further then the mandatory stop at Paddler's Inn, the crew of Gemini find One Alii Park, the most beautiful secluded beach, just a short ride east along the coast. Great place to crack open coconuts and just get lost in paradise.

After a relaxing time on Molokai, Gemini's crew set their sights on the return leg. The Kaiwi channel is next, after a brief stop in Lono Harbor along the way for docking practice on the deserted seawall. The Tradewinds have picked up to regular strength now so its a lively ride sail surfing downwind, going full boat speed with just the jib. With the backlit silhouette of Diamond Head to guide us, it it takes less than half the time to return to Oahu from another awesome sailing trip around the Hawaiian islands.