Who Is The Youngest Person To Swim Across The Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel?

The Kaiwi Channel (also known as the Molokai Channel) separates the islands of Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii. This channel has long been a grueling test for open water swimmers because of its challenging conditions and formidable currents, which have deterred many, but one exceptional individual defied all odds and has become the youngest person to successfully cross this unforgiving channel. 

But who exactly are they? 

With an unwavering spirit and an insatiable thirst for adventure, a 15-year-old extraordinary athlete shattered expectations and left an indelible mark on the world of open water swimming.

Let’s find out who that person is.

What’s The Kaiwi Channel (Molokai Channel)?

Source: vladswim

The Kaiwi Channel, sometimes referred to as the Molokai Channel, is a body of water that separates the islands of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi in Hawaii. Spanning an impressive width of 26 miles (42 km), it plunges to a maximum depth of 2,300 feet (700 m). Interestingly, the name “Ka Iwi” translates to “the bone”. This channel is included in the 7 challenges of Oceans Seven open-water swimming series.

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Who Is The Youngest Person To Swim Across The Molokai Channel? 

Fifteen-year-old Maya Merhige from Berkeley, California achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest individual to swim across the Molokai Channel. Starting on the evening of January 18, 2023, Maya embarked on the 28-mile journey from Molokai Island to Oahu. Despite facing challenging conditions in the first nine hours, causing her swim to take longer than expected, Maya persevered for an impressive 27 hours and 33 minutes. Finally, on the night of January 19, 2023, after 9 p.m., Maya successfully reached the shores of Oahu, solidifying her status as the youngest person to conquer this channel.

Channels Of The Hawaiian Islands

Here is a list of the main channels surrounding the Hawaiian Islands:

• Kaiwi Channel (Molokai Channel): Separates Molokai and Oahu
• Pailolo Channel: Between Molokai and Maui
• Alalakeiki Channel: Separates Kahoʻolawe and Maui
• Auau Channel: Between Lānaʻi and Maui
• Kalohi Channel: Separates Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi
• Kealaikahiki Channel: Between  Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe
• Alenuihaha Channel: Separates the island of Hawaiʻi and the island of Maui
• Kaulakahi Channel: Separates the islands of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi
• Kaieiewaho Channel: Between Kauaʻi and Oʻahu

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List Of Oceans Seven swims

Here’s a list of the Ocean Seven swims: 

• The North Channel: Spanning between Ireland and Scotland, this challenging channel stretches across 21 miles (34 km).
• The Cook Strait: Located between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, this formidable strait covers a distance of 16 miles (26 km).
• The Molokaʻi Channel (Kaiwi Channel): Separating Molokaʻi and Oʻahu in Hawaii, this channel spans a distance of 27 miles (44 km).
• The English Channel: Linking England and France, this renowned channel measures 21 miles (34 km) in width.
• The Catalina Channel: Extending between Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles, this channel covers a distance of 20 miles (32 km).
• The Tsugaru Strait: Situated between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, this strait stretches over 12 miles (20 km).
• The Strait of Gibraltar: Connecting Spain and Morocco, this narrow strait measures 10 miles (16 km) in width.
  

Final Thoughts – Kaiwi Channel

Fifteen-year-old Maya Merhige from Berkeley, California made history and is currently the youngest person to ever swim across the Kaiwi Channel. Her remarkable achievement solidifies her place in the world of open water swimming. It is worth noting that swimming the Kaiwi Channel is one of the seven challenges in the world famous Oceans Seven open water swimming series. Maya’s successful crossing showcases her incredible talent, resilience, and determination considering that it took her over 27 hours to finish the challenge.