{"id":3885,"date":"2023-07-06T03:59:47","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T03:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com\/hawaiitravelblog\/?p=3885"},"modified":"2026-03-26T07:32:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T07:32:06","slug":"who-is-the-youngest-person-to-swim-across-the-kaiwi-molokai-channel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com\/hawaiitravelblog\/who-is-the-youngest-person-to-swim-across-the-kaiwi-molokai-channel\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is The Youngest Person To Swim Across The Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kaiwi Channel (also known as the Molokai Channel) separates the <\/span>islands of Molokai<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But who exactly are they?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s find out who that person is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s The Kaiwi Channel (Molokai Channel)? <\/b><\/h2>\n

Source:<\/span> vladswim<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Kaiwi Channel, sometimes referred to as the Molokai Channel, is a body of water that separates the islands of O\u02bbahu and <\/span>Moloka\u02bbi in Hawaii<\/span><\/a>. 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\u201d. This channel is included in the 7 challenges of Oceans Seven open-water swimming series.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Is The Youngest Person To Swim Across The Molokai Channel?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Channels Of The Hawaiian Islands<\/b><\/h2>\n

Source:<\/span> Wikipedia<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Here is a list of the main channels surrounding the Hawaiian Islands:<\/span><\/p>\n