INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WATER - HAWAII

We will meet outside on the pool deck of our hotel. There we will hold our welcome meeting and safety briefing, before hopping into the waters nearby for a refreshing acclimatisation swim in the sea at the hotel’s private beach. After your swim we head back to the hotel to prepare for our first dinner.

In the morning, we will take our first swim in Kailua Bay, a sheltered clear water bay just outside of our hotel. Our coaches will guide you through a safe introduction and entry to open water. Late morning, we will then walk approximately 10 minutes to the local 50-metre pool at the community aquatic centre, where we film your stroke above and under the water for video analysis and detailed coaching advice later in the day. We will then have lunch before sitting down to review the morning’s video footage. In the evening we will return to the pool to work on the key points for efficient stroke technique and open water confidence. After your swim we head back to the hotel for dinner.

Our first swim this morning again starts right outside the hotel in Kailua Bay. Depending on conditions, we may traverse along the Pawai Marine Reserve where there are a series of calm, turquoise tidal pools normally full of local fish species. Alternatively we may head out from the pier towards Ōneo bay.

If time permits, our coaches will carry out additional filming whilst coaching you throughout the swim. After a well earned break for lunch, we will complete a short video playback session before we head back to the pool to work on drills. We’ll then take dinner back at the hotel.

Today, we travel north on our main boat to a stunning reef which lies offshore of Mahai’ula Bay. The reef is plentiful and full of character and home to countless species. This area will be the location for our first swim towards Makalawena and you can see the sea bottom along the entire swim route. Monk Seals have been spotted here in the past.

Lunch will be taken at The beach at Puu Alii Bay and after some time to rest and relax and maybe even explore on land, our second swim is just up the shore as we have the option to explore one of the three stunning bays, Kahoiawa, Kua or Kakapa Bay, before finishing at Kikaua Point, which has stunning views over to the distant island of Maui. Large volcanic boulders are present over the course of the swim and seem to be an attraction for the local fish populations. The sandy bottom, interspersed with detailed reef formations, offers an idyllic afternoon swim.

This morning we travel down to the southern section of the Kona coast, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the week. Here you have a chance to explore the beautiful Kealakekua Bay. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs which makes access from land difficult, so the water is undoubtedly the best way to explore. Manta rays were spotted here during our recce and if you come across them on this swim it is sure to be a mesmerising experience. The swim culminates at the Captain James Cook monument, where he fell, in 1779. It’s a unique way to arrive at such a significant monument! If that is not enough, after lunch, we start the return north with our second swim taking us towards Keawekaheka Bay, which contains one of the Big Island’s most beautiful reefs. Lava-formed bays can offer natural stopping off points along the way.

After the exertions of the week, it is time for a relaxing swim on the beach just by Kailua Pier, directly in front of our hotel, before the trip finishes later in the morning.

We have given this trip a ‘Beginner’ grading designed for people new to open water swimming.

Swimming Distances

Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Hawaii’s isolation means that roughly 25 percent of its fish species are endemic, which means they are found in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world. Swimming here is a fantastic experience with warm crystal-clear waters bursting with underwater flora and fauna. You need to be aware that certain marine life, such as jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In the areas that we swim, there is a long history of snorkelling and swimming, so sea life is used to human interaction. If you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

The west coast of the Big Island benefits from the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail which runs in many places along the coast. While the focus of the trip is undoubtedly the swimming, there may be some opportunities to walk small sections of this historic trail, should you wish to do so.

Most walks take place on designated paths and tracks. Please note that comfortable shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for all walks and treks.

Temperatures

• Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This coaching camp has a maximum group size of 14 with a maximum coach : swimmer ratio of 1:7. On open water swims, the group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat support on this trip includes two support craft crewed by your SwimTrek guides and two local kayak support as well as one main boat on two days. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

Around Kailua Bay there are plenty of facilities and activities to keep you busy when not swimming. Take part in rejuvenating paddle board or sit-on-top kayak tours paddling around the bay. Try scuba diving too. Speak to our boat skipper about diving and snorkelling with the manta rays. Visit a Kona coffee farm or live the Hawaii Five-0 opening credits and paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

For more information, please visit our Packing List page on the website

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles, but rather will fill up each individual guest’s personal drink bottle. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

The easiest way to get to the start of your trip is to fly into Kona International Airport (KOA). It is important to remember that the Big Island has two international airports, Kona is on the west coast and Hilo (ITO) on the east coast. For this trip, Kona International Airport (KOA), also known as Keāhole, is the most convenient option for you. Of course, if you are looking to spend time in Hawaii before or after your SwimTrek, then flying into one airport and out of the other may well work.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check so check out our SwimTrek Flight Tips page on the website.

Transfer from Kona International Airport to Kailua-Kona

Our accommodation, the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, is located on the bay at Kailua-Kona. It is around 9 miles south of the airport ad a taxi will cost around $35. For more information on Ground Transport from the airport visit the Kona Airport Website

For the duration of our trip, we stay at the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, ideally located within a few metres walk of Kailua Pier and the waters of Kailua Bay. The waterfront hotel benefits from an infinity pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

All rooms at Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel are en suite with air conditioning and either two queen beds or one king bed with balcony. The majority of our rooms are Standard Rooms (Guest Rooms) with a balcony. It is possible to request Superior Rooms (Resort View) with a balcony and superior view; Deluxe (Ocean View) have a partial ocean view from the balcony. Whichever room type you choose we can offer them on twin share, double occupancy or for single occupancy. All rooms and occupancy types are subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you wish to extend your stay at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel before or after the trip please contact the hotel directly via email to reservations@konabeachhotel.com and let them know that you are part of the SwimTrek group.

Food and Drink

All five breakfasts are included on the trip. Four simple lunches are also included. Dinners are at your own expense, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, entertainment, souvenirs, and drinks. The local currency is US dollars (US$).

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture. In others, it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the United States require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The majority of visitors to the US require a visa to enter the country. Many nationalities can apply online for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program by visiting www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta. For further information about US visas, please visit www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Wireless internet access is available in the lobby, public areas and guest rooms of our hotel. Many bars and restaurants around town also offer access but signals off-shore may be limited.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.