Mokulēʻia to Kaʻena Point — Stan’s Quest Fulfilled!

Our last paddle in April, originally planned from Mākua to Kaʻena Point (with hopes of spying spinner dolphins), changed at the last minute to take advantage of a rare confluence of conditions. For a while now, Stan Dalbec has championed the idea of a round-trip paddle from Mokulēʻia to Kaʻena Point, to notch this stretch of the coastline in an Oʻahu circumnavigation without the hassle of a car pool. Though Stan had tackled this route on his own before, the stars (and surf) never quite aligned for an official club outing… until that beautiful Sunday morning.

Under practically perfect conditions — smooth water with just a slight, breezy headwind — ten lucky paddlers embarked on this journey on clear blue waters revealing an array of corals and fishes below. We also glimpsed a few honu popping up for breath along the way. Then, amidst the gentle swells at Kaʻena Point, Stan called our attention to a wayward humpback whale (or two?) off to the north performing some dramatic fin and tail slaps. Terry and Stan attempted to check out a cove on the westward side of the Point, but conditions became too treacherous closer to shore. Better luck next time!

The journey back to Mokulēʻia was a bit more challenging. Although we now had a nice wind at our backs, the surface current persisted in pushing us backwards. My buddy Steven and I, in our rudderless Cobra tandem, got quite the upper body workout. Arm day gains pay off in due time. Meanwhile, Eileen and Sandy were greeted by a monk seal gliding beneath and between their boats, and Steve reeled in a two-pound fish for his dinner.

To round out the day, we met up for a delicious lunch at Peruvian Corner in Waialua, where we enjoyed some yucca (cassava) fries, ceviche and Aji de Gallina (like a Peruvian curry).

All in all, a spectacular day and a triumphant checkmark on Stan’s list. Mahalo to all who came out!