Seven kayakers answered the call to trek seven miles from the Makai Range Pier to the Kailua boat ramp with a rest stop on Moku Nui. We welcomed new paddlers Steven, Nicole and Zachary. Breezy tradewinds kept most of us inside the reef with only paddle leader Steve Harris and his guest, Zach, braving the outside swells.
Partial cloudy skies tempered the tropical sun and the constant breeze kept us cool throughout the paddle. Nicole whooped with glee whenever their tandem crested the occasional trade swell.
Steven and Nicole passing Waimanalo
Heading toward the Mokulua Islets
Kelvin approaches Moku Nui with world famous Lanikai Beach behind him
This was Kelvin Tom’s first time paddling this route and his first time on the water in a few months. He handled the journey with ease although I heard him discussing the effectiveness of ibuprofen at the break on Moku Nui.
At February’s surf clinic there were four monk seals on the beach at Moku Nui. This time only a solo pinniped sunbather lazed on the sand. It must have been content as it didn’t move an inch except for an occasional head bob.
Frequent wails and moans came from the abundant ‘Ua‘u kani (wedge-tailed shearwater) resting under shrubs or in burrows. The breeding pairs had gathered on the islet to lay their single egg for the season.
Lone monk seal resting on the beach
‘Ua’u kani laying under a shrub
Steve’s 11.5 pound omilu ulua
Steve was stoked with his catch of the day, an 11.5 pound omilu ulua! He caught it on a popper after freeing his lucky SP Minnow lure on his other line from the reef.
Story and photos (except as noted) by Terry Shimabukuro Cover photo by Bert Wong
May 3-5, 2024
About two dozen hardy souls braved strong winds and occasional downpours to camp Friday and Saturday nights at Kualoa’s small group campsite. The sporadic rain did not dampen our spirits as we still enjoyed a relaxing weekend at the beach. Plenty of time to talk story and share meals together. A few keiki attended and added some youthful energy. The strong winds did put a damper on kayaking, however, so the paddle to Kahana Bay was canceled and only a few folks ventured out on short excursions on Saturday.
Ruby, Steve, Tim, Norm, Stan & RobPaul and Rob talking story
Saturday evening campfire
With the days of Christmas tree bonfires behind us (fun fact, the Kualoa group campsite permit now specifically bans the burning of Christmas trees…I wonder why?) we instead had a responsible-sized campfire with kiawe logs provided by Chuck Ehrhorn. Unfortunately, Chuck wasn’t there to enjoy the fire so we didn’t get to hear his shark story…again. The fire was perfect for toasting marshmallows for s’mores and Alan Matsuo’s wife, Teresa, left us an ono banana cream pie so we stared into the dancing flames with a nice sugar rush. Norm Chun strummed his baritone ukulele and serenaded us with dulcet tones crooning traditional Hawaiian songs. Lono must have decided that it was our bedtime as he unleashed a downpour to douse the fire and send us scurrying to our tents.
Keiki at the campfire
Sunday began with a well attended “Intro to Kayaking” clinic lead by Kevin Ching and Joe Hu. After listening to oral instructions Kevin took the class onto the water where they practiced their strokes and self-rescue. Satisfied that they were bay-worthy Kevin lead them to Mokoli’i. The pupils must have been satisfied too as five of them became club members after the clinic including a legacy member, Lois Rhinelander’s daughter Kelly Miyashiro, along with her partner James Tingco. Another new member, Bill McCarthy, will vie with Stan McCrae for tallest club member honors.
Intro to Kayaking clinic participantsKevin demonstrates kayak self rescue
The wind calmed down enough to safely hold our Easter egg hunt with Tim Sawyer and Paul Tibbetts doing the egg laying honors. About twenty paddlers took to the water to gather the eggs. Several of us swept the area to make sure that no eggs were left behind, but we didn’t count them this year so we’re not sure if we got them all. Since we want to be responsible stewards of our beaches and ocean we are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic eggs in case we do miss a few. Let us know if you have an idea for a biodegradable alternative. It should be egg-sized, but doesn’t have to be egg-shaped. It just has to float high enough on the water and be colored so that it can be seen.
Kayakers starting the Easter egg hunt – photo by Bert WongNew member Carolyn on her first Easter egg hunt
Auctioneer Chuck starts the used gear auctionChuck’s donated Cobra Re-Vision
Our potluck lunch was interrupted by a rousing “Rally! Rally! Rally!” cry from Chuck signaling the start of the used gear auction. Chuck generously donated his Cobra Strike+ Re-Vision for the auction. Bill Murphy (via proxy Sandy Johnson) won a furious duel with Bert Wong and added the Re-Vision to his fleet. The auction made $672 for the club so a big mahalo to Chuck and everyone else who donated gear. Also, mahalo to past member Caroline who donated $100 and to Elliott Wong for donating custom laser etched club swag.
Elliott Wong’s custom club swag – photos by Elliott
The day’s festivities ended with the Easter egg prize distribution as our first, and probably only, Cinco de Coptic Easter Camp came to a close. The day ended on a slightly sour note as we didn’t have a good team clean-up effort of the pavilion. A big mahalo and apology to Lois, Kelly and Stan Dalbec for clearing the potluck leftovers and for taking home the leftover auction items. Shame on us! Let’s do better next year gang!
Kimberly enjoyed her prize bubblesSteve caught a 2.5 lb omilu after the festivities – photo by Steve Harris
A brief respite in a blustery month allowed seven paddlers to get on the water and exercise their well rested paddling muscles. Mild conditions made for an easy cruise past Kaka’ako, downtown and Sand Island. Boat traffic was minimal so no one played chicken with our motorized brethren.
Launching at Magic Island
Stan at Waterfront Park
Approaching Honolulu Harbor
First time on the ocean for Harry C.
New member, Harry Chiu, enjoyed his first ever ocean paddle. A Colorado native, Harry looks forward to seeing more of our beautiful island from the water on future paddles.
Sandy discovered some interesting hitchhikers in her footwell when she was about to rinse off her kayak. Not sure how they got there. They look like frogfish fry, but that’s just a guess.
Story from Facebook posts. Edited by Terry Shimabukuro.
January 7, 2024
Lovely day to go out and paddle Lake Wilson. Thanks for leading the way Veep Bill Murphy…we had 11 boats join us this morning, no one pulled out a pole to catch fish but I had good luck snagging a Werner Skagit paddle that was left on shore with no boat in the vicinity and a hula hoop. And a good time was to be had by all.
Nikko Tiahrt-Conrad
THANKS William Murphy for another successful paddle around Lake Wilson. 1st time for me. Nobody went fishing, just exploring
Most interesting was seeing a $100,000 Bass boat. Saddest thing was a smallish cat drinking from the water
A stormy day of wind and rain did not deter the hardy kayakers of HWK from gathering for their annual festive evening ritual of fun, food and fellowship. Event co-chairs Eileen and Nikko arranged for a protective force field around the HTMC Clubhouse that kept us cozy and dry. They, along with a few elves, decked the venue in holiday cheer and lit the way to the sumptuous buffet.
Dinner time
Mark, Sue and Eileen
Gary, the class clown
A background slideshow of random club photos rekindled memories of past adventures. Mark provided a nice surprise with a video of the club’s first trip to Kalalau and he was rewarded with first prize in the video contest. Mahalo to everyone that helped us end the year on a joyous note and a good time was had by all!
