Moloka'i Express

[CapnDan]

I just snorkeled out to Palea Pt on the left (east) side of Hanauma Bay and got a taste of the Moloka'i Express as it tried to sweep me off towards Sandy Beach and beyond. I was able to break out of it, but if it had been any stronger then I would have been caught. The conditions were light easterly winds, small seas, 2-4 foot surf along the south shore and a falling tide approaching its low.

Does anyone know how that current typically behaves along the Portlock to Makapuu coastline during the various sea, surf and tide conditions? Is it somewhat predictable?

 

[onfloat]

Usually the current goes the other way.

 

[rgbmatt]

Normally, the current runs from makapuu to diamond head on a rising tide, and the other way on a falling tide. The switch typically happens roughly an hour after slack tide in Honolulu harbor.

But sometimes it's completely off schedule, so make sure to be prepared just in case.

 

[Lopaka]

Normally, the current runs from makapuu to diamond head on a rising tide, and the other way on a falling tide. The switch typically happens roughly an hour after slack tide in Honolulu harbor.

But sometimes it's completely off schedule, so make sure to be prepared just in case.

That's what I recall from a kayaking class.

The currents around Koko Head must be very confused, the transition as you round the head in a boat can very "vigorous".

 

[CapnDan]

Yes, I've sailed past Koko Head many times and the seas there are almost always "very confused", as we call it, due to the waves bouncing off the cliffs and the strong currents that sometimes run counter to the direction of the wind and waves. Plus, the wind is usually messed up by the nearby cliff faces. From a sailor's perspective it's a place to be avoided, but now that I'm freediving it I need to learn the currents.

 

[CapnDan]

Normally, the current runs from makapuu to diamond head on a rising tide, and the other way on a falling tide. The switch typically happens roughly an hour after slack tide in Honolulu harbor.

Thanks, that's excellent info.