Kayak from Makapuu to Hawaii Kai. Whales !!?? - 9.5 Miles

Makapuu to Hawaii Kai. Whales !!?? - 9.5 Miles
Aloha Paddlers, Let's hope for calm winds and sunshine cause there's a good chance we'll see WHALES on this route!!!! Our route on this paddle will take us around the Southeast end of the Island, and is one of the most spectacular trips on our route around Oahu. The area on this route, from Makapuu to Hawaii Kai, is always wonderfully scenic as we get to paddle past the huge Sea-cliffs at Makapuu point where we’ll enjoy spectacular views, cool little coves to explore along the route, a rest stop at either Allan Davis, or Cockroach Cove - surf permitting - (where they filmed the beach scene in the movie 'From here to Eternity'), and last but not least the 2nd set of sea-cliffs going around Koko Head. Much of this area people just don’t get to see if they aren’t paddlers cause it’s not accessible from the road, and most paddlers don’t get to see it unless they organize an outing something like ours. This is also a route where we sometimes see plenty of whale activity along the way. It’s a 9 mile paddle so it should be about 3.5 hours of paddling, and if you’re prone to sea-sickness, ya better take something for it on this route. If the wind and surf are down for this trip, it’ll be easy enough for our newer paddlers to start or end their paddle at Sandy beach, which comes fairly close to cutting the course length in half. Ya wouldn’t want to do that though if there is much surf on the South Shore, so if it’s your plan to do that, I suggest you call for the surf report (973-4380 #3) and drive by there and have a look at it before you meet at the put-in point. We always suggest that everyone check the weather forecast on the morning of our paddles and make sure the conditions are within your capabilities. if the weather forecast calls for winds over 15 MPH on this route the ocean off the cliffs of Makapuu and Koko head gets pretty sloppy. So, here’s the plan….
We’ll be meeting at the U.H. Makai Pier about 1/4 mile on the Kailua side of Sea Life Park at 8:00 AM. We'll leave to shuttle the cars to Hawaii Kai at 8:20, and we should be paddling away at 9:15- 9:30 AM. We can plan on finishing up around 1 - 1:30 PM, depending on how much we hang out at the rest stops. OK, gang, this is a really spectacular route, so let’s all pray for light winds and low surf, and I’ll see you there!
*==== CHANGED YOUR MIND? ====
Be sure to check the Meetup – Hua Iki web site for any changes and updates and PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR RSVP if you change your mind.
==== KNOW YOUR LIMITS ====
Know your capabilities, limits, forecast conditions and check your equipment before you go. Sun Screen, hat and plenty of water are a must. Sun glasses, gloves and dry bag are a good idea. Remember to stay in sight of the group and TELL OTHERS IF YOU ARE LEAVING. You alone are responsible for your health and safety. Check conditions at http://www.surfnewsnetwork.com/ or call the National Weather service at 808-973-4380 (#2 to get wind speeds and #3 for surf report). Knowing the latest forecast, you can decide (based upon individual abilities) whether to paddle, or stay home and clean the yard.
==== NEED TO RENT ====
If you need to rent a kayak, Go Bananas, has the best regular rental rates! They also have car top pads, straps, dry bags, etc. Call the store . You can also pick up your kayak the day before, after 3 pm so you can drive straight to the put-in the next morning; let them know and they’ll be happy to accommodate your request.
Check club site for possible ride and kayak sharing arrangements or if you are looking for a partner.
==== CONTACT ====
Bob is leading, so if you need info, his cell, is 808-375-1030