Seasonal· Molokai· Hawaii

Molokai and Lanai Trade Wind and North Swell Exposure

21° 1.1′ N · 157° 0.9′ W · approximate

The northeast trades rule this corner of the chain: they split at Cape Halawa, roar through the Pailolo and Kalohi channels and The Slot by midday, and in winter the north swell shuts Molokai's North Shore while konas threaten the south-facing harbors.

Practical

Coordinate is approx, the GNIS label point of the Kalohi Channel. Coast Pilot 10: the trade wind divides at Cape Halawa, one part following each shore; along the south coast it is often a little south of east, usually light in the early morning and strong in the middle of the day; dust clouds rise over the West End in strong trades. The junction of the Pailolo, Auau and Kalohi channels, locally called The Slot, is subject to high winds and dangerous currents as wind and sea funnel between Maui and Molokai. The north coast offers very little protection and has no all-weather anchorage. Kona (southerly) weather, most likely in autumn and winter, makes south and west anchorages unsafe; Kamalo Harbor and Pukoo's boat lagoon are the only south-shore harbors considered safe in konas, and Kaunakakai barges cannot lie at the wharf in the two or three severe konas of a winter. Practical rhythm: make channel crossings at dawn before the trades build, plan North Shore valley visits for summer calm spells, and keep a kona bolt-hole in mind from October to April.

Best for

Planning crossings and choosing seasonal anchorages

Season

North Shore: summer only (about June-August). Konas: mostly October-April. Trades strongest midday year-round

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