Waikiki Roughwater Swim

12/01/2025

12/01/2025

Aloha swimmers:

The 2026 Waikiki Roughwater swim will take place a week before Labor Day due to the predicted influx of box jellyfish on Labor Day. Race day will be on Sunday August 30, 2026.
In 2027, we will return to our normal Labor Day schedule.
Race registration will open in January 2026.

09/10/2025

For 54 years, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim has set the tone for open water—testing skill, patience, and respect for the ocean. Why this 2.4-mile course still sets the standard—and what it means for today’s athletes. 🌊 Read the full article and interview with Jon Storm. Link in comments.

09/10/2025

https://dailynewsofopenwaterswimming.com/brothers-duke-and-ned-wieland-go-1-2-in-the-waikiki-roughwater-swim-reversing-order-from-2024/

Brothers Duke and Ned Wieland Go 1-2 in the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, Reversing Order From 2024 Leave a Comment / By DNOWS / September 10, 2025 Spread the love Ned Wieland (23, Australia, MSF bio here, ) has made a name for himself in the open water. Early. In 2017 as a 16-year-old fr...

08/08/2025

Register for the Waikiki Roughwater Swim by tomorrow 8/9 for the best pricing.
Then join us on Sunday 8/10 at 8:00 am for the 2nd and final Waikiki Roughwater Swim Clinic. It is free and lots of fun. Meet Coach Joe Lileikis on Duke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village aka "the finish".
Keep swimming!

07/22/2025

54th Annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim merchandise is fabulous. Check it out and order now so that you can wear your new swim suit on Labor Day.

Welcome to the Waikiki Roughwater Swim x Core Values California collection! All items will be made to order and shipped directly to you. Lead time is about 3 weeks. To make arrangements for on-site pickup, please email us at [email protected] BEFORE you place your order. See you on the sand!

07/10/2025

Aloha Swimmers,

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 54th Annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim on Labor Day, September 1, 2025. Registration is up and running now so go to www.waikikiroughwaterswim.com and sign up. Register early for the best price.

In preparation, we invite you to participate in the first of two free swim clinics on Sunday, July 13 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at Kaimana Beach aka the start. The clinic will be led by Coach Joe Lileikis who is not only one of the top swim coaches in Hawaii, but he is also a former overall WRS champion. Joe will be joined by his super swimmer and coach brother, Tom Lileikis. This clinic will focus on race preparation and race strategies. Meet on the beach at the Ewa side of the lifeguard tower. The second clinic will be held on Sunday, August 10 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at Duke Kahanamoku Beach aka the finish.

If you are coming from off-island or looking for a Waikiki staycation in conjunction with the race, we suggest you consider the properties that are most convenient for race day and pre-race training.

If you are military or a veteran you may want to consider the Hale Koa Hotel, site of the awards ceremony.
The Kaimana Beach Hotel is at the start and supports the race.
Finally, is the Hilton Hawaiian Village, site of the finish line. The Hilton and the Hilton pier-based excursions have supported the Waikiki Roughwater Swim since inception.

For a little Roughwater inspiration, check out the following video by Coach Joe:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0zrr9YbwiLA

Keep swimming and swimming,

Waikiki Roughwater Swim Committee

53rd Annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim, September 2, 2024The Waikiki Roughwater Swim is a legendary ocean swim that takes place in Waikiki starting at Kaimana B...

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

Registration for the 54th Annual Waikiki Roughwater Swim is open now. Register now for best pricing and inspiration for your training. Keep on swimming and we will see you on Labor Day!

10/24/2024

Coach Joe Lileikis won the Roughwater in his first attempt, has coached hundreds of Roughwater Swimmers over the years and coaches the free Roughwater clinics every year. Here he takes a leisurely swim on Labor Day 2024 to share a few tips and delights with you. Enjoy.

The Waikiki Roughwater Swim is a legendary ocean swim that takes place in Waikiki starting at Kaimana Beach at the base of Diamond Head and goes across Waiki...