On writing Molokai Reef

On July 19th, 2001 I sailed Sun Po under the Golden Gate Bridge and pointed the bow at Hilo, Hawaii (the Big Island).  Nineteen days later, at sunset which happens early on the back side of the volcano, I guided Sun Po into Radio Bay and anchored for the night.

For the next four years I sailed about Hawaii, spending most of the time in Ke'ehi Lagoon on Oahu.  At some point I decided to write Molokai Reef, framing it as a mystery novel with a sailor - Gybe (of no last name) - as the protagonist.

In the novel, he is assisted by a gaggle of wacky friends, mostly sailors, in his quest to solve the murder of two genetic engineers.  Molokai Reef weaves humor, mystery, genetic engineering, social commentary, and a scarlet macaw into a page-turning read.

Most of the novel is set on Molokai and Maui.  As research, I sailed to Hale o Lono Harbor, an abandoned barge harbor created in the days when a large cattle ranch occuppied the west end of Molokai and spent the Christmas holidays there in 2001.  Over subsequent visits, I spent a few weeks anchored in Kaunakakai Harbor, near Maui's Mala Wharf, and in Kahului.

In December of 2004, I took a week off from my job, flew to Molokai and spent several days finishing the novel while staying at the Hotel Molokai.

I hope you enjoy the read.

Dennis