O'ahu paddleboarder Chris Owens completed the 30-mile journey across the 'Alenuihaha Channel (Big Island to Maui) in 6 hours and 54 minutes on Sunday.

Owens is believed to be the only person to complete a traditional paddleboard crossing of 'Alenuihaha.

Owens departed from the Big Island's 'Upolu Point shortly after dawn and arrived at Manawainui, Maui, in the early afternoon.

"It was overwhelming," Owens said in a press release.

This is the first leg of Owens' new mission to become the first person on record to successfully solo paddleboard across the channels that link the major Hawaiian Islands.

From Maui, he'll try to cross to Lana'i today.

Proceeds will go to Malama Na Pua Traditional Hawaiian Healing Center. For more information, contact Brian Emery at (808) 429-2255.

AUSTRALIA'S MITCHELL MAKES IT LOOK EASY

Australia's Jamie Mitchell paddled to a convincing victory in the Ko'olaupoko Cline Mann Paddleboard Race on Saturday.

Mitchell, 29, completed the 17-mile course from Makapu'u to the Outrigger Canoe Club in 2 hours, 42 minutes, 54 seconds.

His younger brother, Justin, finished second in 2:56:00. Marc Rocheleau placed third in 2:58:14 and was the first Hawai'i finisher.

Kanesa Duncan finished in 3:12:27 to win the female division.

Victor Hemmy was the first to finish with a stock paddleboard in 2:53:05.

Jamie Mitchell is the four-time defending champion of the Quiksilveredition Moloka'i to O'ahu Paddleboard Race, which is scheduled for July 30. The 32-mile Moloka'i race is considered the world championship of long-distance paddleboard racing.