Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the island. It is a rocky outcrop at the far North end of Ka’anapali Beach and blocks off access (from the beach) to the lesser-known Ka’anapali Resort beach called Kahekili Beach Park. The Hawai’ian name for Black Rock is Pu’u Keka’a, and ancient Hawaiians believed that this was the place where their spirits went to jump off to join ancestors forever. Unlucky souls who could not be shown the way by their family ‘aumakua (guardian animal spirit), would wander and attach themselves to rocks in the area. This is likely where the “it is bad luck to take a Hawai’ian lava rock” superstition comes from.

This is also a popular spot for cliff jumping. If you are cliff jumping, swim to the far side of the rock and climb up from there. It's much more challenging and dangerous to reach the rock by click up it from shore.

Black Rock

We recently stayed at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel and snorkeled at black rock (100 feet down the beach) with rented gear; it was awesome! We had also snorkeled at Molokini and turtle arches and there were way more fish here than at either of those other sites, even during the day when it was crowded. There were many, many types of fish including puffer fish. My dad swam around the end of the rock and saw 3 spotted rays. This site is great for people who are first timers!!!!!

Emily Brown's Dive Log

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