Ulua Beach is one of the beaches in the Wailea resort complex development on Maui's south shore. The sandy beach is located between two rocky points. Ulua Beach is a bit more popular than neighboring Mokapu Beach, with which it shares a parking lot. When the surf is up, it is usually a little higher here than at other beaches in this area, attracting many bodyboarders who enjoy the waves. During calm days, the snorkeling and diving here is excellent. There are many colorful corals and fish. Ulua means `adult crevalle fish in the Hawaiian language.

Ulua Beach

This was a good dive. At about 270 degrees for 15 minutes out you will find the reef which you can enjoy. The most exciting sighting was a few eels who were not happy to see us. I was glad to be lucky enough to dive here for my seventh dive.

#2 - Ulua Beach

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

My last dive in Maui and ninth dive. I only lasted 20 minutes and reached 15 minutes. I got whooped around. I was brave enough because I had a friend out there keeping an eye on me. A lot of the Sheraton guests snorkel and jump off black rock. I truly respect Mother Nature on that dive. Be wise and plan it well.

Hector Hernandez Aviles's Dive Log

@hector_hernandez_aviles

2 dives