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 wife and I snorkeled Black Rock amongst the mass of people and decided we needed a better way to see the area, so we rented tanks.  If you get them at the Sheraton it is a pain, plus more expensive.  We rented from Pacific Divers in Lahaina.  Their 24 hour rental was cheap.  The dive was pretty good.  Very easy to access the water and it isn't a far swim.  Multiple turtles, lots of reef fish, eels, and the coral is great color.  Well worth the time.

Jeremie from Florida's Dive Log

@jeremie_from_florida

1 dives