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

This was our first trip to Maui.  We stayed in the condos north of the Sheraton and simply walked right into the water.  This was my favorite activity and only cost me $5.25 a day snorkel rental.  We beat the crowds by enjoying the waters on the north side of the rock by the old pier.  Floated around the rock to the Sheraton side and checked out 5 turtles in the channel.  It was awesome until I ran into the hoards of people on the other side.

Mark at Fort Atkinson's Dive Log

@mark_at_fort_atkinson

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