Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
Iconic lava promontory on Kaanapali Beach, famous for snorkeling with sea turtles and a daily cliff diving ceremony.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, good snorkeling conditions
Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
Best Time
Less crowded, good snorkeling conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lava promontory on Kaanapali Beach, famous for snorkeling with sea turtles and a daily cliff diving ceremony.
"Best snorkeling spot during our trip! Visited in early August and enjoyed it a lot!"
🚫 Don't Take Rocks!
Removing rocks from Hawaii is believed to bring bad luck. Respect the land and leave everything as you found it.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe sea turtles and fish from a distance. Never touch or feed them; it's their home!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,781 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)
Swim alongside majestic sea turtles and vibrant fish in clear, shallow waters. An unforgettable marine encounter!
Cliff Diving Ceremony
Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)
Witness a daily ceremony honoring ancient Hawaiian tradition with a daring cliff dive.
Sunset Views
Kaanapali Beach
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific from this iconic beach. Pure magic!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Sacred Rocks
Snorkel Smart, Swim Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Take Rocks!
Removing rocks from Hawaii is believed to bring bad luck. Respect the land and leave everything as you found it.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe sea turtles and fish from a distance. Never touch or feed them; it's their home!
🅿️ Parking Fees
Parking at Sheraton is paid. Get $16 off with purchases from the bar or shaved ice.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent basic snorkel gear easily for a great underwater experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Take Rocks!
Removing rocks from Hawaii is believed to bring bad luck. Respect the land and leave everything as you found it.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe sea turtles and fish from a distance. Never touch or feed them; it's their home!
🅿️ Parking Fees
Parking at Sheraton is paid. Get $16 off with purchases from the bar or shaved ice.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent basic snorkel gear easily for a great underwater experience.
🌊 Watch for Currents
Be mindful of currents and waves, especially near the rocks. Swim with caution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Black Rock is a highly recommended spot for its incredible snorkeling, abundant sea turtles, and stunning sunset views. While parking can be costly and the beach gets crowded, the natural beauty and cultural significance of Pu'u Keka'a make it a must-visit. Visitors appreciate the easy access to marine life and the memorable cliff diving ceremony.
"There is a nice walking path from the main hotels. Lovely walk.
Then arriving to this place is rewarding. This is a public beach with plenty of area to sit. Not shades at the area unless you sit very close to the rock. Snorkeling here is easy and you just need the basic equipment.
You can see Turtles and a great variety of fish. Just respect their areas. Don't touch them. Don't stand on the rocks in the water. It is their home. Totally recommended. The sunset is spectacular!"
Carlos Orjuela
"Best snorkeling spot during our trip! Visited in early August and enjoyed it a lot! Parking was easy (after we realized there were no free open parking). We parked at the Sheraton. You will need to scan and pay online which is super easy, it all connected to your car tag, and time starts and ends when you cross entrance/exit. By the time we parked and were leaving the car we already owe $2.99 haha so move fast people! Joking!
It's $2.99 for first 20 minutes and then $2 for every 15 minutes, but if you get something from the bar or shaved ice place by the pool, you will get $16 off (2 free hours). Shaved ice is pretty good there by the way!
Beach area is not big and because everyone is snorkeling by the rocks, it was pretty crowded. There were 2 sea turtles despite crowdedness, swimming on and off and around people.
Really good place for snorkeling, even on a day that was 6 out of 10 for snorkeling conditions per local report."
Ana S
"Awesome little spot at the north end of Kaanapali beach. You will be able to cliff jump and snorkel here. It was my lucky day to see not one but three sea turtles that hung out and swam with us for hours. Shallow water that lets you snorkel close to shore. Be careful of the current and strong waves or you can get thrown into the sharp rocks. Respect the wildlife and never touch anything. Take what you brought with you. Never leave trash.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent from several vendors along the beach. A umbrella is 40-50 and they bring and set it all up for you.
It was my first time being able to swim among turtles and it was a ln amazing experience that I will remember and cherish.
I would highly recommend this area because it’s close to lots of food and shops at the whalers village."
Sung Cho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
A scenic walking path connects most Kaanapali hotels directly to Black Rock, making it an easy stroll.
Yes, paid parking is available at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. You can get a discount with purchases from their bar or shaved ice stand.
Parking is $2.99 for the first 20 minutes, then $2 for every 15 minutes. Purchases of $16 or more from the resort's bar or shaved ice can provide a discount.
While the beach is accessible, parking directly at Black Rock is limited and often associated with the adjacent resort. The walking path from Kaanapali hotels is the most convenient access.
The beach area and walking path are generally accessible, but direct access to rocky areas may be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Black Rock and Kaanapali Beach are public beaches and do not require admission tickets.
Black Rock is accessible during daylight hours. The daily cliff diving ceremony typically occurs in the late afternoon.
Kaanapali Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee. Parking fees may apply if you drive.
Yes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent from vendors along Kaanapali Beach, including near Black Rock.
The cliff diving ceremony is a traditional event and is free to watch.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Early mornings or days with calmer conditions (rated 6 out of 10 or higher) offer the best snorkeling. Be aware of currents.
You can expect to see sea turtles, a great variety of fish, and coral reefs.
Jumping off Black Rock is for experienced cliff divers. It's a sacred site and the swim back can be challenging.
Lifeguards are typically present on Kaanapali Beach, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and swim within your limits.
If a shark is spotted, remain calm and exit the water slowly. Sharks are rarely aggressive towards humans in this area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Whalers Village, located near Black Rock, offers numerous dining options, from casual to upscale.
The adjacent Sheraton resort has a bar and shaved ice stand where you can purchase refreshments.
Shaved ice is a popular treat, and the resort's bar offers drinks. Whalers Village provides a wider range of cuisines.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food to enjoy on the beach, but be sure to clean up thoroughly.
Many restaurants in Whalers Village offer ocean views, providing a lovely dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for stunning photographs. The cliff diving ceremony also makes for dynamic shots.
The lava promontory itself, the coastline views, and the sea turtles are popular subjects. The sunset over the ocean is a must-capture.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near resorts and public beaches. Always check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help capture wildlife like turtles. Waterproof gear is useful for underwater shots.
While specific tours for Black Rock might be rare, many Maui photography tours include this iconic location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit