Snorkling Black Rock: Maui, Hawaii

It’s the site where ancient Hawaaians believed spirits ‘jumped off’ or left the world… and to this day, visitors still jump off “Pu’u Keka’a”. Each Hawaiian Island has such a spot. A spot, where the ancient people say the spirits leave the world to join their ancestors. If there were no ancestors to meet the spirit, it would wander the Earth, causing mischief.

The leaving point of Maui is “Pu’u Keka’a”, commonly known as Black Rock. The site of one of the last volcanic eruptions on Maui, Black Rock divides the gorgeous beaches of Ka’anapali and Kahekili. Resorts line this stretch of beach, making Black Rock a very convenient spot for visitors to go snorkling just off the coast.

Black rock creates a small inlet at the tip facing the sea, and provides a safe haven from boats and harsh waves. Here, divers and snorklers can find many fish and a rainbowed assortment of corals. About 3/4 of the way down the lava outcropping, many locals and visitors challenge themselves by diving from the cliffs of Black Rock. Many fish can be seen around the rock, as it provides a reef-like environment for the animals.

I recommend bringing along your own snorkel gear if you plan on snorkling Black Rock. The closer you get to the rock along the resort-filled shore, the more expensive gear will cost. There is a booth next to Black Rock where visitors can rent masks, snorkels, and fins, but it will cost $15, whereas you could rent the same gear in Lahina for about $1.50 a day.

Keep in mind, snorkling is a fairly easy sport, but you do need to know how to keep yourself afloat, and should know the basics of how to swim. The waters around Black Rock bring in fairly large waves, and also has a fairly fast drop off heading out to sea. About 20-25 feet out from the shore, the depth drops to 8-12 feet, and quickly gets to a depth of 25+ feet deep as you head to the tip of the rock. Also, the water around the Hawaiian Islands can be unpredictable. I found this out while snorkling Black Rock and got stuck in a horizontal current, finding it hard to break away and get back to shore. Therefore, I highly recommend using fins while swimming around the rock.

However, Black Rock is a fantastic place to visit. There are many fish to see, including Parrot fish, Puffer fish, Tangs, Trigger fish and Needle fish to name a few. Those who are so lucky may also encounter a sea turtle swimming out from under the ledge overhangs.

So, if you’re heading to Maui for a vacation, and want the experience of snorkling without spending a half day on a boat heading out to Molokini, I recommend heading North on Ka’anapali Beach and enjoying the underwater sites “Pu’u Keka’a” has to offer.