Kaanapali Beach Black Rock: Best Maui Snorkeling

Kaanapali Beach Black Rock

At the northern end of Kaanapali Beach lies a rocky outcrop jutting into the ocean, named Pu’u Keka’a, but more commonly known as Black Rock.

Ancient Hawaiians believed Black Rock to be the jumping-off point for spirits departing the physical world, a kind of portal into the spiritual afterlife.

Black Rock, a lava outcropping jutting into the ocean

Best Things to Do in Maui at a Glance

Group Type Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve now, these sell out fast!)
Uniquely Maui Haleakala sunrise, Road to Hana, Haleakala downhill bike
Casual tourist / Everyone Luau, scenic flight, whale watching, sunset dinner cruise
Families (with smaller kids) Pineapple farm, surf lesson, bu t terfly farm, clear-bottom kayak
Adventure Tourists / Teenagers Zipline, Molokini Crater snorkel, ATV, parasail, doors-off helicopter, waterfall rappel, underwater sea scooter

Group Type	Activities & Best Tours (Reserve now, these sell out fast!)
Uniquely Maui	Haleakala sunrise, Road to Hana, Haleakala downhill bike
Casual tourist / Everyone	Luau, scenic flight, whale watching, sunset dinner cruise
Families (with smaller kids)	Pineapple farm, surf lesson, bu t terfly farm, clear-bottom kayak
Adventure Tourists / Teenagers	Zipline, Molokini Crater snorkel, ATV, parasail, doors-off helicopter, waterfall rappel, underwater sea scooter

Planning to visit Kaanapali Beach? Be sure to bookmark our Kaanapali Beach website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Maui, check out the some of the top things to do in Maui, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Snorkeling at Black Rock

The waters around Black Rock are teeming with marine life, sheltered by the coral reefs and underwater ledges.

Some of the best snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach is in this area, catering to all abilities of snorkelers.

Beginning snorkelers should stay close to the shores near Black Rock, with depths of around 6 feet.

Intermediate swimmers can head a bit further up off the shore where the depths move up towards 20 feet. Flotation devices and fins are strongly advised.

Large school of yellow striped goatfish deeper along the Black Rock underwater ledge

Experienced and expert snorkelers can head deeper to depths of more than 30 feet, but be warned strong rip currents are always present, especially around the tip!

Sunset at Kaanapali Beach is the quintessential Maui experience. On this relaxing sunset cruise, enjoy drinks from an open bar as you watch the sun sink into the water, and take in views of Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. 🌅 🌊 ⛴️

First time to Maui and no time to plan? You can’t go wrong selecting from these 5-star rated, immensely popular experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they get filled.

Highly Rated Maui Tours

Cliff Diving at Black Rock

Black Rock is also a popular haunt for thrill seekers, those seeking to dive into the ocean waters below.

During peak times, you’ll find a line of adrenaline junkies, usually teenage kids, climbing to various heights and diving down.

At sunset though, a more serious and traditional Hawaiian ritual takes place, where a local Hawaiian greets the sunset with a Polynesian tiki torch lighting ceremony followed by an amazing cliff dive from the peak!

Want to zip over to Molokini Crater on a super raft? Check out this Zodiac boat snorkeling adventure that visits not only Molokini but also a secluded cove for turtles not accessible to larger boats. 🌊 🤿 🐢

Kaanapali Beach Sunset at Black Rock

Sit back and enjoy the wonderful views and the waterfalls on the Road to Hana instead of worrying about the drive and finding parking. This popular small-group tour includes pick-up and lunch. 🌳 🌊 🌈

Apart from the cliff jumping ritual, Kaanapali Beach is an excellent vantage point for watching stunning sunsets, where Black Rock’s silhouette against spectacular tropical sunset colors are an amateur photographer’s dream!