The Legend Surrounding This Geological Landmark In Hawaii Will Fascinate You
By Megan Shute|Published July 30, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
While the Hawaiian Islands may be small in comparison to other American states — you would have to multiply the islands’ size by 40 to compare to the landmass of the state of Texas — the islands are full of beautiful and sometimes unusual geological formations, from sea caves and lava tubes to volcanic craters and mountain summits. Many of these sites are steeped in legend, but few are as fascinating as the iconic Pu’u Keka’a. Let’s take a look at this unique rock formation, shall we?
Nestled on Maui’s western shore, this unique black rock jutting out towards the ocean divides the famous Ka’anapali Beach in half. Formed by an ancient lava flow, Pu’u Keka’a is backed by hotels and is so much more than just a large rock.
In old Hawaii, Pu’u Keka’a was a place of great significance, known as a leina a ka’uhane ("leap of the soul" in Hawaiian). Legend has it that it is here where, after death, souls would depart the earth and leap from this rock over to the spirit world to meet their ancestors.
Many battles took place at Black Rock due to its convenient battle. If a warrior died in battle, his soul would be in the right location to find its way into the spirit world.
But that’s not the only thing Pu’u Keka’a was used for: Maui’s last ruling chief, King Kahekili was known as a great athlete in the skill of lele kawa, or jumping from a high cliff or rock into the ocean. While you will find places known as Kahekili’s Leap on both Oahu and Lanai, Pu’u Keka’a was his favorite spot.
This was considered an amazing feat, as native Hawaiians believed that only a human with powerful mana (energy) could jump from such a rock and return unharmed. Today, however, Black Rock is popular amongst young cliff jumpers.
We don’t suggest jumping off yourself, but you can visit every night at sunset for a ceremonial torch lighting and cliff diving demonstration at sunset organized by the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. The sunsets are truly remarkable and this is one unique ceremony you won’t want to miss.
While this site is indeed steeped in legend, the area surrounding Black Rock is also quite popular amongst snorkelers, beach lovers, and sunset fans. So, what are you waiting for?
