Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pu'u Keka'a
Known to most visitors as Black Rock,
Pu'u Keka'a
is the correct name for this volcanic
outcropping at the northern end of Ka'anapali Beach. Today the rock is a popular spot for
snorkeling, scuba diving, and cliff jumping, although the most popular time of day is about
20 minutes prior to sunset when a torch-wielding, shirtless member of the Sheraton staff
scrambles onto the rock and lights a row of carefully placed tiki torches. Once all of the
torches are lit, his flaming staff is ceremoniously chucked into the water moments before
he performs a swan dive off the rock. More than just a creative marketing plan, the cere-
mony is a reenactment of the sacred belief that this is one of the spots on the island where
a person's soul leaps from this world to the next immediately following death. Ancient
Hawaiians dared not venture onto the jagged precipice for fear they wouldn't return. In the
18th century, King Kahekili leapt from the sacred cliff and remained firmly in this world,
at Pu'u Keka'a honors this great king of Maui.
Whalers Village Museum
There's actually more to Whalers Village than high-end luxury shopping and beachfront,
barefoot bars. On the third story high above the fancy stores and bustling courtyard,
the
Whalers Village Museum
(2435 Ka'anapali Pkwy., 808/661-5992,
www.whalersmuseum.com
,
10am-6pm daily, $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children) is the best
resource for whale education on the island's West Side. Visitors can wander through the
museum to learn everything from
why
whales were hunted in the first place (it wasn't
for the meat) to what life was like aboard a 19th-century whaling ship (it was miserable).
There is a large display of scrimshaw art (drawings carved on whale's teeth), and there are
also movies playing throughout the day that explore the dismal yet fascinating world of
19th-century whaling. During winter, a visit to the museum is the perfect way to fortify the
knowledge gained on a whale-watching excursion. Despite the fact the museum discusses
whaling, the focus has shifted toward protecting our winter companions today.
From 1820-1845, this seaside town—which was originally called
Lele
—was the capital
of the Hawaiian kingdom. At about the same time that the
ali'i
and royalty were estab-
lishing their capital, fleets of New England whaling ships began anchoring in the Lahaina
Roads. From 1820-1860, thousands of crusty whalers paddled ashore in wooden rowboats
