Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KA'ANAPALI
Kahekili Beach Park
In the northern part of Ka'anapali, Kahekili Beach Park offers decent snorkeling off the
beach park and at the far southern end of the beach. The reef on the northern edge isn't
quite as nice as the area in front of the beach park. The reef extends from the shoreline out
to about 25 feet of water. Expect to see a healthy amount of herbivorous reef fish here. The
moderate depth and easy entry make this a user-friendly snorkeling spot during the early
morning hours. At the far southern end of the beach is a rock jetty that also offers good
snorkeling, and the rocky promontory here is the “back” of Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock).
Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock)
The best snorkeling in Ka'anapali is at Pu'u Keka'a, better known as Black Rock. At the
far northern end of Ka'anapali Beach in front of the Sheraton, this area offers the most
consistently beautiful snorkeling conditions and a relatively easy entry. The morning hours
are going to be best, and the best chance for seeing sea turtles here is during high tide,
when the water comes up on the side of the rock and all of the limu (seaweed) falls into
the water. Since this is a favorite delicacy of the green sea turtles, there can occasionally
be three or four different turtles all congregating in the shallow cove in only 5-10 feet of
water. Since the cliff here is also a favorite place for cliff jumping, steer clear of the imme-
diate landing zone, and if you see the wind whipping up whitecaps out by the point, stay
in the cove where it's protected and the current isn't as strong.
Ka'anapali Point
On the other end of Ka'anapali Beach is the reef at Ka'anapali Point. While it's not nearly
as popular as the reef at Pu'u Keka'a, this reef in front of the Marriott covers a larger area
and isn't nearly as crowded. If Pu'u Keka'a is a flotilla of fins, take a 10-minute stroll to
the southern end of the beach and try your luck at this lesser-visited spot.
Rental Shops
Every major resort along the strip of Ka'anapali is going to have a rental shack by the sand.
Prices vary slightly between all of the operators, although expect to pay the more expens-
ive resort prices rather than what they ask at a snorkeling store off the resort strip. A rental
of a couple of hours is commonly $12, although the best deal on Ka'anapali Beach is at
the Maui Dive and Surf (808/270-9846) kiosk just south of Leilani's at Whalers Village.
Snorkeling sets are either $15 for the day or $25 for the week; combine them with a boogie
board rental for $35/week.
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