Black Rock Beach on Maui: Your Full Guide
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Black Rock beach is one of the most popular spots on Maui. People come for snorkeling and they stay for the thrill of cliff jumping. If you’re eager to get to Black Rock, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip.
More Maui planning resources at your fingertips:
Our Maui Travel Guide has everything you need to know before you go
Find even more incredible beaches with the Best Maui Beaches
Let us help with the decision fatigue: here’s where to stay and when to go
Of course, we also have you covered with the best things to do!
Where is Black Rock Beach Maui?
Located at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach in front of the Sheraton Hotel, lies an outcropping of lava rock. Pu’u Kekaa in Hawaiian or popularly known as Black Rock. Ka’anapali Beach is located on the west side of Maui, just 10 minutes north of the historic whaling village of Lahaina. Ka’anapali itself is also a popular destination.
With 3 miles of golden sand, this vacation resort destination was built in the 1960s. It’s now home to west Maui’s large resorts: you’ll find the Westin, Sheraton, and Hyatt here among other hotels. Whaler’s Village is the shopping complex in the center of the strip of resorts and it’s a convenient place to shop, eat, and relax in between sightseeing and snorkeling.
Ka’anapali makes our list as one of the best beaches on Maui.
Black Rock Beach Parking
Finding free parking close to Black Rock Beach is always a struggle. There are free beach parking lots in Ka’anapali but they are very small and usually fill up very early. The parking lot closest to Black Rock feels like it’s the smallest (though I haven’t actually counted the parking spots to compare). You’ll find that parking lot linked in the map below (or click here for directions).
If you’re not searching for a free spot, you can find a paid spot at the Whaler’s Village parking garage. Parking here isn’t cheap, but you can get 3 hours validated with a purchase at one of the shops. We like to visit the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center, get a scoop of ice cream at Ono Gelato, or grab a meal at Monkeypod.
If you’re looking for more great local food, these Maui food truck parks won’t disappoint.
Getting to Black Rock Beach
To get to Black Rock Beach, you’ll travel north on the Honoapiilani Highway from Lahaina, or south from Napili/Kapalua. Head makai (to the sea in Olelo or Hawaiian language), on Ka’anapali Parkway. Continue past Whalers Village to the public beach parking lot, as noted in the map below.
There are a few free public parking lots, but this is a convenient one for the beach.
From here, walk down the beach entrance path. Once you get to the beach, look right and you’ll see Black Rock at the end!
If you want to skip driving, stay in Ka’anapali! Here’s a list of our favorite places to stay on west Maui.
Can You Snorkel at Black Rock Beach?
Black Rock Beach is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui. You’ll see turtles and fish and the water is incredibly clear. But this is a very popular spot, so you will be sharing this location with a number of other snorkelers. Remember to keep yourself and the marine life safe. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles and admire them from afar.
For snorkeling conditions, be sure to check the Snorkel Report from the Snorkel Store. They’ll give you an idea of what the snorkeling conditions are like at Black Rock for the day.
Our best Maui snorkeling resources:
The 11 Best Snorkeling Spots on Maui (+7 crucial tips)
Tried and Tested: The 9 Best Snorkeling Tours on Maui
The Best Snorkeling in Hawaii by Month (plus snorkeling spots!)
Is Black Rock Beach Good for Swimming?
Black Rock Beach can be a good spot for swimming as long as you’re safe and paying attention to the currents and the water. On calm days, there’s not usually much of a shore break, which makes entering and exiting the water easier. If you do plan to swim or snorkel, you’ll want to be aware of the cliff jumpers as well as the waves that can push you into the lava rock beneath Black Rock.
But it’s important to remember that the ocean isn’t a swimming pool. Currents can make swimming difficult and dangerous at any beach, so make sure to adhere to ocean safety best practices.
If you’re traveling with little ones, check out our favorite Maui beaches for kids, the best things to do on Maui with kids (by age), and best family resorts on Maui.
Is There Cliff Jumping at Black Rock?
Black Rock is famous not just for its snorkeling, but also for cliff jumping. You’ll see people up there cliff jumping most times of the day.
Is Black Rock on Maui Safe?
It’s important to remember that no beach or snorkeling spot on Maui is truly safe. There are dangers that come with being in the ocean. Black Rock is one of the more dangerous places to snorkel as there are a disproportionate number of drownings off Ka’anapali Beach. Those people who stay near the shore and only go out during prime conditions might be surprised to learn that Black Rock Beach isn’t safe.
It might come as a surprise that such a popular beach spot isn’t safe. Unfortunately, the ocean can look calm but when you get around the point at Black Rock conditions change and the currents are strong, yet there are no warning signs posted. There are also no lifeguards on duty at the beach to warn swimmers and snorkelers about the conditions.
So if you do decide to swim and snorkel at Black Rock or any beach, know your limits and understand the risks involved with swimming in the ocean. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Don’t snorkel directly after air travel
There is a common misconception that snorkel drownings and near misses are caused by inexperience on the part of the swimmer. A three-year study by the Hawaii Department of Health found that tourist snorkeling deaths are largely the result of low oxygen levels in body tissues prompted by excess fluid buildup in the lungs.
The condition is known as hypoxia induced by rapid onset pulmonary edema, or ROPE.
Long-distance air travel may be the cause of hypoxia, leading to a disproportionate number of visitor snorkel drownings. The act of breathing through a snorkel may trigger a respiratory impairment. The victim doesn’t inhale water but the respiratory system shuts down.
It’s now commonly recommended to wait a few days to snorkel after you fly. So don’t plan to head out too soon into your trip. Our itinerary can help keep you plenty busy until it’s safe to snorkel!
Our Black Rock Tips Video
Want more information on Black Rock? We have a video that will help get you prepared for your visit:
Visit Black Rock and More
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