As the sun begins its slow dive into the ocean, torch lighting
signals the nightly ritual of Lele Kawa (cliff diving). Legend tells
us the last chief of Maui, Kahekili (Thunderer), proved his spiritual
strength by leaping from sacred Pu’u Keka’a to the Pacific.
With sunset painting the sky, a young cliff diver honors his heritage
each evening by re-tracing footsteps in the sand on Kaanapali Beach. A
chant of old Hawai'i begins the progression of our warrior; the echo
of the conch shell announces his arrival. He leaves a trail of glowing
torches surrounding the lagoon as he makes his way to Black Rock.
Upon reaching the summit, he offers his torch to the ocean below,
casts his flower lei into the sea; and finally takes the breathtaking
dive from Black Rock into the rolling surf below.
Enjoy this nightly tradition at the poolside Cliff Dive Bar.
