If you have ever been on Maui’s Ka’anapali coast around sunset, you may have seen and heard the nightly ritual of Lele Kawa (cliff diving) off Black Rock. Each night a young diver honors the legend of Kahekili by reenacting his leap from Pu’u Keka’a (“the rolling hill”). The event is accompanied by the blowing of conch shells, Hawaiian chant, and the lighting of torches.
“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.” – Sheraton Maui
“It is said that in ancient times, a heiau, or temple, was located at its summit. To this day, it is revered as a sacred spot known as ‘ka leina a ka ‘uhane’ – the place where a soul leaps into eternity.” Ka’anapali Beach Resort
