Legendary Cliff Dive Ceremony at Pu'u Keka'a ... - Sheraton Maui

News Release
Legendary Cliff Dive Ceremony at Pu’u Keka’a, Black Rock
“A Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Tradition Since 1963”
KA’ANAPALI, HI – In Hawaiian tradition Pu`u Keka`a, “hill creating strength through
enlightenment”, is the place where natural forces come together. As day transitions to night,
the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa retells the story of King Kahekili through a nightly Cliff Dive
Ceremony, a 50 year old tradition which has drawn visitors from around the world.
Hawaiians believe that Pu`u Keka`a is one of three “`uhane lele”, a place where souls of the
dead leap from earth into their ancestral spirit land. It is believed that only a person with great
spiritual strength can enter that world and return. That person was King Kahekili.
King Kahekili, nicknamed “The Thunderer”, lived in Ka’anapali and ruled over Maui and O`ahu
for 45 years until 1794. One of his many legendary athletic feats was performed through the
ancient Hawaiian sport of “Lele Kawa,” leaping feet first from heights as high as 300 to 400 feet
and plunging into the ocean or fresh water pools below. King Kahekili proved his bravery by
jumping from Pu’u Keka’a and returning to shore unscathed. Kahekili - “King of the Spirit Leap”
gained much respect and admiration by his people and his warriors.
On January 23, 1963 the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa opened its doors to the public. In honor of
Hawaiian royalty that once called Ka`anapali home, the nightly tradition of torch lighting and
cliff diving began. Shortly before sunset each evening, a young warrior dressed in the traditional
“malo” (loincloth) sets torches aflame shedding light upon the lush lawns of the Sheraton Maui
Resort & Spa. The story of King Kahekili and Pu`u Keka`a is told at The Cliff Dive Bar as the
warrior journeys across the white sands of Ka`anapali Beach, lighting the torches set on the
crest of Black Rock. He traces an ancient path to the tip of Pu’u Keka’a where he offers his torch
and flower lei, lifting it to the sky in all four directions. He completes his journey with a dive off
Black Rock as the sun sets on the Ka`anapali skyline.
About Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is where the legend of Ka’anapali began. Situated on Ka’anapali
Beach at historic Pu‘u Keka‘a, Black Rock, the ocean side resort is nestled amongst 23 acres of
tropical landscaping with 83 percent of the resort’s 508 rooms and suites facing the ocean.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has been named the Starwood Hotels & Resorts 2007 “Hotel of the
Year” for the Sheraton brand, and appeared in TRAVEL + LEISURE Magazine’s list of the top 25
hotels in Hawaii in 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2011. The property has also been named to the list of
the top 500 hotels and resorts in the world in 2005. For more information about Sheraton Maui
Resort & Spa please visit www.sheraton-maui.com.
About Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP
Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP owns the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali, Maui well as the three
Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki and the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort. Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts,
LP is one of Hawaii’s largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce.
The hotels are a part of the 12-hotel group of Starwood-managed properties in Hawaii. For
reservations or more information, call your preferred travel professional or toll free 1-866-716-
8140. Or, visit our website at www.sheraton-maui.com.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii
With 11 properties across the diverse Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii offers the best hotel destinations to celebrate romance,
reconnect with family, focus on business or launch an adventure. Located on or just footsteps
away from the Islands’ best beaches, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii is a collection of
iconic and historic hotels and resorts – properties with expansive and breathtaking backdrops,
innovative guest programming and luxurious amenities representing internationally renowned
hotel brands from Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection and St. Regis. For more information
about Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, please call (866) 716-8140 or visit
www.starwoodhawaii.com.
Alexis Eaton Telephone: (808) 662-8025
Public Relations Manager Fax: (808) 661-9991
Email: alexis.eaton@sheraton.com
Website: www.sheraton-maui.com