Cliff Diving
10 top cliff diving spots in Hawaii
Hawaii has several gorgeous cliff jumping spots, where an adrenaline rush is guaranteed just as much as beautiful views.
Jump, fall, splash, repeat. Elite cliff diver Maria Paula Quintero describes the adrenaline she feels each time she’s about to enter the water: “It’s the feeling in the air that is amazing. It’s the best feeling on earth for me.”
Maria Paula Quintero at Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2022 in Boston
© Romina Amato / Red Bull Content Pool
Maybe you, too, want to enjoy the thrill of cliff diving and get a feel for what divers participating in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will experience. Why not try it in Hawaii, where the sport originated?
Hawaii has several gorgeous cliff jumping spots, where an adrenaline rush is guaranteed just as much as beautiful views. If free-falling from several feet into a beautiful body of water is on your itinerary, check out this list of the top 10 cliff diving spots in Hawaii.
01
Kahekili's Leap
Lana'i Lookout 2010 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Oahu, Hawaii
© Dean Treml / Red Bull Content Pool
Located on the south shore of the island of Lanai, Kahekili's Leap is often considered the original spot of cliff diving in Hawaii. In the mid-1700s, Kahekili II, king of Maui, frequently performed an 80-foot jump from this rock, and his daring nature led the people to name this spot after him.
The history of this rock ledge and its spectacular ocean views make this location one of Hawaii’s most popular cliff jumping spots. However, popular doesn’t mean easy. The waters below the cliff are quite shallow (between 10 and 20 feet deep), and rocks extend 15 feet from the base of the cliff. This makes Kahekili’s Leap quite a challenging place to jump and is best reserved for experienced cliff jumpers.
02
Leap of Faith
One of Hawaii’s most thrilling spots, this location sits southwest of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in East Honolulu. As this cliff is 85 feet high with turbulent waters raging below it, it’s one of Oahu’s most challenging spots for jumping.
Though dives from this cliff are certainly an adrenaline rush, they can also be dangerous. The name of this spot isn’t just a play on words — it’s a warning to newcomers to the sport. You should be an experienced and strong swimmer before attempting to perform a jump from this cliff. Several ledges also protrude beneath the platform, so if you’re skilled (and brave) enough to jump from this platform, you’ll need to leap far enough away from the cliff when jumping.
03
Alan Davis Plank Jump
Not far from the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is Alan Davis Beach. Rocks on the side of the beach along with two wooden planks make for one of the easiest spots for cliff jumping. At five feet high, it’s perfect if you’re a new cliff jumper, want to enjoy effortless dives, or even if you want to take the family for an unforgettable outing. If this spot sounds like more of your speed, you might want to plan to visit it on a weekday, as crowds of eager divers tend to flock here on weekends.
04
Waimano Falls
To get to this spot, you’ll need to take a three-mile hike. The trek gradually gets a bit more strenuous the closer you get to your destination. But if you can push to the end, a watering hole, rope swing, and a cliff about 13 feet above the water will be there to greet you.
This is a fairly small spot, so ample rain is needed to fill the pool. Make sure to check the weather ahead of your trip to ensure it has recently rained in the area. Otherwise, the waterfall might be dry and the pool too shallow for diving and comfortable swimming.
05
Black Rock
If you want a two-in-one spot for cliff jumping and snorkeling, Black Rock might quickly become your favorite place. Known locally as Pu’u Keka’a, this spot is located near the northern area of Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina, at the Sheraton Maui Resort.
Every night, for the past 40 years, this beachfront hotel hosts a reenactment of the leap King Kahekili took hundreds of years ago. In a ceremony to honor their ancestors, a diver dressed as a warrior dives into the waters that legend says is the entrance to the spiritual world.
This spot has several spots you can jump from, ranging from 12 to 18 feet above the water. Locals who are familiar with this spot often scale the rocks and flip off of them into the water. However, if you’re new to cliff jumping, you should take some extra caution, as these waters are deep and have strong currents.
06
Spitting Caves
Located near the southern parts of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Spitting Caves isn’t well-known among tourists, making it a quiet spot for adventurers to visit. White waters spill from the layered cliffs that resemble oceanic ripples. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, especially during sunset.
While the spectacle is quite breathtaking, this cliff is 60 feet high, and swimming in these waters can be very dangerous. The underflows and riptides that frequently roll near the caves can pull amateur swimmers into them, so Spitting Caves is best for advanced divers.
07
South Point
South Point is one of the most exciting attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii. This cliff jumping spot gets its name from the fact that it’s the southernmost point of the United States.
Locals estimate the jump from this spot is between 40 and 60 feet. While there are several cliffs here, the designated place to jump is at the part of the rock that extends over the ocean. This spot gives you clearance over the rest of the rock during your jump. A wooden frame marks the right spot, so you won’t miss it. And once you’ve taken the leap, there’s a ladder you can use to climb back to the top and jump again and again.
08
Laie Point
If you’ve seen “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” you’ll recognize Laie Point, located on Oahu’s North Shore. Though it’s a tourist attraction, this spot is often less crowded than other cliff jumping points in Oahu. Atop the 30-foot cliff, you can see Mokualai Island and the waves crashing against the rock.
When swimming at this site, you’ll need to exercise extreme caution. The water is often fairly shallow, so check its depth before you jump. The waves can also change very quickly. If you do decide to try out this spot, be sure to go in the summertime. During the winter months, large waves make this location practically impossible for swimming.
09
China Walls
Named after the Great Wall of China, China Walls sits on the southeast corner of Oahu, near Spitting Caves. Between 15 and 20 feet high, this cliff is the perfect spot for whale watching or viewing a sunset cast over the Pacific Ocean.
At the bottom of the China Walls cliff jump is a rope to help you ascend the rock and quickly get back to jumping. However, you should know that the waves at this location can get rough. Be sure to examine how intense they are before taking your first jump.
10
Shipwrecks Beach
Located about five minutes from Poipu Beach, Shipwrecks Beach is one of the best cliff jumping spots on Kauai. This beach was named after the remains of ships that rested at the edge of the water for many years. The cliff, which sits about 40 feet above the water, is one of the most visited spots among tourists to the island.
The waves at this location can vary in intensity, so be careful to check for calmer waters before preparing for your jump. There are also some large rocks in the water that roll with the current, so you might find it a bit difficult to easily swim here.
Getting ready to dive in
With the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series ramping up, what better time to explore some jumps for yourself? Whether you’ve been cliff diving for several years or just want to try out the experience, there are several spots across The Aloha State that are fitting for every experience level. A little sunscreen is all you need. It’s time to dive in!