Kahekili's Leap

Kahekili's Leap is a dramatic cliffside landmark at Kaunolu on Lanai's remote south coast, tied to warrior traditions, Kahekili stories, ancient village remains and dangerous ocean cliffs.

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Kahekili's Leap

Kahekili's Leap, Lanai

Kahekili's Leap is a rock ledge on Lanai's south shore at the Kaunolu Village Site. According to tradition, Kahekili, the Maui alii who controlled Lanai in the late 1700s, had warriors prove their courage by leaping from the cliff into the ocean below.

The commonly cited jump is about 63 feet into roughly 12 feet of water, with a rock shelf near the base. Older accounts sometimes describe the height as closer to 80 feet, but either way this is a dangerous cliff and shallow-water setting, not a modern jumping spot.

Kahekili's Leap sits within a larger archaeological and cultural landscape that includes village remains, petroglyphs and nearby Halulu Heiau. Stay on visible paths, avoid cliff edges, never move rocks and treat the area as sacred cultural ground.

Key Features

Dramatic cliffside landmark within Kaunolu Village Site
Located on Lanai's remote south coast
Associated with Kahekili, Maui alii and rival of Kamehameha
Stories describe warriors proving courage by leaping from the cliff
National Park Service describes the jump as about 63 feet
Water below is described as roughly 12 feet deep with a rock shelf near the base
Nearby Halulu Heiau adds sacred cultural context
Kaunolu includes stone features, village remains and petroglyphs
Reached by rough unpaved roads from the Lanai City side
Visitors should stay back from cliff edges and never attempt the jump

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kahekili's Leap located?

Kahekili's Leap is located at Kaunolu Village Site on Lanai's remote south coast.

Why is Kahekili's Leap important?

The site is tied to stories of Kahekili, the Maui alii who controlled Lanai in the late 1700s, and to warrior traditions connected with courage and cliff diving.

How high is Kahekili's Leap?

The National Park Service describes the leap as about 63 feet into roughly 12 feet of water, with a rock shelf near the base.

Can visitors jump from Kahekili's Leap?

No. Visitors should treat the site as a historic and cultural landmark. The cliff, shallow water, rock shelf and remote setting make jumping extremely dangerous.

Do visitors need four-wheel drive?

A suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended because the route to Kaunolu uses rough, unpaved roads. Wet weather can make the road unsafe or impassable.