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The Backside

Hawaii > Maui

Description

These are all deep water solo routes. The climbs are shaded until early afternoon. This is sharp volcanic lava rock. The rock quality varies from solid to not so solid rock. The climbs are secluded (aka the Backside). The top has loose gravel, but is relatively flat like a platform. The platform is probably 40 square feet or so. On the edge there are small lava boulders sticking up.

Getting There

Recommended to hike over from Kaanapali beach. Hike past the signs on the black rock that specifically tell you NOT to hike/climb there. This will place you over the Black Rock Cove/Beach. Traverse on the black rock over to the small white sand beach. Looking at the hotel you will see a small gate. Climb over the gate onto the hotel grass. Continue on the grass up the coast for 100 yards. There will be shrubbery on the fence. Once the shrubbery ends you will see a blue/green gate. Climb over the gate onto the sloppy cliff. Back track on a slim edge walkway for about 10 feet. This places you above the rock climbs. You can cliff jump off to access climbs. They are roughly 30 feet high. If you don't feel like hiking you can swim over from Kaanapali beach. If you don't feel like going onto Hotel property you can hike over to Black Rock Beach and traverse over into the climbs.

Routes from Left to Right

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Mathis Burton entering the climbing zone
[Hide Photo] Mathis Burton entering the climbing zone
Deep Water Soloing at 'The Backside'.  Route is Hang'n Loose 10a.
[Hide Photo] Deep Water Soloing at 'The Backside'. Route is Hang'n Loose 10a.
Photo of the whole back side
[Hide Photo] Photo of the whole back side
The easiest place to reach the climbs at The Backside
[Hide Photo] The easiest place to reach the climbs at The Backside

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Benjamin Chapman
Small Town, USA
[Hide Comment] Hmm...hopping/climbing over all those gates on hotel property seems a bit sketchy, especially for long term access. Kayaking or standup paddling over seems a better plan. Jan 16, 2017
[Hide Comment] It's only like 50 yards from the other Black Rock and it's easy to walk from there. It's also only a <150 yard swim from the beach. Not sure why anybody would trespass to get there.
It's really fun and really sharp, bring your shoes! Choose your own line, anywhere from 5.3 to 5.impossible
Make sure there are no turtles directly below you when you jump off, don't be surprised when crabs crawl out of the holds, and try to avoid the large spiders :) Jul 29, 2017
[Hide Comment] Climbed here in April 2024! It was my second time doing deep water soloing. Would highly recommend approaching from the black rock side. Here is a video that includes the some of the approach and climbing: youtu.be/K8pbsBUHzxM May 19, 2024
[Hide Comment] Swam over from Black Rock today, a couple routes in, a lady snorkeling/paddleboarding starting giving me a hard time about climbing there saying it was closed off. After telling her I swam in she said it was for the birds there (Maybe nesting?) not sure and not a local so just left before she got more than rude. Just a heads up: if anyone knows about closure or that there are some not so friendly locals.
Besides that great spot, long DWS routes compared the other small spots I've been to! Dec 22, 2025