At the southern edge of the main road, we headed further south through a ranching community and then on to a primitive single lane road that went for miles over windswept land toward the southernmost point in the United States. Upon reaching the rocky outcropping, we found mostly local fishermen with long rods fishing into the ocean, using inflated black garbage bags as massive bobbers as they streamed line hundreds of feet out into that fish rich area of Hawaii. There was no monument or plaque to indicate where the southernmost point would be located, so we found it by perusing our maps and triangulating on the coast, then stepping out onto the wave splashed rocks.
Shark's Cove, located on Oahu's north shore, is Oahu's premier shore dive. It is easy to do 2 tanks at this location, as there is tons to see. With large lava tubes and numerous swim thrus to go with the abundant marine life, Shark's Cove is a must dive when conditions allow it. During summer months, Shark's Cove turns into a diving hot spot with both locals and visitors. During winter months, the north shore gets hit with monster waves (10 - 35 feet) and Shark's Cove isn't accessible to divers. Additionally, this site is a marine sanctuary (i.e. No fishing), so the marine life in more plentiful here than at other spots around the islands.
Right next to this bay was a small but historically intriguing national park called Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. The seaside location was a "place of refuge", where commoners who violated the intricate and strict set of kapu laws could try to run away to before otherwise being killed by strangulation, fire, club, or spear. If that person reached this place before warriors and enforcers of the kapu could catch them, the offender would perform some rituals by a residing priest and all would be forgiven. 
If they didn't reach that place, they were quickly killed for their transgressions. Transgressions could include letting their shadow fall onto a chief, walking in the footsteps of the chief, men and women eating together, or one of many other complex and unyielding rules.The area also contained a royal compound, and served other purposes for the local people. A native Hawaiian was onsite, creating a feather cape while telling very real stories of his people's history and answering questions very knowledgeably. He felt a responsibility to continue both the traditions and the history of his people before they became forgotten in time.
Continuing back around, and after a delicious shaved ice concoction of li hing mui flavor, melon flavor, and vanilla ice cream, we headed to the fine snorkeling of Honaunau Bay. On the leeward west side, waves tended to be smaller than the more rambunctious eastside variety, so entry and exit was easy. Also, the rocks formed benches and shelves to sit on before entering the water that quickly dropped to depths over our heads. Once in the water - and after some heavy breathing getting acclimatized to the cool temperature - we saw a great variety of brightly colored fish and coral. The highlight: swimming beside a placid large green sea turtle for as long as we wanted.
