In the late 18th century a Hawaiian king, King Kamehameha, decided that he wanted a safe place for his family to enjoy the ocean. He had his workers construct a seawall in the surf to protect a small cove on the sunny side of the Big Island. The cove still exists today and is known as Kahalu'u Beach Park.

The fully protected cove makes an excellent spot for snorkeling. Snorkelers at Kahulu'u Beach will see over 200 species of tropical sea life - including living corals, butterfly fish and sea turtles.

Links:
http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/reefs/hawaii/kahaluu/kahaluu.htm
http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/marlife/fishes/fishes.htm (Marine fishes of Hawaii)