Shark's Cove is beautiful both above and below the surface. The origin of its name is uncertain, but sharks are no more common here than anywhere else on the island. It's part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, dedicated to conserving the unusual coral reef here, noteworthy because of its resistance to the impact of big winter waves. From May to October, when the seas are generally calm, it offers great snorkeling and diving.

Turtles are commonly sighted and often crawl up onto the ledges so that the waves and smaller fishes can clean their shells of algae. A fair number of beginning divers take lessons here, while the underwater caves and caverns will thrill advanced divers. The caves can be found around the cove's northeast point. There have been a number of drownings in these caves, and divers in particular should only explore them with a local expert. Most caves have little natural light, and if sediment is stirred up from swells, the result can be zero visibility and disorientation.

The large boulders out on the end of the point to the far right of the cove are said to be followers of Pele, the volcano goddess. As an honor, she gave them immortality by turning them to stone.