Kealakekua Bay is located on the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona.
The sheer cliff face overlooking the bay was once the burial place of native Hawaiian royalty. A child would be given the bones of the deceased royalty to place in one of the many volcanic holes in the cliff and the child would then be lowered by a rope down the cliff face. Once the bones were buried, the rope was cut, sending the child to his or her death and keeping the location of the burial a secret. It was considered an honor to be chosen for this task.
The area is a marine life conservation district, outlawing fishing there and making it a popular area for diving and snorkeling.