Back in 1770, Kahekili (1710-1794) the last independent king of Maui and chief of four islands was famous for “lele kawa”, which in English means: Leaping off high cliffs and entering the water
feet first without a splash.
In order to prove their courage and loyalty, Kahekili forced his nakoa (warriors) to follow his example, jumping of the leap into the royal waters at Kaunolu.
One generation later, under King Kamehameha I, the Hawaiians practiced "lele kawa" in competition. Judgment was passed on the style of the dive and the amount of splash on entry.
Kahekili's leap at Kaunolu has always been regarded as holy, although the tradition of lele kawa became forgotten for a long time.