The annual hiatus is part of rules signed into law in 2002 for the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.

"Most of the year, diving and snorkeling conditions at Shark's Cove are very good and this is an area of very high user density," said DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen in a press release. "DLNR enforces this seasonal closure to give the resource a period of rest during the rough winter months."

The public still has free access to the site.