Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds)

Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds)
Kalahuipua'a Fishponds
Ancient Hawaiian fishponds
Ancient Hawaiian fishponds
Ancient Hawaiian fishponds
Mauna Lani Fishponds
Scenic trail by the fishponds
Scenic trail by the fishponds
Ponds still produce fish
Scenic view
Scenic view
Shoreline trail
Shoreline trail
Seawater gate
Seawater gate
Fish gate
Narrow bridge
Located at Mauna Lani Resort grounds

Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds), Big Island

These ancient Hawaiian fishponds (view panorama) , located on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, are producing fish up until today. There are seven fishponds: Kalahuipua'a, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Kahinawao, Hope'ala, Manoku and Milokukahi, with Lahuipua'a and Ka'aiopio as divisions of Kalahuipua'a.

Kalahuipua'a is the largest pond encompassing 4.6 acres and measuring up to 18 feet (5.5 m) in depth. In the old Hawaii, most fishponds were managed by the ali'i (chiefs), and most of the fish were consumed by them.

An educational plaque at the Mauna Lani fishponds reads:

"Since men first found them, the fishponds at Kalahuipa'a [name of the ahupua'a on which Mauna Lani sits] have been a delightful oasis along this arid coast. These brackish ponds are fed and cleansed by fresh water springs seeping into them and the tidal action of the sea. By modifying them and managing them wisely, the prehistoric Hawaiians were able to raise a variety of fish in these ponds. 'Ama'ama (mullet) and awa (milkfish) were the most commonly raised fish, but others such as papio (jack) kaku (barracuda) and puhi (eels) as well as 'opae (shrimp) lived here also. These ponds are among the few anywhere that are still being managed in much the same way as they were in ancient times. They are still producing fish."