'Alekoko Fishpond (Menehune Fishpond)
'Alekoko Fishpond, also known as Menehune Fishpond, is a historic Kauai aquaculture site near Lihue with a lava-rock wall, Huleia Stream views and a roadside overlook.
Kauai Ancient Site Guide
Kauai Ancient Sites
Kauai ancient sites share the island through sacred stones, heiau, royal birthplaces, river valleys and places of refuge. Visit Wailua for sites connected with chiefs and ceremony, or look for smaller cultural places where the landscape still carries stories from old Hawaii.
Ancient site directory
Kauai Ancient Sites
Find Kauai ancient sites, including historic Hawaiian places, cultural landmarks, sacred areas and important places connected to island history.
Hauola City of Refuge
Hauola City of Refuge is an ancient Hawaiian site at the mouth of the Wailua River, with heiau stones, royal history and sacred Wailua scenery.
Hikinaakala Heiau
Hikinaakala Heiau is a sacred sunrise site at the north end of Lydgate Beach Park, near the Wailua River mouth, foundation stones and coastal views.
Holoholoku Heiau
Holoholoku Heiau is an ancient Hawaiian site in Wailua River State Park, near Poliahu Heiau and the birthstones of Kauai's chiefs.
Maniniholo Dry Cave
Maniniholo Dry Cave is a roadside cave across from Ha'ena Beach Park, known for its wide sandy entrance, Menehune legend and north shore cliff setting.
Pohaku Ho'ohanau (Royal Birthstones)
Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the Royal Birthstones, is a sacred Wailua River State Park site connected with the birth of high-ranking Kauai chiefs.
Poli'ahu Heiau
Poli'ahu Heiau is a large sacred site in Wailua River State Park, known for stacked lava rock walls, Wailua valley views and deep Kauai history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ancient sites to visit on Kauai?
Alekoko Fishpond, Hikinaakala Heiau, Holoholoku Heiau, the Royal Birthstones, Maniniholo Dry Cave and Poliahu Heiau are among the notable ancient sites on Kauai.
Where are many of Kauai's sacred Hawaiian sites located?
Many important Kauai ancient sites are in the Wailua area, including heiau, royal birth sites and places connected to the Wailua River cultural landscape.
Can visitors walk around Kauai ancient sites?
Some sites have nearby viewing areas or short access paths, but visitors should stay on marked routes, avoid climbing on stones and treat sacred places with respect.
What is Alekoko Fishpond known for?
Alekoko Fishpond, also called Menehune Fishpond, is known for its lava rock wall, Huleia Stream setting and long connection to Hawaiian aquaculture and local legend.
Which Kauai ancient site is near Haena Beach Park?
Maniniholo Dry Cave is located across from Haena Beach Park on Kauai's north shore and is known for its large cave opening, geology and Menehune legend.