'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.

View overview Plan Your Visit
'Alekoko Fishpond (Menehune Fishpond)

Menehune (Alekoko) Fishpond, Kauai

This fishpond is said to have been built in just one night by the menehune, the mythical little people of Kauai. The menehune were master craftsmen who could accomplish amazing deeds in very little time. They used to live in the island's forests and hid from humans, so during one night they came out and built the fishpond. They did this by lining up from the village of Makaweli, 25 miles (40 km) away, passing stones hand-by-hand.

The fishpond is located next to the Hulei'a Stream. A lava rock wall between the pond and the stream is 900 feet (274 m) long and 5 feet (1.5 m) high, which is amazing considering the fact that archaeologists estimate that the fishpond is around 1,000 years old. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

In ancient Hawaii, fishponds like this one were built to catch fish. The Alekoko Fishpond illustrates this type of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture very well. It is located just a short drive from downtown Lihu'e. Today, the fishpond is no longer in use. It is situated on private land, but there is a lookout point on Hulemalu Road.

Key Features

Historic Hawaiian fishpond near Lihue on Kauai
Also widely known as Menehune Fishpond
Located off Hulemalu Road near Huleia Stream
Roadside overlook provides the main public view
Lava-rock wall is about 900 feet long and about 5 feet high
Traditional aquaculture site estimated to be around 1,000 years old
Associated with the Menehune legend of one-night construction
Near Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to general public entry
Entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973
'Alekoko Fishpond is known for Hawaiian aquaculture, Kauai legend, wetland scenery and the Hulemalu Road overlook

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name 'Alekoko mean?

The name is often connected with the reddish color of the pond water and the area's traditional stories. The site is also widely known as Menehune Fishpond because of the legend tied to its construction.

Why is it called Menehune Fishpond?

According to Kauai legend, the Menehune built the fishpond in one night by passing stones hand to hand from Makaweli, many miles away.

What makes the fishpond wall important?

The wall is about 900 feet long and separates the pond from Huleia Stream. Its lava-rock construction shows the engineering behind traditional Hawaiian aquaculture.

How is the fishpond connected with Huleia National Wildlife Refuge?

The fishpond area is near the refuge, which protects wetland habitat for native Hawaiian birds. The refuge is closed to general public entry, so most visitors see the area from the overlook.

What is the best photo angle at 'Alekoko Fishpond?

The overlook looks across the fishpond toward Huleia Stream and the green ridge beyond. Late-day light often adds more contrast to the water, wall and surrounding wetland.