Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds)

Kalahuipua'a Fishponds at Mauna Lani are historic Kohala Coast fishponds, with spring-fed brackish water, makaha gates, shoreline paths and Hawaiian aquaculture history.

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Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds), Big Island

These ancient Hawaiian fishponds , 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."

Key Features

Historic loko i'a in the Mauna Lani resort area
Located on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island
Spring-fed brackish ponds sit among lava fields, palms and shoreline paths
Makaha gates helped manage water flow and fish movement
Kalahuipua'a is the largest pond, covering about 4.6 acres
The largest pond reaches about 18 feet deep
Named ponds include Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Kahinawao, Hope'ala, Manoku and Milokukahi
'Ama'ama and awa were among the main fish raised here
Nearby places include Holoholokai Beach Park, Pauoa Bay and Mauna Lani Drive
Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing pond walls, gates or wildlife

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Kalahuipua'a Fishponds located?

Kalahuipua'a Fishponds are in the Mauna Lani resort area on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island, near Mauna Lani Drive.

What are Kalahuipua'a Fishponds known for?

The fishponds are known for ancient Hawaiian aquaculture, spring-fed brackish ponds, makaha gates, shoreline trails and ongoing cultural stewardship.

How many fishponds are at Kalahuipua'a?

The area includes several historic fishponds, including Kalahuipua'a, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Kahinawao, Hope'ala, Manoku and Milokukahi.

Can visitors walk around the fishponds?

Visitors can use marked public access routes and shoreline paths when open. Stay on paths, respect signs and do not disturb pond walls, gates, fish or wildlife.

What fish were raised in the ponds?

'Ama'ama, or mullet, and awa, or milkfish, were among the main fish raised in the ponds, along with other fish and small marine life.