Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area

Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area protects rare brackish lava pools, tiny red shrimp, small fish, coastal paths and sensitive Kohala Coast habitat.

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Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, Big Island

Located within the Waikoloa Beach Resort, the Waikoloa Anchialine Ponds are an easily accessible natural attraction. This series of brackish water lava pools are home to various small fishes, tiny red shrimp and crustacean mollusks. A trail leads from the roadside parking area to the ocean. It is a nice 5-minute stroll with up-close views of the ponds. The Waikoloa anchialine ponds are managed for research and educational uses by the University of Hawaii.

A sign at the entrance to the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area reads:

"Anchialine ponds are brackish water ponds formed by depressions, crevices or lava tubes that extend into the groundwater table. These pools were termed anchialine pools after the Greek word anchialos, meaning near the sea. Although landlocked and occurring some distance from the sea, the pool exhibit tidal fluctuation because of the subterranean connection with the sea and the groundwater movement through the highly porous lava."

Key Features

Rare brackish lava ponds in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area
Anchialine ponds connect underground with the sea through porous lava
Water levels can rise and fall with tides
Tiny red shrimp, small fish and mollusks live in the ponds
Short trail leads from the roadside area toward the coast
Educational signs explain pond ecology and geology
Ponds are managed for research and education by the University of Hawaii
Lava ground can be uneven and hot in full sun
No fishing or pond disturbance is allowed
Visitors should stay on paths and keep food, trash, fish and animals out of the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should visitors allow?

Many visitors spend about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how slowly they walk, read the signs and watch for tiny pond life.

Why are anchialine ponds fragile?

The ponds depend on a delicate mix of saltwater, freshwater, lava-rock openings and tiny animals that can be harmed by disturbance or pollution.

Are the ponds easy to see from the path?

Yes, but the small shrimp, fish and mollusks are easier to notice when you move slowly and look carefully into the shallow water.

What should visitors avoid doing?

Avoid stepping off paths, touching pond edges, entering the water, feeding wildlife or dropping food, trash, fish or animals into the ponds.

Is this a beach stop?

No. This is more of a short nature and habitat walk near the Waikoloa shoreline, not a swimming or beach-day destination.