Oahu Ancient Site Guide

Pahonu Pond

Pahonu Pond is an ancient Hawaiian turtle enclosure near Kaiona Beach Park in Waimanalo, where stone wall remnants reveal a rare ali'i turtle pond along Oahu's windward shore.

Pahonu Pond, Oahu

Located just south of Kaiona Beach Park, Pahonu Pond is an ancient Hawaiian stone enclosure surrounded a turtle pond where fishermen put turtles that were to be consumed by the ali'i (Hawaiian chiefs and royalty). In the old Hawaii, only ali'i were allowed to eat turtle meat. It was kapu (taboo) for a commoner to eat this delicacy, and breaking this kapu was punishable by death.

The pond's original size is believed to have measured 500 feet (152 m) in length and 60 feet (18 m) in width. The rocks are partially submerged at high tide. The offshore island that one can see from here is Rabbit Island (also known as Manana Island). The island was used as a burial site in the past and two fishing shrines were located there as well. Today, it is a seabird sanctuary.

Key Features

Ancient turtle enclosure: Stone-walled pond once used to keep honu for ali'i

Windward setting: Located south of Kaiona Beach Park near Waimanalo

Low-tide visibility: Pond wall remnants are easiest to see when tide is low

Historic size: Historic descriptions note the pond as about 500 feet long and roughly 50 to 60 feet wide

Cultural context: Connected with the old kapu system and chiefly food traditions

Offshore landmark: Views toward Rabbit Island, also known as Manana Island

Visitor note: Do not walk on, move or disturb pond stones; keep distance from sea turtles

Plan Your Visit

Visit during safe shoreline and low-tide conditions if you want to see the pond wall clearly. Avoid walking on the rocks, moving stones or disturbing the enclosure. If honu are present, keep at least 10 feet away and never touch, feed, chase or block them.

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Visitor Reviews

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5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rated visitor review.

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Geoffrey Keith Leonard

Mon Apr 18, 2016

A beautiful place.

Location, Parking and Directions

Pahonu Pond is located just south of Kaiona Beach Park along Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo. From Kaiona Beach Park, walk carefully south along the shoreline for a few minutes when conditions are safe. The map marker identifies the Pahonu Pond shoreline area near Kaiona Beach Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pahonu Pond?

Pahonu Pond is on Oahu's windward coast near Waimanalo, just south of Kaiona Beach Park along the shoreline.

What was Pahonu Pond used for?

Pahonu Pond was a traditional Hawaiian turtle enclosure where honu, or sea turtles, were kept for ali'i, the Hawaiian chiefs and royalty.

Can visitors see the pond wall today?

Yes. Remnants of the stone wall are easiest to notice at low tide. At higher tide, parts of the wall may be submerged or harder to see.

Can visitors walk on the pond wall?

No. Visitors should avoid walking on, moving or disturbing the stones. View the pond respectfully from safe shoreline areas.

Are turtles still protected in Hawaii?

Yes. Sea turtles in Hawaii are protected. If you see honu nearby, keep distance, do not touch, feed, chase or block them, and follow current wildlife-viewing guidance.

What can visitors see offshore from Pahonu Pond?

Visitors can see Rabbit Island, also known as Manana Island, offshore. The old page notes its past cultural use and its current role as a seabird sanctuary.