Nu'upia Ponds
Nu'upia Ponds, located on O'ahu's Mokapu Peninsula, are a network of ancient and modern fishponds rich in Hawaiian legend and ecological importance. Once used for traditional aquaculture, the ponds now serve as protected wetlands and provide critical habitat for endangered native birds like the Hawaiian black-necked stilt. Although located within a Marine Corps base, their cultural and environmental significance continues to be recognized and preserved.
Nu'upia Ponds, Oahu
The Nu'upia Ponds are located on the Mokapu Peninsula on Oahu's southwestern shore. Many ancient legends tell of this peninsula and the ponds. One of the legends says that it was here where the first man was created out of the red and bluish-black soil by the Hawaiian gods Kane, Kaneloa, Ku and Lono. In the Hawaiian language, mokapu means “sacred district.” Many old Hawaiian sand burial sites have been excavated here.
Another legend tells of a boy named Puniakai'a (“devoted to fish”) who often times went fishing for parrotfish here. One of the fish he caught and tamed was Uhumaka'ika'i, meaning “the parent of all fish.” This fish was home here at the Nu'upia fishpond and it became the boy's companion.
In the old Hawaii, there were three ponds here that separated the peninsula from the island. They were Nu'upia, Halekou and Kaluapuhi. Some of their old dividing walls still remain their shape, but today, there are eight ponds: Nu'upia Ekahi, Nu'upia Elua, Nu'upia Ekolu, Nu'upia Eha, Halekou, Heleloa, Pa'akai and Kaluapuhi.
The three original ponds are believed to date back to between 1300-1600 A.D. The ponds were later subdivided by Chinese fishermen who leased the ponds to raise mullet and milkfish here. Today, the ponds are part of the 482-acre Nu'upia Ponds Wildlife Management Area. Since the ponds are located within the Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station, one has to get permission first to access the site.
Key Features of Nu'upia Ponds
- Ancient origin: Some of the original fishponds date back to between 1300 and 1600 A.D., used by early Hawaiians for aquaculture and salt gathering.
- Ecological habitat: The ponds support the endangered Hawaiian black-necked stilt (kukuluae'o) and other wetland species.
- Hawaiian legends: Site of myths about the creation of the first man and tales of the tamed fish Uhumaka'ika'i.
- Military-managed access: Located within Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe; special permission is required for direct access.
- Visible from the roadside: While access is restricted, the ponds are viewable from Kaneohe Bay Drive and H-3 intersection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Nu'upia Ponds ecologically important?
The ponds provide nesting and feeding habitat for the endangered Hawaiian black-necked stilt and other wetland birds.
Were these ponds used for aquaculture?
Yes, ancient Hawaiians used the ponds to cultivate fish, and later Chinese fishermen subdivided them to raise mullet and milkfish.
Where are Nu'upia Ponds located?
They are on O'ahu's Mokapu Peninsula, within Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe, near Kaneohe Bay Drive and the H-3 freeway.
Can the public visit Nu'upia Ponds?
Access is restricted because the ponds are located within a military base. Permission is required, though some parts are visible from public roads.
What legends are associated with this area?
One legend says the first man was created here from Mokapu's soil by the gods Kane, Kanaloa, Ku, and Lono. Another tells of a boy who befriended a magical parrotfish.