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Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park kaloko wall from ocean
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Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Aiopio Fishtrap

Dark lava rocks rise up from the waters of Honokohau Beach.  They are the remnants of the Aiopio Fishtrap, built by Hawaiians to capture fish.  An opening in the trap to the sea enabled fish to enter, and the walled sections of the trap allowed fish to be stored until needed.  At high tide, fish entered the trap by swimming through the seaward opening or over the submerged walls.  At low tide, the fish were trapped in the enclosure and were easily netted.  Fishtraps differ from fishponds in that the fish are trapped and caught, but not raised.

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Coconut tree

Did You Know?
Did you know, the coconut tree was an extremely important resource brought to Hawaii by the early Polynesians. It was a source of food and water, used for building homes and rope making, and was also a musical instrument. Cutting down the coconut grove of another was considered an act of war.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 MST