Last updated: April 8, 2021
Place
‘Ai’ōpio Fishtrap
NPS photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Significance:
One of the few Hawaiian rockwall fishtraps in the Hawaiian Islands.
Designation:
National Historical Park
Amenities
5 listed
Beach/Water Access, Cellular Signal, First Aid Kit Available, Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting
‘Aiʻōpio Fishtrap is located at the shoreline on the south side of the park near Honokōhau Boat Harbor. It is the only fishtrap on the island of Hawai‘i. It is a large aquaculture structure with sides that are bordered by rocky lava headlands and a sandy beach. Fish entered the pond at hightide through a narrow channel in the seawall. The four rectangular walled enclosures within the pond along the shoreline were probably used either as holding pens for netted fish or as lanes in which the fish were netted. This is a good place to view the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu). This animal is protected, please stay 20 feet (6 meters) from turtles when viewing.