F - Animal Pen

This high-walled animal pen may have held goats.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Ala Kahakai NHT / 1871 Trail

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The structure that you see on the mauka (mountain) side of the trail is a reconstructed goat pen used for holding animals. The high walled goat pen is another indicator of changing times and lifestyles. Goats were introduced to the islands by George Vancouver in 1813. Before this time, the only domesticated animals would have been small Polynesian pigs, dogs, and chickens brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers.

Today, feral goats roam the island, unchecked by predators—other than humans. Over the years, their numbers have exploded and in many places across the island they are becoming a problem. Among other impacts, goats disrupt fragile archeological sites and eat native vegetation. Management of these animals, as well as other invasive species, are key to maintaining healthy native ecosystems.