Place

Kaloko Fishpond

Makaha gate and fishpond wall with the sun rising over volcano in the background
Sunrise over Hualālai with the fishpond wallʻs mākāhā in the foreground.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Significance:
Largest Fishpond wall in the State of Hawai'i, significant fishpond for Kamehameha I, Hawaii's most famous chief
Designation:
National Historical Park

Beach/Water Access, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting

Kaloko fishpond, literally translated as "The Pond" was a favorite of King Kamehameha I, Hawaii's most famous Ali'i (King).

Kaloko Fishpond is an excellent example of a loko kuapā type fishpond which has a characteristic feature of a kuapā (or seawall) made of water worn lava. The wall extends out from two points and has an ‘auwai (channel) that is used mainly for water flushing or inflow, depending on the rising and dropping of the tides. This auwai is also used during harvesting and stocking. The seawall is 30-40ft. wide and 6 ½ ft high. stretching for 250 yards and is the largest retaining fishpond wall in the state. The native Hawaiians built this wall by dry-stacking the water worn stones and built 2 channels called ‘auwai kai and placed a mākāhā (or sluice gate) in the channel.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Last updated: July 9, 2025