Last updated: July 9, 2025
Place
Kaloko Fishpond
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
Amenities
4 listed
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 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.