Kauai History and Fishponds

Hawaiians were the first Pacific islanders to make use of fish ponds and fish farming guaranteeing a food supply for the island. In a culture that honored the earth’s abundance, fishponds symbolized the connection Hawaiians forged between themselves, the ‘aina (land), and the akua (gods).

Hawaiians built a variety of fishponds – from inland to shore ponds, and from one acre to hundreds of acres in size. Ponds that extended the natural shoreline came in two types – loko kuapa (walled ponds) and loko ‘ume iki (ponds that draw little). Massive stone walls were built enclosing shallow bays, inlets, or extending out in an arc between two points of land. The walls were constructed of coral and permeable rock allowing the wall to absorb the pounding action of the water, while also allowing water to flow into the pond to reduce stagnation. These walls were curved so prevailing currents pushed sand and debris around the wall rather than collecting it at one side. Stones on the outer wall were angled downwards so wave action worked to pull them tighter.

A distinctive feature of the loko kuapa was its sluice gate (makaha) made of vertical wooden sticks built into the pond walls allowing small fish to enter from the open sea and preventing larger fish from leaving. This grate also aided water circulation, fish harvesting, stocking, and silt removal. Ocean currents determined the location of the makaha with placement chosen to maximize circulation within the pond.

As with all fishing, Hawaiians were guided by the dictum, “Lawa kupono, a’ale ‘anunu!” (Take only enough for what you need, don’t be greedy.)

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