Kahaluu Fish Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kahaluʻu Fishpond
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Seawall and wedding chapel of Kahaluʻu Fishpond
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Nearest city | NW of Laenani St. off Kamehameha Hwy., Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi |
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| Area | 172 acres (70 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000668 |
| Added to NRHP | March 14, 1973 |
Kahaluʻu Fishpond, also known as Kahouna Fishpond, is a very old Hawaiian fishpond. It is located on Kāneʻohe Bay in Oʻahu, Hawaii. This special place is one of only four ancient Hawaiian fishponds on Oʻahu that were still used in the 1900s. Long ago, there were over 100 such fishponds around the island. Kahouna Fishpond was used until about 1960. It became a protected historic site in 1973. This happened because people in the community wanted to save it from being destroyed. The Kahaluu Taro Lo'i Historic District was also added as a historic place at that time.
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Kahaluu Fishpond: A Glimpse into Ancient Hawaii
What is a Hawaiian Fishpond?
Ancient Hawaiians were very smart engineers. They built special ponds called loko iʻa (fishponds) to raise fish. These ponds were often built in bays or near the coast. They had stone walls that let seawater in and out. This allowed small fish to enter the pond. The walls also kept bigger fish inside. This way, Hawaiians had a steady supply of food.
The Seawall of Kahouna
Kahouna Fishpond has a long, curved stone wall. This wall is about 1,200 feet (370 m) long. The original wall was made of stacked stones. Inside the wall, there was gravel, coral, and soil. This design helped to make the wall strong and stable. It was a clever way to build without modern tools.
Protecting a Piece of History
Like many old Hawaiian fishponds, Kahouna Fishpond is now private property. Only one of the four main fishponds on Oʻahu, Huilua Fishpond, is open to the public. Kahaluu Fishpond was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is a very important historical site. Protecting it helps us remember and learn about Hawaii's past.
What's There Today?
Today, Kahaluu Fishpond is leased for special events. It is a popular spot for Hawaiian weddings. There is a wedding chapel at one end of the property. At the other end, you can find a pavilion and a garden area. These are rented out to different businesses. You might even recognize the place from a movie! Part of The Karate Kid Part II was filmed here.
Gallery
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Mangroves along seawall leeward of Laenani Point
