Revitalizing Hana's Fishponds

A visitor to the bluff above Leho`ula cove can, on a calm day, see the traces of the outer rock wall of what is thought to be the very first Hawaiian fishpond. It is said to have been built by Ku`ula, a god that came to reside in Hana in mortal form. He passed his knowledge and special fishing implements to his son Aiai, who went on to establish all the major fishponds and fishing stations throughout Hawai`i.

Hana is fortunate to have several fishponds that retain a lineage to ancient times. In addition to Ku`ula's pond at Leho`ula cove, there are two definable shoreline fishponds on the Haneo`o coast near Hamoa beach and another four or five inland ponds grace the Waikaloa peninsula on the Northern end of Hana Bay. Two of the Waikaloa fishponds, Loko Waihua (above) and Loko Waipuna La`ea (right) have been recently restored and are back in active use.

Loko Waipuna La`ea restored and operated by Board President, Robert Malaiakini

Shoreline fishpond Loko `Iki protected by Alau Island

One of the Haneo`o ponds, Loko `Iki (left) has undergone some repair and restoration and is in limited use at this time. Most of the remaining ponds, though in need of attention, hold the potential of again becoming fully operational.

Our vision is to see this network of fishponds back in productive use and interconnected in such a way as to create a new shoreline fishing industry that bridges Hawaiian traditional knowledge of sustainable use of resources with scientific aquacultural principles. Revitalizing the ponds and establishing a hatchery at Waikaloa point will provide the community of Hana with a reliable and renewable food stock and create occupational opportunities consistent with traditional Hawaiian cultural practices. Fish raised and harvested from these ponds can become a staple food source not only for the residents of Hana and also as a special treat to share with the many guests that visit Hana each year.

The revitalized ponds will also provide bait for deep sea fishing, and conceivably, stock to be released in Hana Bay. Ancillary to being a model of economic self reliance that perpetuates Hawaiian culture, the creation of a fishpond based fishing industry provides incentive for the youth in Hana to seek higher educational degrees in fields such as marine biology and aquaculture. Hana's fishponds are a link to the very roots of Hawaiian culture, putting them back into use reunites the wisdom of tradition with the needs of the community of today.

Community harvest of awa from Loko Waihua

Hui `Aina o Hana board members J. Kalani English, Robert Malaiakini and John Romain each have a special relationship with Hana fishponds. Kalani's family has provided care and direction for Loko `Iki for many generations. John and his neighbors completely restored loko waihua and have committed it to community benefit, and Loko Waipuna La`ea was restored through the efforts of Robert and his late brother Tiny. Robert's dream, for as long as he can remember, is to see all of Hana's fishponds back in use for the prosperity of the community. Now that some of the ponds are beginning to bear fruit of the harvest, Robert believes that this is the time to "get them all going, to bring them alive again." And as the ponds return to life, the spirit of Hawaiian culture is renewed and reflected in the ambient mana (power) of the land.