Ko’ie’ie: Rebuilding a Traditional Hawaiian Fishpond

On the “mokupuni” (island) of Maui Nui, within the “moku” (district) of Kula, isan ”ahupua’a” (land division) called Kaono’ulu.  In ancient times a land division or ahupua’a consisted of an area which ran from mountain (mauka) to sea (makai).  Along the shoreline area of the Kaono’ulu ahupua’a there remains an ancient fishpond called “Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a.” (also known as Rushing Waters)  Located on the “Kona” or south-side of the isle,  this fishpond is a reminder of the people who once cared for the land before us.  They were called Kanaka Maoli, also known today as the Hawaiian People.  This ancient civilization cultured a connection between the heaven, the earth, the ocean, and man.  It was through their observations of nature, and the life cycles of its natural resources, that the ancient people were able to sustain themselves.  For thousands of years, the Hawaiian Islands were an estuary of food, water, medicine, and building material for almost a population of 1,000,000.  The key to their success … FISHPONDS!

The ancient Hawaiian fishpond is a sophisticated land and ocean resource management technique.  Utilizing raw materials such as rocks, corals, vines, and woods, the Hawaiians created great walls (kuapa) and gates (makaha) for these fishponds.  The fishponds allowed the ancient Hawaiians to provide food stock for the people who lived within its ”ahupua’a.”  This food stock mainly consisted of herbivore fish such as ‘ama’ama (striped mullet, Mugil cephalus) and awa (milkfish, Chanos chanos).  The main difference between a Hawaiian fishpond from all other fishponds in the South Pacific was the unique design of the makaha or sluice gate.  The kuapa-styled or rock-walled fishpond was built near streams that entered the ocean over or near a coral reef.  It was this rich soup of organic matter, sunlight, and oxygen that created “limu” (seaweed), algae, and other micro-organisms (such as phytoplankton) – food source for the herbivore fish.  There are basically five (5) types of fishponds ranging from freshwater, to brackish water, and ocean water designs.  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a is a kuapa-styled wall.

According to the mo’olelo or story of Ko’ie’ie, it was said to have been built by the Menehune (mystical beings).  In the 16th Century, under the rule of a Chief called ‘Umi, ten thousand (10,000) maka’ainana (commoners) were enlisted with the task of rebuilding this fishpond.  All kuapa fishponds belonged to the Chiefs and were considered “royal” or kapu to the Chiefs.  This makes Ko’ie’ie fishpond at least 500 years old.  In the late 1700s came the arrival of foreigners to the islands which would change the Hawaiian Culture forever.  Disease decimated the host culture.  The ancient way of life for the Hawaiian people would slowly collapse with the introduction of Western ideas and influences.  The beloved Islands of Hawaii would someday be governed by a foreign nation!  Along with this change, came the destruction and degradation of the Hawaiian fishponds.

Today, there are those Kanaka Maoli who hear the calling of fishpond revitalization and restoration.  The one time 11-acre fishpond of Ko’ie’ie has been reduced to 3-acres, but the foundation of the wall remains at this site.  It is my goal and “kuleana” (responsibility) to restore  Ko’ie’ie.  Currently, the wall is approximately 1,100 ft long, 20 ft wide at the base, 10 ft wide at the top, and approximately 5.5 ft high.  Prior, to the tsunami on March 11, 2011 we were approximately 750 ft. completed.  The fishpond has taken some damage!  We will continue to “holomua” and move forward with its restoration.  ‘Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring fishponds on Maui, starting with Ko’ie’ie.  The wall will stand again!  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a is an educational, archaeological, cultural, historical, and recreational treasure which we will no longer admire as a thing of the past, but the key to our future!

Vene Chun
Konohiki,  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a

Chun is an ‘Ulalena cast member and founding member of  ’Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui.  For information about how to help revitalize the Ko’ie’ie fishpond, contact:

‘Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui

PO Box 1371

Kihei, HI  96753

(808) 359-1172

www.mauifishpond.com