Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Koi'ei'e Loko I'a Fishpond
Inside Kalepolepo Beach Park in North Kihei, the
Koi'ei'e Loko I'a fishpond
is the most
prominent example of ancient Hawaiian existence from Ma'alaea to Wailea. Estimated to
be around 500 years old, this ancient fishpond was formed by rocks passed by hand from
the
mauka
(uplands) of Haleakala all the way
makai
(toward the sea) in Kihei. The nat-
ive Hawaiian people were masters of aquaculture and sustainability, and fishponds such as
the one here at Kalepolepo were used to trap and farm fish reserved for Hawaiian royalty.
It's believed that many generations of
ali'i,
or kings, used this fishpond prior to the arrival
of Western explorers, although over a period of 150 years the pond largely fell into disre-
pair. Thanks to the hard work of the
Maui Fishpond Association
(726 S. Kihei Rd., 808/
359-1172,
www.mauifishpond.com
)
, however, a dedicated group of volunteers has been
working since 1996 to restore the fishpond to its former glory using the same—now sub-
merged—rocks which were placed there by their ancestors many centuries before. The
fishpond is available for viewing at any time by visiting Kalepolepo Beach Park. Or, for
a unique experience, the organization offers guided cultural canoe trips on Monday, Wed-
nesday, and Friday mornings at 8am for those who prearrange a visit.
MM
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Right next door to Kalepolepo Beach Park is the headquarters for the
Hawaiian Islands
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
(726 S. Kihei Rd., 808/879-2818,
www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
, 10am-3pm Mon.-Fri., 10am-1pm Sat., free), a
place which is a phenomenal educational resource for anyone with an interest in humpback
whales. It's a little out of the way when compared to the rest of the action in Kihei, but
everything about this compound is historic or educational in one way or another. Aside
from offering exhibits about both the humpback whales and the sanctuary itself (all of the
waters of Maui County are included in the sanctuary), the center also boasts some unique
architecture, as evidenced by the 1940s-era, coastal, clapboard structure that seems better
suited for Nantucket than North Kihei; its distinct blue color makes it easy to notice from
offshore. A separate building was built by the Navy during WWII. Parts of the Koi'ei'e
fishpond also run in front of the compound, and informative displays discuss not only the
fishponds, but the ways in which ancient Hawaiians acted in concert with the island's mar-
ine species. Given the massive renovation which has recently been undertaken, donations
are both suggested and welcomed.
