Ancient Hawaiians thrived on a diet rich in fish and other forms of seafood. Eventually, they developed effective methods of aquaculture to ensure that a steady source of sustenance was available for daily consumption. Large fishponds were constructed to primarily house an extensive variety of fish. These impressive structures were found in Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai. The Big Island, in particular, was home to far more ponds. The natives were determined to use all the naturally occurring bodies of water for their fishing and agricultural needs. By doing this, they optimized their ability to maintain a readily available supply of food throughout the island.

The Hawaiian phrase for fishpond was loko or loko i'a. These structures were of the utmost importance as they helped the early natives to cultivate fish in a manner that produced the best yield. Fish were allowed time to spawn and they were fed an enriched diet that ensured they were of an adequate size. Additionally, kapu, or forbidden fish could be stored in these ponds, further dissuading natives from breaking the clearly defined taboos. The ponds provided a convenience not typically seen before the innovation of specialized storage systems. Natives no longer had to brave the perils of the untamed and fearless sea, especially during deteriorated weather conditions. The act of harvesting fish became a controlled activity that garnered better results. Today, some of these ponds are still operational while others have fallen into disrepair. A few of the oldest structures have been preserved for their historical significance and continue to be viable tourist attractions.

The Importance of Seafood in Hawaiian Culture
The chief source of protein in the Hawaiian diet was and still is fish. Other forms of seafood including kelp, oysters and shrimp were also eaten, but not in equal proportions. This dependency on fish was understandable when the location of the islands and access to large bodies of water are considered. This diet was far easier to sustain and provided other healthy nutrients that were unavailable in other land meats. Fish were also used in the ancient religious ceremonies. Special shrines were built in honor of fishing, many of which have been excavated during archaeological research.

Types of Hawaiian Fishponds
Hawaiian fishponds manifested in six primary forms. The Loko was a freshwater pond used for the storage of river fish. The Loko i'a kalo combined a fishpond with a taro patch (an area used to grow tubers). The loko pu' uone was a fish pond that was constructed in close proximity of the sea but was protected from inbound tides by either a limestone formation, sand ridge or volcanic flow. The content of this type of pound was actually a mixture of salt and fresh water also known as brackish water. The Loko kuapa was built directly in the coastal regions and was enveloped by an appreciable rock interface with a small ditch or gate which was essential for the regulation of water entering and leaving the structure.

The Loko `umeiki was used to entrap fish. It was built in a similar fashion to the Loko kuapa with the exception that it had numerous lanes that led to the pond. These were used to direct younger fish into the enclosed area where they would remain until they were ready to be cultivated. The Loko kuapa and Loko umeiki were typically utilized on the islands of Oahu and Molokai because of their shallower waters and natural protective barriers against strong waves and currents.

There were also natural ponds that were altered to meet the demands of aquaculture based activities. These ponds were known as Kaheke or Hapunapuna, the former receiving its waters from strong waves and the latter from land bound springs. Many of the fishponds that were built were given the names of prominent chiefs, the surrounding lands, famous demigods, celebrated events or even the species of fish raised in these structures.

The Emergence of Fish Ponds
The first Hawaiian fishponds were estimated to have been built in the 10th - 11th century AD. Construction of these ponds was sustained up until the 19th century. Each pond that was built had to be sanctioned by the chief or someone of an equally important rank. A Konohiki was elected by the chief and given the sole duty of managing individual ponds. He would obtain the workers needed to construct and later maintain these ponds. An official keeper or Kiailoko was instructed to clean, harvest and carry out any repairs that were necessary. He would reside in a dwelling directly beside the pond which enabled him to devote much of his time to its upkeep.

During the construction phase many families would unite in ensuring its timely completion. Under the guidance of the konohiki, work was delegated and each person performed his work assiduously and willingly. The reward for their efforts included compensation in the form of fish. Entire families were able to access the fish that were harvested and most did not consume more than was needed at any time. The Konohiki enjoyed an additional privilege. He was able to place a kapu on a specific type of fish making it illegal for anyone else to eat those reserved solely for him.

The walls of fishponds were created using lava boulders and coral and took on a semicircular shape. These materials made it possible for fish to be contained while allowing the water to remain fresh through proper circulation. By the early 1900s fish ponds lost much of their popularity due in part to natural disasters like tsunamis which eroded many structures.

The reliance on fish inspired the ingenuity of ancient Hawaiians. Their seafood based diet encouraged them to find more accessible means of harvesting the delectable meat used for both consumption and ceremony. There are currently 488 fishponds in the Hawaiian state. Governmental and private entities have united to rehabilitate many of the structures that were previously damaged or completely abandoned. Some of these ponds are still utilized as a valuable source of fish-farming. On the Big Island, Keauwanui and Ualapue have now become historical landmarks, signifying a legacy started by the first natives to inhabit these stunning islands.

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