Molii Fishpond, Ancient fishpond in Honolulu County, United States
Molii Fishpond is a large enclosed water system at Kaneohe Bay separated from the ocean by a 4,000-foot stone wall that spans across the bay. The pond operates with five sluice gates that regulate water flow and currently supports the farming of tilapia, mullet, moi, and oysters.
Native Hawaiians built this fishpond roughly 800 years ago using sophisticated engineering to create a reliable food source for their communities. The system remained in use and was adapted over time, reflecting the lasting importance of aquaculture to island life.
The fishpond reflects how Native Hawaiians managed water and food through engineered systems that worked with natural tides and seasons. Visitors can see how the five sluice gates allowed communities to control what swam in and out of the enclosed waters.
The site sits along Kaneohe Bay where the stone wall is visible from nearby areas, making it accessible for viewing the overall structure. Visiting during low tide offers better views of the wall construction and the gates that control water flow.
The stone wall showcases a sophisticated building method where larger rocks were fitted together and gaps were filled with coral and small stones to create a waterproof barrier. This technique reveals the engineering skill and attention to detail that went into constructing such a lasting structure.
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