An oasis within an oasis, Kalahuipua'a fishponds are the essence and spiritual center of the Mauna Lani Resort.

Predating even the earliest Western contact, the loko (ponds), i'a (fish) are a tangible reminder of the days when the land and sea supported the Ali'i (royalty) and fishermen (lawai'a) who were the original inhabitants of the land that is now Mauna Lani Resort.

The seven ponds: Kalahuipua'a, Kahinawao, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Hope'ala, Milokukahi and Manoku were created by ancient Hawaiians who used them to raise fish and supplement their ocean fishing efforts. The ponds have a combined water surface area of 15 acres and are still home to countless fish. Bottom samples taken from the ponds date the ancient aquaculture system to as far back as 250 BC.