An oasis within an oasis, the Kalahuipua'a Fishponds are the essence and spiritual center of Mauna Lani. Predating even the earliest Western contact, the ponds are a tangible reminder of the days when the land and sea supported the Ali'i (royalty) and fishermen 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. Bottom samples taken from the ponds date the ancient aquaculture system to as far back as 250 BC of the fishponds. Utilizing natural anchialine pools, most of the fishponds were created by walling off the pools' natural access to the ocean. Makaha (sluice gates) were incorporated in the walls to allow for circulation of seawater, essential for maintaining healthy fish. The ponds were used to raise mullet, milkfish, shrimp and other sea life strictly for the consumption of Ali'i and other persons of rank.

Continuing the tradition of stewardship, Mauna Lani Resort focuses considerable energy on caring for the ancient complex. The ponds are  maintained and stocked, and the schools of mullet and awa are moved from pond to pond to feed in different stages of development. Mauna Lani Resort has also planted a variety of ancient Hawaiian plants in an effort to return the ponds to their natural state edify visitors and preserve a dwindling resource.

Widely recognized as a pacesetter in historic preservation and stewardship of the land, Mauna Lani beckons visitors with its unparalleled spirit of place