According to stories that circulate in Kauai today, the Alekoke Fish Pond was built in one night over 1,000 years ago by the 'Menehune' (little people). The 'Menehune' were the first inhabitants of the island, later to be conquered by the influx of Polynesians. They were not necessarily small in stature although that is how they're depicted today, but rather their societal position in the whole scheme of things was of little importance. Statues of the 'Menehune' are popular take home souvenirs for tourists.
The fair-sized pond that we see in Kauai has a massive lava rock wall five feet thick and 900 feet long. Small holes were made along its length, providing passageway for tiny fish to enter. Should they stay and feed, their increased size would soon prevent them leaving. As the only source of protein for Hawaiians at that time, the fish pond was an invaluable asset.
According to archeologists the structure of the pond is certainly unlike anything built by the native Hawaiians, but there is still the mystery of the 'Menehune'. No bones of the 'little people' have ever been found and so the Alekoke pond's beginnings remain a mystery.
More to follow on Kauai....
Posted by Anne Gordon on 15th September, 2010
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