500-plus hands, hearts help restore part of rock wall at 600-year-old Alakoko Fishpond

More than 500 hands lifted, passed and set pōhaku, or rocks, Oct. 18, continuing a multi-year effort to restore a 600-year-old Hawaiian fishpond in what was perhaps the best example of how to lay the foundation for a strong, thriving community.

Even if it is just one rock at a time.

The workday was part of Hawaiian nonprofit Mālama Hulē‘ia and its ongoing project to restore Alakoko Fishpond, also known locally as Menehune Fishpond, located maybe about 3 miles south of Līhuʻe and just a half-mile slightly southwest of Nāwiliwili.

It is part of the Hulēʻia watershed.

Last weekend’s workday brought together Hawaiian fishpond specialists, kūpuna, key partners, trained staff and alakaʻi, or guides, to lead community members of all skill levels in rebuilding and capping a section of the 2,700-foot fishpond wall as part of Mālama Hulē‘ia’s efforts to stabilize the wall.

The following mahalo letter written by Mālama Hulē‘ia Executive Director Sara Bowen following the workday outlines the event’s success and how strengthening the wall is enhancing and fortifying the community that surrounds it.

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“Aloha kākou,

This past Saturday, more than 500 hands and hearts came together for Pōhaku Ka Pāpale — lifting, passing and setting pōhaku — to rebuild the historic 2,700-foot kuapā of Alakoko Loko i‘a.

Together, we completed over 800 feet of wall, marking another powerful milestone in restoring this living fishpond and the health of the Hulē‘ia watershed.

Throughout the day, the energy of aloha ʻāina could be felt in every detail, from the rhythm of stones being passed along the kuapā to the laughter and music that filled the ʻāina.

Volunteers enjoyed ‘ono food by Nā Maka Onaona, frozen drinks from Kaua‘i Concessions and a hands-on screen printing activity hosted by Nā Pua Noʻeau Kaua‘i. Ewa Limu Project and Waimānalo Limu Hui also hosted an artful learning station that invited everyone to learn, create, and connect through culture.

As the hana came to a close, kumu hula Sabra Kauka, Mauliola Cook, Kaeo Olores Bradford and Leihi‘ilani Kirkpatrick offered the traditional oli Au A Iā and a heartfelt mahalo and blessing for the collective work accomplished.

Their voices carried across the pond, grounding the day’s efforts in gratitude and ancestral guidance.

We also mahalo the pōhaku group, Lau‘ale Lehua o Alakoko, the alakaʻi who traveled from across the pae ʻāina to guide this work and embody the strength and unity of our community, and all the hands, machines, pōhaku and labor donated in preparation for the big day.

We could not have done it without you.

To every volunteer, partner and supporter who showed up with aloha and intention, mahalo nui loa. Each stone placed, each meal shared, and each song sung strengthens not just the wall, but the community that surrounds it.

With gratitude,

Sara, Peleke and the team at Mālama Hulēʻia”

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Were you there? Do you have photos to share?

• If you do, Mālama Hulē‘ia would love to see your perspective! Upload your favorite moments here.

Keep the movement growing!

• The work of restoring Alakoko continues — one stone, one hand, one generation at a time. Consider making a gift to support future restoration efforts if you want to help sustain the momentum. Every contribution strengthens the collective movement to mālama ʻāina and carry forward the legacy of Alakoko. Donate now!

Visit the Mālama Hulē‘ia website for additional information.