Also known as the ʻAlekoko Fishpond, the Menehune are believed to have built this spot nearly a millennium ago, completing it in just one night to have a convenient way to catch fish. You can see it from a nearby viewpoint on a guided tour of Kauiai, many of which offer stops at the viewpoint.
The Menehune Fishpond is an excellent stop for travelers looking to take nature photos.
You cannot enter the pond, as it's a protected part of the Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge.
There are no restrooms at the Menehune Fishpond viewpoint.
You can view the fishpond from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook, just off Hulemalu Road near Lihue. You can also kayak to the pond via the Huleia Stream, which is connected to Nawiliwili Bay. There’s no bus service directly to the pond, so you’re best off visiting on a tour or using your own car or bicycle.
The best time to visit the fishpond is first thing in the morning when the weather is generally a bit cooler or at sunset when the views are often epic. As with most Kauai attractions, you should expect to see more crowds during the peak tourism seasons, which include the summer vacation months (June–August) and late November–early January.
The pond is located within the larger Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, protecting the Huelia Stream and its surrounding area. The refuge was once a favorite among birders and is home to over two dozen avian species. Although people used to be able to visit by kayak, these days, the refuge is entirely closed to the public, so the view from the fishpond lookout is as close as non-scientists will get.
