Kalepolepo South Maui

Exploring Kalepolepo Beach

Kalepolepo Beach is located north of downtown Kihei on South Kihei Road. You will see a sign and small parking lot on the lee (ocean) side . There is a small grassy area with picnic tables and BBQs as you walk towards the beach. Kalepolepo is a historical site with an ancient Hawaiian fish pond (Ko’ie’ie) which is fed from natural springs just under the water. The fish pond creates a calm shallow pool that is perfect for kids. This is small uncrowded beach perfect for relaxing and evening BBQ while watching the sunset. Not suited for snorkeling or surfing.

Kalepolepo Fishpond, also known as Koʻieʻi.e. Loko Iʻa, is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond estimated to have been built between 1400–1500 AD. The fishpond is located in Kalepolepo Park in Kīhei on the island of Maui.

Koʻieʻie ("rapid current") is classified as a loko kuapa (walled pond), a type of fishpond that uses lava rock and coral walls (kuapa) to keep water circulating while a wooden sluice gate (makaha) allows small fish to enter the pond to feed, but prevents them from leaving after they grow too large to slip between the gate's gaps.