Menehune (Men-Ay-Who-Nay) are small elf like people that legends say inhabited the islands prior to the arrival of the Marquesans and Tahitians. Kauai is usually considered the home of the Menehune. Kauai's folk lore is filled with stories of Menehune's unbelievable feats, each project only taking one night to complete. They are credited with building mysterious irrigation ditches, fish ponds, and temples found around the island. Menehune's were believed to be joyful, noisy, little people with big eyes and faces. Legends say that long ago there were thousands of them on the island, but when the Tahitians arrived the King of the Menehune worried that his people might marry into this new alien race. He ordered all of his people to leave Kauai, and if they were seen by a Tahitian they would be turned to stone. Archaeologists were able to date the construction of the irrigation ditches, fish ponds, and temples found around the island to pre-Tahitian arrival but have found no other evidence to who actually constructed them. It is still a mystery. Some islanders still believe the Menehune's live in the remote valleys of Kauai.
The Menehune Fishpond is still used today to raise mullet. It is located at the bulge where the Nawiliwili Stream flows into the Nawiliwili Bay. A stone wall more than 900 feet long forms the fishpond. Legends tell of how the pond was built in one night by Menehunes. It is located on the South side of the island. There is a lookout on Hulemalu Road that gives a great view of the pond. To get to the lookout take Highway 51 to the end. You will end up on Nawiliwili Road. Turn left shortly after at Wilcox Road. When the road starts to fork go right, it will merge with Hulemalu Road. Go left on Hulemalu Road and the lookout and information sign will be on the left.
Menehune Fishpond is always a pleasure to visit. If you're visiting Menehune Fishpond from Kapaa, you won't be the only one, and you might also want to pay a visit to Huleia Valley while you're here at Menehune Fishpond. Here at Menehune Fishpond you can see Hokulei Peak; dry warm beds await you at Banyan Harbor Resort.
Summertime highs at Menehune Fishpond generally tend to be in the 80's. Summer night lows dip down to the 60's. During the wintertime this place gets highs in the 70's with winter lows in the 50's overnight. The pond is wonderful and the beaches near by are good. Kalapaki Beach is in the vicinity of Menehune Fishpond and is no exception. If you need a location to stay Marriott Kauai Beach Club is a splendid choice, and nearby you find the Mhihi Waialae Trail which is a splendid hiking trail.
There are so many enjoyable things to do at Menehune Fishpond, so little time. Puakea Golf Course is a fine golf course close by; locations like Niumalu Flat are pleasant to take a look at. Menehune Fishpond is a nearby lake that you could check out, and there's some flowing water close by, Halehaka Stream is a stream you can stop at while you're here. A common amount of precipitation falls here at Menehune Fishpond; the month with most of the rain is January while June is usually the driest month.
One of the best things about Menehune Fishpond is its proximity to Ninini Beach; in the event that you don't mind getting dripping wet, you can always go whitewater paddling on Hanalei.
Another great way to explore Kauai!