Today we boarded our Roberts coach to go to the Kalepolepo Fishpond (Koʻieʻie Loko Iʻa) in Kihei. This is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, estimated to have been built between 1400–1500 AD. In 1996, the ʻAoʻao O Na Loka Iʻa O Maui (Association of the Fishponds of Maui) began renovating Koʻieʻie, working closely with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
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. Species of fish once farmed by ancient Hawaiians include the awa (milkfish, Chanos chanos), amaʻama (flathead mullet, Mugil cephalus), and the aholehole (Hawaiian Flagtail, Kuhlia xenura).
The fishpond was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, as Kalepolepo Fishpond with alternate names Koʻieʻie Fishpond and Kaʻonoʻulu Kai Fishpond.
While the students at a picnic lunch prepared by Kumu Noel and Kumu Lisa, they learned about La’au Lapa’au – Hawaiian healing methods using plants & herbs, from David Bruce Leonard, LAc, Founder of the Earth Medicine Institute.
David started the presentation by explaining his background, and comparing and contrasting different philosophical approaches to healing. Then he discussed the need to be “fully present” with his patients, and had students practice being fully present with each other.
Following this exercise, he took students on a plant walk, to see what plants were in the area and describe what their uses were in La’au Lapa’au. He often referred to lessens from his Chinese teachers, traditional practice among Hawaiians, and scientific findings about the different plants.
We returned to our circle for questions from students, which ranged from questions about specific plants to general questions about David’s practice and how he viewed allopathic medicine.
After the presentation, we had a little time to relax before our driver returned with the bus.
