Lissette and I run/walk a very scenic, 6 mile route daily at sunrise within the Mauna Lani Resort and along the shoreline including circling the fish ponds ponds at Kalahuipua’a, and the shorelines at Honoka’ope and Makaiwa Bay. It’s an incredible start to the day currently filled with snow capped volcanoes, hump back whales breaching, big waves and the ever present and plentiful bird population. Migratory Koleas are numerous now displaying their “just arrived” light feathered plumage which changes to a dark “tuxedo” as they prepare to head back to Alaska and beyond in the spring.

The seven fish ponds that are named Kalahuipua’a, Kahinawao, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Hope’ala, Milokukahi and Manoku—most were used by ancient Hawaiians to raise fish and supplement their ocean fishing efforts. The ponds are stocked, and the schools of mullet and awa are moved from pond to pond to feed in different stages of development. Mauna Lani has also planted a variety of ancient Hawaiian plants in an effort to return the ponds to their natural state. Mauna Lani is widely recognized as a pacesetter in historic preservation and stewardship of the land.

Makaiwa Bay is home to the 52’ Winona catamaran owned by “uncle” Francis Ruddle and used for snorkeling, whale watch and sunset cruises at his Mauna Lani Sea Adventures. The reef and point breaks at Arrowheads, Javas, Peaks and over the three reefs inside the bay at “Maks” are my second home when the “surf’s up”.

Honoka’ope features our very own black sand beach and a large coral reef on the south side for great snorkeling opportunities. This is a great place to spend the morning paddle boarding and is only accessible through the 49 Black Sand Beach community by asking for public access at their guard gate.

We are blessed to be able to enjoy our very own paradise within the resort and invite you to search for your Mauna Lani property by clicking here!

Written by Rick Oliver on April 4, 2017
Posted in: Hawaii Life | Tags: hawaii life, Mauna Lani, Mauna Lani Resort