Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Zuckerberg, Chan Donation Helps Preserve 600-Year-Old Hawaiian Fishpond
Alakoko Fishpond is a very old fishpond on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi.
It is about 600 years old and covers 102 acres.
The fishpond was in danger from development and environmental damage.
The Trust for Public Land bought the property and gave it to a local nonprofit called Mālama Hulē‘ia.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan donated $4 million to help pay for protecting it.
They do not own the fishpond.
People will restore the pond and use it for education and community activities.
The project also helps protect Hawaiian history, wildlife, and traditional fish farming.
Alakoko Fishpond on Kauaʻi covers 102 acres and includes a 2,700-foot fishpond wall.
The Trust for Public Land purchased the property on November 17, 2021, and transferred it to Mālama Hulē‘ia.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan donated $4 million through the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund.
The donation helped secure permanent protection, although the couple does not own the fishpond.
The site will support conservation, education, cultural stewardship, and community-led restoration efforts.
- Who
- The Trust for Public Land, Mālama Hulē‘ia, community supporters, and donors Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan.
- What
- A 600-year-old Hawaiian fishpond was purchased and placed under permanent community conservation protection.
- When
- The property went on the market in January 2021 and was purchased on November 17, 2021.
- Where
- Alakoko Fishpond is in Niumalu near Līhuʻe on Kauaʻi, Hawaii.
- Why
- The effort aimed to prevent development, address environmental degradation, and preserve the site’s cultural, ecological, and educational value.
- Fishpond
- Alakoko Fishpond, also known as Alekoko or Menehune Fishpond
- Size
- 102 acres
- Fishpond wall
- A 2,700-foot-long kuapā
- Purchase date
- November 17, 2021
- Donation
- $4 million from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan through the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund
- New steward
- Mālama Hulē‘ia, a community-based nonprofit
- Historic status
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973