Hawaii’s mountainous topography and encompassing oceans leave not much flat land for natural lakes to form. There are only five small ones and a sixth, Green Lake, was the state’s largest natural freshwater lake. However, it was destroyed in 2018 by a lava flow. Besides these, you will find several freshwater reservoirs also. Though recreational activities are limited, the lush vegetation and various birds species make it a haven for every nature lover.
Lake Waiau is within Puuwaiau cinder cone in Big Island. It is small but one of the highest lakes in the nation, sitting at an elevation gain of about 3,970 m on Mount Kea. Its existence in the volcanic area containing porous soil that seeps water is quite surprising. Also, there isn’t any runoff to supply it with water leaving it to depend on the area’s precipitation.
Lake Waiau is considered a sacred lake in Hawaiian culture, probably named after a snow goddess who used to bathe in the waters. However, visitors are forbidden to use it for any water activity, including swimming and drinking.
Fishing: Fishing might be a prohibited activity as you can only enjoy the views of the lake from a distance.
Other Activities: Hiking, nature gazing
Halulu Lake, flowing in the south-central region of Niihau Island, is a large natural lake. It measures about 182 acres during the rainy season but becomes relatively dry in summer. It probably gets its name from the island’s high chief. However, some believe it is named after a man-eating halalu bird mentioned in Hawaiian mythology. You can clearly notice a reddish tone in the lakebed, maybe due to the soil deposits from the volcanic rock rich in iron content.
Fishing: Young mullets enter the lake from the sea through lava tubes. Once they grow, they are sold in the markets, especially in the islands of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.
Other Activities: Nature viewing
You’ll find Hālaliʻi Lake on the island of Niʻihau’s south-central region. It is the state’s largest lake during the rainy seasons only as it drastically shrinks in size in summer. Several local birds like Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian stilt, and Hawaiian ducks flying or perching around in the wetland areas provide visitors a delightful time.
Fishing: The local Hawaiians use the lake for mullet fishing.
Other Activities: Birdwatching, nature gazing
Amidst the heart of the dense montane rainforest, Violet Lake sits on the Mauna Kahalawai in the western part of Maui Island. Many wildlife species call this place their home. Besides this, the ecosystem is rich with unique species like a flower called Maui violet and Hawaiian damselflies, also known as Megalagrion. Many scientists and locals have frequented the area to study and observe them. If you’re an avid hiker, don’t miss hiking to the summit of Mauna to soak in the views.
Traditionally, the lake also held religious importance to the Hawaiian people and was considered the meeting place of heaven and earth. Visiting the tranquil spot would surely make you feel as if you’ve entered a different world.
Other Activities: Hiking, nature gazing, wildlife watching
Created by an earthen dam, Ka Loko Reservoir resides on the northern side of Kauai Island. However, the lake especially came to everyone’s notice in 2006 when the dam had burst, followed by incessant rains. It resulted in a heavy flood in the neighboring towns claiming the lives of about seven people and destroying many houses. Regardless of the painful past event, it does not fail to flaunt its picturesque surroundings, with Moloaa Forest Reserve forming its backdrop.
Other Activities: Nature gazing, wildlife watching
Kahalu’u Fishpond, earlier known as Kahouna Fishpond, is one of Hawaii’s four existing ancient fishponds. It has been exempted from any public use since 1960 and recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. Kahalu’u Fishpond is at present on private property but is available on lease for wedding events.
Nu’uanu Reservoir is a hidden body of water nestled amidst mountains and lush greenery. Due to this reason, accessing it is not possible. However, it is visible from the lookout point as you hike along Judd Trail and Pauoa Flats Trail. You can also see them from the Pali Highway. The reservoir area is pretty wet due to the frequent rains resulting in a scenic paradise of lush bamboo trees surrounding it.
Fishing: Several species of catfish and peacock bass are available in this reservoir. However, you will have to make an appointment six months before you visit to avoid overfishing. You can catch only two fish if possessing a valid freshwater game fishing license and an entry fishing card.
Other Activities: Hiking, nature gazing
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden possesses a spectacular 32-acre freshwater lake. It is ideal for spending some peaceful time by the lake with beautiful rainforest gardens surrounding you. These plantings are a collection from different tropical regions of the world, including Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, the Philippines, and many more.
The garden, though initially created to control floods, is now a well-known tourist attraction. There’s no entry fee, and you could enjoy exploring the trails to soak in nature’s beauty. To spend an extended time, consider staying in the campsites within the area.
Fishing: Anglers commonly catch fish species like tilapia and midas cichlid. If you haven’t brought your fishing poles, you can borrow a bamboo pole with barbless hooks from here. However, do remember that fishing time is from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Other Activities: Hiking, camping, nature gazing
Wahiawa Reservoir, also known as Wilson Lake, is Hawaii’s second-largest artificial lake flowing in north-central O’ahu. Its wooded shore invites visitors to have a relaxing time and enjoy a picnic. Only those wishing to catch fish can access the waters with their boats that you can launch from the boat ramp at Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation.
Fishing: This reservoir holds bass, catfish, tilapia, peacock bass, and bluegill. However, you will have to catch and release all bass and peacock bass species. Do remember to acquire a freshwater fishing license.
Other Activities: Picnicking
Waiākea Pond is a part of Wailoa River State Park in central Hilo. A walk along the paths circling it would be ideal for admiring the surrounding beauty of the ornamental gardens and beautiful expansive lawns. Many bird species also populate the area, such as Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian coot, canary, osprey, and many more. You can visit the Wailo Center at the pond’s east side to check out the various displayed artworks.
Fishing: Fish species like mullet, āholehole, ulua, and pāpio are mainly targeted here. However, you can only catch not more than 20 fish.
Other Activities: Picnicking, birdwatching
Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is close to Kahului Airport, making it a popular tourist spot. It was initially a fishpond constructed by a Hawaiian chief and used by the royal families. It has now been entitled as a National Natural Landmark and is a paradise for bird lovers. Numerous bird species like dove, geese, and owls call this place their home. In addition to this, there are some rare native bird species, too, like Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian stilt, and Hawaiian duck. You can spot them easily with your binoculars while treading along the paved walkway at the reserve’s southern end.
Fishing: Fishing is a prohibited activity here.
Other Activities: Birdwatching, hiking
Huilua Fishpond is one of the few ancient fishponds surviving to date and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It sits on the island of Oahu within Ahupua’a’ O Kahana State Park. A 4-foot rocky seawall was initially built along the shoreline, allowing fish inside and preventing the big ones from escaping. However, it was completely damaged after the tsunami in 1960. On your visit, you can see parts of the wall still standing, and it is being repaired to make it function once again.
Hikers can choose any one of the trails that run through the state park. Treading along the Nakoa Trail will take you through the tropical rainforest. If willing to swim, don’t miss plunging into the Kahana Stream that you will come across on your hike. You can also find many stone shrines in this area built by the Hawaiian people in early times. The fishpond held religious importance in Hawaiian culture. They believed praying to these shrines called ko’a would help them catch plenty of fish.
Other Activities: Nature-gazing, sightseeing, camping, hunting, hiking
Waita Reservoir flows near Old Koloa Sugar Mill in Koloa within the island of Kauai. It boasts picturesque surroundings with mountains on three sides and a dam on the fourth. Though it is on private property, you can access it by being part of the ATV Tours or fishing tours. A zip line tour also allows visitors to soar above the forest and glide across the water.
Fishing: You can expect to catch fish species like bass and tilapia. You will find many private fishing charters that will help you access the waters.
Other Activities: Ziplining, nature gazing
his reservoir is on the northern part of the island of Molokaʻi. It resides at the foot of the cinder cone, Kualapu’u, whose name means overturned hill. Though recreational activities are restricted in this small body of water, you can enjoy the views and visit the surrounding coffee plantations that produce Molokai coffee.
Other Activities: Sightseeing, nature gazing
As the name suggests, this body of water is actually a lagoon located within Ke’ehi Lagoon Beach Park near Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. Visitors can take the pleasure of numerous recreational activities in and around the water. However, the water is unsuitable for swimming. You will find a playground here featuring baseball, soccer, softball, cricket fields, and tennis courts. With the lagoon being next to Honolulu International Airport, you can enjoy the close-up views of planes taking off or landing as a bonus.
Fishing: You can enjoy fishing for giant trevally, bluefin trevelly, and longjaw bonefish. You can launch your boats at the boat launch at Sand Island.
Other Activities: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, picnicking
There’s only one lake in the middle of Laysan Island, which is also one of the five natural Hawaiian lakes. It is high in saline content and surrounded by a white sandy beach. This spot also offers visitors the opportunity to spot diverse species of shorebirds and seabirds like albatross, curlews, finch, and ducks. Small turtles and monk seal also frequent the area.
Other Activities: Birdwatching
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Wahiawa Reservoir (Wilson Lake), Waiākea Pond, Waita Reservoir
Best Camping Lakes: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Lake, Huilua Fishpond
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