The animals that the ancient Hawaiians brought with them from Polynesia were an important source of food. Some of the animals were dogs, chickens, fish and pigs. The Hawaiians kept no pets but used the animals mainly for food or for sacrifices. Animals such as the Polynesian pig were raised and sacrificed to the Goddess of the Hula, or they were eaten during luaus.

Fish, such as the o'opu, mullet, aholehole, and awa, were found in great numbers in Kaelepulu Pond, which was a huge freshwater fishpond. The pond was so full of succulent and fattened fish that it generously fed the people of the 'ili (local community) year-round. The ancient Hawaiians let the fish in the fishpond grow large enough for them to eat.

Kaelepulu Pond was also the home of many native water and migratory birds. The Hawaiians collected feathers from the birds to make capes for their ali 'ai moku, or head chief.