In the ancient Hawaiian days, Kaelepulu Pond was part of a huge ahupua'a called Koolaupoko. An ahupua'a is a section of land that runs from the mountains to the sea. The ahupua'a was separated into three parts: the mountains (uka), the land/plain (kula), and the sea (kai). These parts of the ahupua'a provided everything that the ancient Hawaiians needed to survive. The word ahupua'a means pig (pua'a) alter (ahu), because the Hawaiians used to sacrifice a pig when it was time to pay their taxes.

An 'ili was one of the smaller sections that was found in the ahupua'a. Kaelepulu Pond, surrounded by fertile marshland, is a perfect example of an 'ili and of a flourishing wetland. In an 'ili, there were many freshwater streams (kalawai). The streams played a VERY important role in old Hawaii. Streams were among the most important natural resources sought after by native Hawaiians. Connecting Kaelepulu Pond to the sea was a mile-long stream. There was also another freshwater stream that connected Kaelepulu Pond (refer to map) with its adjoining pond, Kawainui Pond (now the largest marsh in the State of Hawaii). Many taro patches were planted along this stream that was filled with "succulent" (fat and juicy) fish.