Ka'elepulu Pond literally means "the moist blackness" and was once a freshwater pond that covered 280 acres. At one time it was connected to Kawai Nui Loko with sophisticated canal systems built by ancient Hawaiians, and part of a complex agricultural operation.

Ka'elepulu Subwatershed is about 3450 acres with the highest percentage of residential and commercial land use. The residential zone covers 2043 acres and contributes to the highest percentage of estimated impervious cover. Upland Ka'elepulu Stream carries surface water to Ka'elepulu Pond, also known as Enchanted Lakes, and the lowland portion of the stream. The adjacent land area located between Kawai Nui Marsh and Kailua Bay empty runoffinto storm drains and the Hamakua Canal extension which eventually connects to the lowland Ka'elepulu Stream.

Although the watershed empties into Kailua Bay through the lowland Ka'elepulu Stream the mouth is basically blocked from entering the bay by a large sand bar. The City and County of Honolulu periodically use heavy equipment to breach the waterway. During heavy storms the waters rise and empty directly into the bay.