Hoi Ha Wan

What secrets does Hoi Ha Wan hold? The sheltered bay whispers tales of a vibrant past. Hoi Ha Wan isn’t just a picturesque bay in Hong Kong. It’s a time capsule, holding within its embrace stories of lime kilns, bustling trade, and ecological wonders. Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, established in 1996, protects the bay’s rich biodiversity. The park encompasses roughly 260 hectares, stretching from Heung Lo Kok to Kwun Tsoi Kok, encompassing Flat Island and Moon Island. The western shore is shaped by the Wan Tsai peninsula. The clear waters of Hoi Ha Wan are home to a dazzling array of coral species, many unique to Hong Kong. Over 100 species of reef fish dart among the corals, sharing their home with starfish, jellyfish, and other marine life. Imagine the scene in the early 1900s. Villagers from nearby Hoi Ha village busily collecting shells and coral. They used these to fuel the lime kilns, remnants of which still stand on the eastern shore of the bay. These kilns, built of rubble stone and lined with brick, transformed the calcium carbonate in the shells and coral into calcium oxide, or lime. This lime was then shipped by boat to Hong Kong Island, playing a crucial role in agriculture and construction until cement took over after World War II. Hoi Ha Wan wasn’t always a protected haven. The bay faced threats from destructive fishing practices. Bottom trawling, dynamite fishing, and the use of poisons threatened the delicate coral ecosystems. Now, the marine park safeguards this unique environment. Look around you. Beneath the surface, a vibrant world thrives, a testament to the bay’s resilience and the importance of conservation efforts. The Jockey Club HSBC WWF Hong Kong Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre, located within the park, continues this vital work. They offer educational opportunities, inviting students and the community to witness the magic of Hoi Ha Wan.