PARK SETTINGKeaïwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a 384-acrepark located approximately 12 miles from Waikïkï.
Follow H-1 to Moanalua Highway (Hwy. 78). Takethe ‘Aiea cutoff to the third traffic light, make a rightturn at ‘Aiea Heights Drive and follow it about 3 miles
up to the end of the road. Keaïwa Heiau is located at
the park entry. Continue along the paved park roadto the campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead forthe ‘Aiea Loop Trail.
The groves of Norfolk pines and eucalyptus trees
create a forest recreation environment on the hills
above the town of ‘Aiea and Pearl Harbor. A resident
caretaker near the front gate should be contacted in
the event of emergencies.

CAMPING & PICNICKING

There are 4 campsites available for tent camping
from Friday through Wednesday. Camping is bypermit only. Camping permits may be obtained
from the State Parks office in Honolulu (587-0300) or
online at www.hawaiistateparks.org. There is a fee
per campsite per night. Please check the State Parks
website for rates and availability.
Several picnic areas with tables are found along
the paved roadway in the park. Some include pavilionswith barbeque grills and restrooms nearby.

KEAIWA HEIAU
Keaïwa Heiau is a medicinal or healing heiau
known as a heiau ho‘ola. At this site, the kahuna (priest,expert) specializing in healing would diagnose andtreat various illnesses and injuries. The kahuna would
also train haumana (students) in the practice of la‘au
lapa‘au, medicinal healing using plants, fasting, andprayers. Many of the plants and herbs were collectedfrom the neighboring forest while others were planted
around the heiau.
The name Keaïwa has been translated as
mysterious or incomprehensible. Perhaps, this namerefers to the fact that one could not explain the powersof the kahuna and the herbs used in healing.
It is unknown when this heiau was built but one
source suggests that it was constructed in the 16thCentury by Kakuhihewa, an ali‘i (chief) of O‘ahu,
and his kahuna Keaïwa. The 4-foot high stacked rockwall encloses the sacred area that measures 100 by 160
feet. Within the enclosure was a hälau (large thatchedstructure) built for the master kahuna to store themedicinal implements and train the students. Otherfeatures might include hale (small thatched structure)
and a puholoholo (steam bath).

KEAIWAHEIAU

STATE RECREATION AREAPRESERVE HAWAI‘I’S
PAST FORTHE FUTURE

PARK HOURSHIKINGThe ‘Aiea Loop Trail is 4.8-mile trail that begins
and ends in the park. This trail runs along the ridgeon the west side of Hälawa Valley and offers views
from Pearl Harbor (Pu‘uloa) and the Wai‘anae Range
to Honolulu and Diamond Head (Lë‘ahi).
Much of this area was replanted by foresters inthe late 1920s. The lemon eucalyptus trees give theair a light lemony fragrance. Stands of Norfolk Islandpine trees mark the lower end of the trail. Look forthe native koa and ‘öhi‘a trees as you reach Pu‘u Uau,
the high point about midway along the length of thetrail. You might also see remnants of a B-24 bomberthat crashed in 1944.
This hike is not strenuous but involves somegradual uphill climbs with a steep switchback andstream crossing at the end of the trail. The trail may
be muddy with sections of exposed tree roots. Giveyourself about 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and enjoythe plants and the sound of birds around you. Bringwater and wear good walking shoes. Be prepared forlight passing rain showers. Stay on the designatedtrail and avoid side trails and short-cuts.

The kahuna and haumana lived and worked understrict kapu (restrictions). Women were not allowedin the heiau but could receive training outside theheiau.
An apprentice learned the art of diagnosis bypracticing on pebbles which a kahuna laid out on a matin the form of the human body. Pupils learned in thisway how to feel out with their fingers the symptomsof the various illnesses. It might take 15 years for a
student to become fully trained in the art of healing.
The heiau was badly damaged during WorldWar II when soldiers camping nearby took manystones from the heiau to build a road. The heiau was“rededicated” in 1951 and an effort was made tore-establish the historical setting with plantings ofmedicinal plants.
As you visit the heiau, please show respect anddo not move, remove or wrap the rocks. We ask thatyou not leave coins, incense, candles or other suchitems as they are not traditional offerings and may
cause long-term damage to the site.

April 1 to Labor Day:
7:00am to 7:45pm
After Labor Day to March 31:
7:00am to 6:45pm

For further information or permits contact:
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Division of State Parks
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 310
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Phone: (808) 587-0300(Drawing by Joseph Feher, in Ka Po‘e Kahikoby S.M. Kamakau)

Visit our website at:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org‘AIEA, O‘AHU‘Aiea Loop
Trail Map