Keaiwa Heiau (an Ancient Hawaiian Temple) is located at the top of Aiea Heights Drive in the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area. Upon entry into the State Park the Keaiwa Heiau is to the left and you will definitely do a double take at first glance. KEAIWA HEIAU is known as the temple with life. It is believed to be where the 'Kahuna' (priest, minister) practiced the art of healing. The gardens right by the temple were compounded and then given to the patient while praying.

It is unknown when this Heiau was built but one source says possibly around the 16th century. Measuring 100 by 160 feet the heiau also has an enclosure that was a halau (large thatched structure) built for the master kahuna (priest) to store the medicinal implements and to train and teach the students.

The Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a 384 acre park and there is the Aiea Loop (hiking) Trail that is 4.8 miles and begins and ends in the park.

In the late 1920's foresters replanted the area and the lemon eucalyptus trees give off a citrus frangrance in the mountainous air.

You'll also see Norfolk Island pines, the native koa and ohia trees.

Along the trail you may even see the remnants of a B-24 bomber that crashed in 1944.

The park also has 4 camp sites, recreation areas for picnics and breathtaking views from atop the mountain of Pearl Harbor in the distance below.

Directions:  End of 'Aiea Heights Drive, 'Aiea Heights, 'Aiea. Follow H-1 to Moanalua Highway (Hwy. 78). Take the 'Aiea cutoff to the third traffic light, make a right turn at 'Aiea Heights Drive and follow it about 3 miles up to the end of the road.

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

Entrance Fees: None

Services/Facilities:  Restrooms, showers, camping area, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, payphone, hiking trail.

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Another 'Hawaii Points of Interest' provided by:

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.