Kea'iwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Map showing the location of Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Nearest city Aiea, Hawaii
Coordinates 21°24′08″N 157°53′59″W / 21.40222°N 157.89972°W / 21.40222; -157.89972Coordinates: 21°24′08″N 157°53′59″W / 21.40222°N 157.89972°W / 21.40222; -157.89972
Area 384 acres (155 ha)
Governing body Hawaii State Parks Division

Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is the ruins of a temple (Heiau in the Hawaiian language) at the summit of a hill and neighborhood called ʻAiea Heights on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The recreation area includes camping facilities and a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) trail. It also offers clear views of Pearl Harbor.[1]

Erected sometime in the 17th century, the 160 feet (49 m) stone temple and abundant medicinal herbs in the area were used by kahunas as a type of ancient herbal clinic. The reputed healing powers of the surrounding plants still draws visitors who leave temple offerings, hoping to experience medicinal benefits.[2]

The site provides a map for the 4.5 miles (7.2 km) Aiea Loop Trail. Several varieties of trees and other vegetation are enjoyed by visitors who make the trek.[2]

Fees, hours, facilities

Heiau State Recreation Area is free to the public.[1]

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

The camping and picnic areas accommodate up to 100 people and come equipped with restrooms and showers. Advance permits must be obtained for camping.[2]

The plaque at Keaʻiwa Heiau

KEAIWA HEIAU
A temple with life giving powers believed to be a center where the Hawaiian kahuna lapaau or herb doctor practiced the art of healing. Herbs grown in nearby gardens were compounded and prescribed with prayer—Commission on Historical Sites

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area". Hawaii Division of State Parks. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 Bendure, Glenda; Friary, Ned (2006). Lonely Planet Honolulu Waikiki & Oahu. Lonely Planet. pp. 159, 160. ISBN 978-1-74059-990-0.


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