User:Yaskam23/Keaʻiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

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Keaiwa Heiau is a heiau ho'ola, or medicinal or therapeutic heiau (temple). The kahuna (priest, expert) in charge of healing would diagnose and cure various ailments and injuries at this location. The kahuna would also instruct haumana (students) in the art of la'au lapa'au, or plant-based medicine, as well as fasting and prayer. Many of the plants and herbs were picked from the nearby forest and replanted around the heiau. Foresters replanted most of this area in the late 1920s. The lemon eucalyptus trees give forth a mild citrus scent in the air. The trail's lower end is marked by stands of Norfolk Island pine trees. As you approach Pu'u Uau, the trail's high point around halfway along the length, look for native koa and ohi'a trees. You might possibly come upon the wreckage of a B-24 aircraft that went down in 1944.

Although the exact date of construction is unknown, one source claims that it was built in the 16th century by Kakuhihewa, an ali'i (chief) of Oahu, and his kahuna Keaiwa. The sacred area, which measures 100 by 160 feet, is surrounded by a 4-foot high stacked rock wall. A halau (huge thatched hut) was built within the enclosure for the master kahuna to store the medicinal utensils and instruct the trainees. A puholoholo (little thatched structure) and hale (small thatched structure) are possible additions (steam bath).

The 4.8-mile 'Aiea Loop Trail begins and ends within the park. This trail extends along the crest on the west side of Halawa Valley and provides views of Honolulu and Diamond Head (Le'ahi) from Pearl Harbor (Pu'uloa) and the Wai'anae Mountains.

This trek is not difficult, although it does include several slow uphill climbs, as well as a steep switchback and a stream crossing near the conclusion. The trail may be muddy, with protruding tree roots in certain places. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and take in the sights and sounds of the plants and wildlife. Keaiwa Heiau ho'ola refers to a medical or healing heiau (temple). The kahuna (priest, expert) in charge of healing would diagnose and cure various ailments and injuries at this location. The kahuna would also instruct haumana (students) in the art of la'au lapa'au, or plant-based medicine, as well as fasting and prayer. Many of the plants and herbs were picked from the nearby forest and planted around the heiau.

The name Keaiwa means "strange" or "incomprehensible" un Hawaiian. Perhaps the name refers to the idea that the powers of the kahuna and the plants employed in healing are unfathomable.