Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Tent only

Keaīwa Heiau (“mysterious temple”) is a historic park and camping area located just outside of Honolulu. Once used as an ancient medical center, the rock ruins can still be viewed today, where the kahuna (“priest”) and haumana (“student”) healers treated patients with herbs and medicines from the surrounding gardens. A rock wall surrounded the entire complex, which may have consisted of a large storage area, the master temple, and steam baths. The site likely dates back to the 1500s and was replanted in the 1920s with stands of Norfolk pines and lemon eucalyptus trees, which give the air an aromatic citronella smell.

Camping areas have bathrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and showers. Day use picnic areas can also be found along the park’s loop road with covered pavilions, barbecue charcoal grills, and picnic tables. At the back of the park is the start of the ‘Aiea Loop Trail. If parking is scarce at the entrance, continue along the loop road, where there are many more parking lots. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 6:45 p.m. in winter months and 7:45 p.m. in summer months.