Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area State Parks Camping

Description

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a 384-acre park located approximately 12 miles from Waikiki. Keaïwa Heiau is located at the park entry. Continue along the paved park road to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead for the 'Aiea Loop Trail.

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.

There are 10 campsites available for tent camping from Friday through Wednesday.  Several picnic areas with tables are found along the paved roadway in the park. Some include covered pavilions with barbeque grills and restrooms nearby.

Camping Rates:

Hawaii Residents:  $20 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons

Non-residents:  $30 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons

*chlidren 2 and under free

NO CAMP SET-UP BEFORE 2 PM.  Check-out time is no later than 12 noon.  GATE HOURS:  Summer (April 1 through Labor Day): 7 am - 7:45 pm; Winter (after Labor Day through March 31): 7 am - 6:45 pm.  VEHICLES WILL BE LOCKED IN DURING EVENING HOURS - OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED. Fires allowed in designated fireplaces ONLY or campers may bring their own grills.  Put out all fires before leaving.  Campgrounds are closed Wednesday-Thursday.

Hiking

The 'Aiea Loop Trail is 4.8-mile trail that begins and ends in the park. This trail runs along the ridge on the west side of Halawa Valley and offers views from Pearl Harbor (Pu'uloa) and the Wai'anae Range to Honolulu and Diamond Head (Le'ahi).

This hike is not strenuous but involves some gradual uphill climbs with a steep switchback and stream crossing at the end of the trail. The trail may be muddy with sections of exposed tree roots. Give yourself about 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and enjoy the plants and the sound of birds around you. Keaiwa Heiau is a medicinal or healing heiau (temple) known as a heiau ho'ola. At this site, the kahuna (priest, expert) specializing in healing would diagnose and treat various illnesses and injuries. The kahuna would also train haumana (students) in the practice of la'au lapa'au, medicinal healing using plants, fasting, and prayers. Many of the plants and herbs were collected from the neighboring forest while others were planted around the heiau.

The name Keaiwa has been translated as mysterious or incomprehensible. Perhaps, this name refers to the fact that one could not explain the powers of the kahuna and the herbs used in healing.

Location

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.

Campsite Map PDF

Special Conditions

1.  Guests must provide their own liquid hand soap and hand sanitizer.

2.  Check-in time is now 3:00 pm

3.  May occupy camp site from 3:00 p.m. on first day of reservation and must leave camp site by 12:00 p.m. on departure date.

Only names listed are covered by this permit. 

NO CAMP SET-UP BEFORE 3 PM. Check-out time is no later than 12 noon. GATE HOURS: Summer (April 1 through Labor Day): 7 am - 7:45 pm; Winter (after Labor Day through March 31): 7 am - 6:45 pm. VEHICLES WILL BE LOCKED IN DURING EVENING HOURS - OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED.  Fires allowed in designated fireplaces ONLY or campers may bring their own grills. Put out all fires before leaving. Campgrounds are closed Wednesday-Thursday.

Park Rules and Regulations PDF

Photos