This is currently my favorite park on island, although this is only because it is connected to my favorite hiking trail on island. I actually haven't really enjoyed this park as a park proper because I simply transit through it to get to the hiking trail (also the campsite appears to be closed off), but it has enough amenities that I was left impressed. There are benches to sit with overhead shelters. Bathrooms helped me clean up after I got caught up in mud along the trail. The sinks were outside the lockable portion, so running water is always available thankfully. There are places to sit and be in community with the gorgeous trees around. I heard the Oahu Amakihi at this altitude even, which was a pleasant and rather welcome surprise. The park warden is a self-described grumpy old man, but he was responsive and helpful when I knocked on his door to report a water leak at the entrance of the Aiea Loop Trail. read more

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I was surprised I haven't written a review for Keaiwa Heiau State Park but maybe I did and the Yelp Ghost stole it! Anyway this is the park that you enter in order to get to the Aiea Loop Trail with breathtaking views from the coastline thru the beautiful Halawa Valley with H3 smack in the middle. The Heiau is well marked and as a Hawaiian Spiritual place it is noted that it is to be respected as such. When you enter the park the Heiau is immediately on your left and parking in marked stalls is required. There are restroom facilities next to the covered pavilion and walkways from one to another. The path to walk into the Heiau is uneven and not easy to access so watch your step if you intend to walk around. I've seen feral chickens, feral pigs, feral cats and campers here. Permits are required for the campers not so much for the aforementioned animals. Dogs are required to be on leash. Beautiful and cooler temperature wise. The drive up Aiea Heights Drive isn't as perilous as others comment about but you do need to pay attention. read more

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This place is such a great secret that I almost don't want to review it... Almost, Momma didn't raise no gatekeeper! This is my favorite place to camp in Oahu. It's located in a high altitude forest. The rain usually isn't that bad, and if it is, you've got trees above you to buffer it before it slaps your tent! Since it's not beach-front camping, it is actually bookable and doesn't fill up within seconds! Campsites are numbered and come with a picnic table and a fire ring. Other campers are generally pretty chill and quiet, at least when I've stayed here! One thing to note, there are lots of creepy crawlies on the forest floor here. Make sure your tent doesn't have any weaknesses in its netting! I haven't done the trails here yet, but I will next time! read more

Visited 10 July 2021 You must park in marked stalls. There is a lot of parking but the ones nearest the entrance were full. You will need to go all the way into the park to find parking, luckily, it is all free. The park is clean; rubbish bins are located throughout the park (so clean up after yourself) the bathroom I used (women's) was clean but toilet paper was limited and there was only small remnants of a bar soap for hand washing (yuck!). There were about 3 to four groups of campers camping in the area I was. It is a fairly big area because they were well spaced with ample space remaining The trail is well defined, clean an well maintained, and has some beautiful spots where you can overlook the city/Harbour. The waterfall was more of a sprinkle so it was not much to see. read more

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You have to go through Keaiwa Heiau State Park to get to Aiea loop trail. This place has lots of picnic areas with tables. It's a nice green place to stroll around with your family. With that said, there's lots of bugs and mosquitos so come prepared. Aiea loop trail ends with Keaiwa trail or vice versa. I've always started with Aiea loop trail and end with Keaiwa loop trail. Today, I started with Keaiwa loop trail and came out of Aiea loop trail. Beginning of the Keaiwa loop trail can be wet and muddy especially during rainy season but luckily it was dry and the little stream was all dried up. It's a total of 5 mile hike if you do the whole thing. It's fairly an easy hike with gradual elevation. We took about 3 hours to do the whole thing with breaks in between. You could run on this trail if you're one of those hardcore. This trail is pretty shady with lots of trees but I would wear sun protection. You can get a good sight of H-3 free way in few different sites as well as small view of the airport, Kunia, and Kaneohe. Free parkings are available. We came around 9am and it was full. I saw many cars parked on the grass and I think it's okay as long as you don't block anyone. You can't park on the street outside the park because it's a residential area with no street parking. read more

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I can't believe I've never reviewed this beautiful state park, especially since I live just minutes from it! The grounds are nicely landscaped and neat, bathrooms are clean and the air is very cool and refreshing. There are numerous tables to sit at and perhaps have a meal while enjoying nature, as well as a campground. There are also several covered picnic areas with picnic tables for families. This is also the entrance and exit for the popular Aiea Loop Trail. The trailhead is located at the top of the park and there is also bathroom facilities located near to it. Kudos to the caretaker and his staff for doing an excellent job of keeping this precious site in such nice condition. A very important message to all, including myself... let's all respect the cultural importance of these ancient Hawaiian sites, not only this Heiau, but any site- be it a beach park, cultural site or any site or area you many visit in the state. Be mindful and learn to show respect when out and about, it is a gift that we are able to enjoy these beautiful gifts from the Hawaiian people. They and their ancestors are such a beautiful and giving people and they deserve to be respected by all of us "outsiders". Don't litter, desecrate, mark or take ANY objects, rocks, sand, lava from anywhere. Say a little thank you when visiting any sensitive cultural site and if you're at a beach and see a plastic bottle or can, pick it up and leave it a better place than when you visited. I hope you will all get to experience this wonderful park and cultural site. RESPECT THE CULTURE Aloha... Five Stars * * * * * read more

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Great hike. Pretty easy with a lot of shade. You can do it for an 1 -1.5hours tops. Great for families and dog friendly. Might need hiking shoes for some wet areas but not necessary read more

Keaiwa Heiau State Park - Hiking Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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My father visited recently and I wanted an activity we could do together and take the pup. The better half suggested with try the Aiea Loop Trail, which starts and ends in Keaiwa Heiau State Park. There's more to the park than just the trail. Driving from Aiea, you go up the mountain through a neighborhood. At the end you'll find the entrance to the state park with the familiar brown and yellow sign. Immediately inside is a large heiau marked in volcanic stone. There are some small parking lots here, with shaded picnic table areas nearby and along the tree line. The road splits off to a loop and continues farther into the park. Along this loop you'll find quite a few parking lots, many large to accommodate people. The park has a number of areas for camping with large green grass areas, many very shady. They have a few restroom houses as well, two farther in and one near the entrance. I loved the thicket of pine trees as the loop comes back to the entrance. This would be a great place to spend a weekend, or just come to picnic for an afternoon. Dogs are allowed on leash, pick up after your pet. There are drinking fountains and water areas, be sure to stay hydrated as well. read more

It's more than just hiking the trails, a lot of people overlook the one thing that makes this place special as The energy here is really powerful. Some say people come here for healing, healing the mind and the spirit. If you've never been, you should come. You ask the spirits for permission to enter the Heiau and even ask for help with your journey. But be respectful when you come across, enjoy the surroundings, the fresh air, tranquility, the energy. read more

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At the top end of Aiea Heights Drive, you'll find Kea'iwa State Park. This park has camping grounds, the Aiea Loop Trail (4.8-miles long) and the Kea'iwa Heiau (for which the park was named). As you approach the state park, you'll pass through a residential area then suddenly the park sign appears off to your left. Soon after you pass through the gate, the ruins of the heiau are readily in sight and there is a shaded open pavillion and public restrooms nearby. Several parking spaces are available. When you exit your vehicle, you'll get a breath of clean, cool, fresh air and you'll see yourself surrounded by tall Cook pine trees, ti leaf plants and lush grassy areas. The focal historic point in this park is the Kea'iwa Heiau. What is a heiau? It is a Hawaiian temple. These temples were dedicated to many categories such as to start or win battles or wars, healing the sick, start or stop rain, increase population, and even to "bless" sea voyages. Heiaus were used to support and achieve successes in ancient Hawaiian Life. In ancient times, only Priests and Chiefs were allowed to enter. Heiaus are considered sacred by many and are to be treated with respect and reverence. Not all of Hawai'i's heiaus are open to the public. The Kea'iwa heiau is special as it is one of several recognized heiaus on O'ahu that is open to the public. Heiaus have been found from the coastline up to the mountains or hills on all of the Hawaiian islands. Kea'iwa ("the mysterious") was used specifically for healing. The kahuna lapaau (herb doctor) would compound herbal healing concoctions and "prescribed" with a prayer. The lushness of the mountain allowed for herb gardens to be grown to be produced into medicines. Just wandering around this park up in the hillside you can take in the beauty, tranquility, history and cool breezes while leaving all of your cares or stresses below. Now, relax and take a deep breath of Hawai'i. #300 read more

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This is the absolute worst campsite I have ever been too. The owner lives on property and he is mean and rude and he steals your stuff. He stole my tent, stove and all my clothes. And after he stole all my stuff and just left me with my pillows. He gave us hard time about getting back in through the gate. And my sister fell and got busted up with a big pot hole. I think I may sew this mother F.... I will never go back there actually I may go back there with the police. read more

Solid hike and nice park. It's great if you want to do Pearl Harbor and then go have a picnic and a walk. It only 10 mins away. Very well maintained. The trail is rugged yet hike-able for all skill levels. Note: we went on a dry day, I can imagine this trail is very slick after a rain. We didn't did the crashes airplane, I wished they would have marked the area of the crash site. (That's why only 4 stars) Recommend parking half way up, at the middle lot and start by going up to the top and walk counter clockwise. The second half will be all downhill. Lots of access to water, restrooms, picnic tables and shade. Bring a jacket, it's much cooler than the beach. read more

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Every trip back home my uncle brings us up and we sit and have lunch, catch up and talk about stuff, and enjoy the view and vibe. I really wish visitors would show more respect. Today there were folks running in and snapping photos inside the heiau like it was a amusement park attractions. Other than that it was another great visit! read more

Keaiwa Heiau State Park - View from the corner - Hiking Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

First time coming here and actually getting out of the car. Really nice place at the top of Aiea Heights. There is a lot of parking available, just need to watch out for those chickens! :O Pro's: Nice, breezy, cozy little place where you can go and have a nice picnic with your friends, loved ones and even just to go take a nice hike. From what I hear about the hike it's amazing views and just breathe-taking! Something that I need to try and do very soon! Also there are many benches and patio's where people can sit and relax. Con's: I would say that the only thing that a lot of us don't like is that the park closes at a certain time and once those gates are closed... well lets just say we're not leaving anytime soon. Comments; The only time that I've come here was just to eat lunch with my boyfriend and spend time together sense I had to go to doctor appointments all day long. Loved it there nice place to eat and just spend time in nature. read more

A wonderful gem tucked away in the hillside of Aiea, that's for sure! Loved checking out their heiau, which (for those who don't know) is a sacred place and needs to be treated with respect. Also a good recreation area that has plenty of parking, places to have picnics, and there's a road loop that takes you to other picnic locations and a hiking trail. read more

location, backdrop, restrooms (just bring your own hand soap and toilet covers), all your outdoor gathering must haves. love love love!

Beautiful. Great for a birthday party or photoshoot. Be respectful of the heiau and the wild life out there including the beautiful but Loud parrots lol. Love it up there read more

Great family hike. They recently cut the trees that fell down on the path from the recent storm. Don't go after big rain as most of the path is covered from the tall vegetation making the path easily muddy. We took our 6,5 and 1 year old. Nice panoramic views of the mountains and the H3. Great for trail runners. Fairly easy hike on a nice dry day. read more