What is Keaiva Heiau State Park, a healing temple on Oahu?

 

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is a resort area that is familiar to Japanese people.

The state of Hawaii has approximately 132 islands, six of which can be visited: Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii Island.

It is a popular resort destination not only among Japanese but also among travelers from around the world because of its mild year-round climate and low humidity, which makes it a comfortable place to spend time.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is the third largest of the touristable islands and is home to Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii, making it the political and economic center as well as the tourist destination.

The largest industry is tourism, but pineapple, sugarcane, and coffee production is also thriving.

Oahu is popular because of its many tourist attractions, such as the famous Waikīkī Beach and Diamond Head, and because of the many activities that can be experienced there.

 

How to get to Oahu

There are many direct flights to Oahu from airports in major cities in Japan.

There are many airline routes, including Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, not to mention Japan's ANA and JAL, so there are many options for itineraries.

The flight time is about 7 hours from Japan, but the return flight from Hawaii is about 9 hours due to the jet stream.

Also, since it crosses the date line, the itinerary may jump dates, such as 7 days and 5 nights.

The airport on Oahu is called Daniel K. Inouye Airport, commonly known as Honolulu Airport.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu has many tourist attractions and offers a variety of tours and activities.

And there is no end to the number of people who return to Oahu again and again, captivated by the beauty of the city and the power of nature.

I would like to introduce such attractions of Oahu.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Hawaii is famous for Waikiki Beach.

This beach is the first thing you see when you leave the hotel. Many families come to enjoy the beach and the waves are calm, so you can enjoy the beach in peace.

There are many more beaches on Oahu, and all of them are well maintained.

The contrast between the blue sea and the white sandy beaches is a perfect example of one of the best resort destinations in the world.

Also, if you turn your back to the ocean, you can see the towering mountain ranges and Diamond Head.

One of Oahu's attractions is that you can enjoy both ocean and mountain recreation at the same time.

The dynamic nature of the spectacular scenery created by the volcanic terrain is a sight that can only be seen on Oahu.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Travelers from all over the world visit this island, which is compact but has many stores, tourist facilities, and shopping centers, and is crowded with people every day.

Another reason for its popularity is that many activities, such as marine activities, hiking, and horseback riding, can be experienced by blending into nature.

And thanks to the mild year-round climate, there are many tourists at any time of the year.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

With one of the largest shopping malls in the world and restaurants serving local and international cuisine, you will never be bored during your stay.

In fact, famous brand products can be purchased at lower prices than in Japan, and there are even lines of people waiting in line at these stores to buy jewelry, watches, necklaces, and other items.

Many events are also held in the mall, including traditional Hawaiian performing arts and hands-on events.

Especially if you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to find out in advance the times of events that they might be interested in so that they will not be bored while shopping.

 

What is Keaiva Heiau?

Keaiva Heiau is a temple site with a name that combines the Hawaiian words keaiva, meaning "mysterious" or "inexplicable," and heiau, meaning a sanctuary built by ancient people, also known as a "healing temple.

In Hawaii, as in Japan, many myths about temples and shrines are passed down from generation to generation.

Here, at Keaiva Heiau, many medicinal herbs were planted, and experts in the field were studying diseases and treating those who fell ill.

 

History of Keaiva Heiau

Keaiva Heiau is located in the state park and is reportedly a 16th century structure.

It was a ritual place of the ancient Hawaiian religion and was used as a prayer hall.

It is said that the location on a hill 305 meters above sea level was chosen to be as close to the gods as possible.

The Hawaiians believed in various deities, but gradually, as conflicts increased, they became places to pray for victory in those battles and to offer sacrifices.

In the midst of all this, Keaiva Heiau was the only heiau that continued to reign as a healing heiau.

 

Highlights of Keaiva Heiau

Keaiva Heiau is still revered as a sacred place.

The state park where Keaiva Heiau is located also includes a campground, picnic areas, and a 7.7-km hiking trail.

Let us introduce you to such a mystical power spot, Keaiva Heiau.

 

Feel the power of healing!

In the center of the heiau are stones arranged in a circle.

In the past, this was a place to treat illness and injury, but now it is also a power spot where locals pray.

It is surrounded by trees, and when the air is clear, you can even see Pearl Harbor in the distance.

When you quietly close your eyes, you will feel the energy of the earth and the power as if something is descending from the heavens.

 

Let's observe trees and plants.

When Keaiva Heiau was still a temple, many medicinal herbs were planted, and even though the temple itself is no longer there, you can still see trees, plants, and flowers of various sizes around the circle.

We can appreciate the blessings of nature and how carefully they were used.

Some plants, such as those that grow only in warm climates, are worth taking the time to appreciate.

 

You can also enjoy the feeling of hiking.

There are hiking trails in the large state park, where you can exercise while feeling the mystical power and clean air.

The kahunas, who were once experts in medicinal herbs, also spent their time searching for medicinal herbs in these mountains.

 

Hours of Operation / Access

Keaiva Heiau State Park is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. from April through the first Monday in September, and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. the following day through the end of March.

From Honolulu, it is better to rent a car or take a tour.

It can also be reached by The Bus, but it is a whopping 2.5 km away from the nearest bus stop near Heiau.

If you are driving a rental car, take the H1 Freeway West direction to the H201 Freeway.

Get off at Stadium/Aiea Exit, go to Aiea Heights Drive, and the end of the road up there is Keaiva Heiau State Park, which takes about 50 minutes.

 

There are many power spots on Oahu!

There are many more power spots on Oahu.

Hawaii has a strong image as a resort destination, but it has a long history and has been the scene of various conflicts.

In these and other parts of the world, places where many legends and legends remain and where nature has created them, there is a power in the air that is beyond imagination.

 

diamond head

Everyone has heard of Diamond Head, but this is also a power spot that attracts many tourists.

In the past, only royalty were allowed to enter this place, which has a strong magnetic field and activated energy.

The sunrise and sunset from the top are very beautiful, especially in the morning, and it is worth getting up early to climb.

Although it is called hiking, even children can easily climb the mountain, so there is no need to worry even if you have never climbed a mountain before.

 

Spot Features

The trekking course can be reached in 90 to 120 minutes round trip.

The view from the observation deck atop Diamond Head is truly spectacular.

Also, if you climb in time with the morning or evening sun, you will be able to feel the sun's energy up close.

 

Access

On the Waikiki Trolley, you can take the Green Line to get there.

The trains run approximately every 35 minutes and have the advantage of being able to enter the interior of the crater.

Those who wish to see the sunrise should take the Diamond Express flight for early morning.

For those taking The Bus, board the No. 23 bus bound for "Hawaii Kai Sea Life Park" from the Kuhio Street seaside bus stop.

 

Kukaniroko Birthstone

The Kukaniloko Birthstone was used as a royal birthplace.

It was believed that giving birth on the stone, which was said to possess spiritual power, would keep both mother and child healthy.

 

Spot Features

Famous as a place to pray for the birth of a child and easy childbirth, this spot is popular, especially among couples.

It is said that the king and other people involved watched over the queen as she gave birth on the 36 stones that are arranged in rows.

This place is also said to be a powerful power spot, with power swirling around the entire island.

 

Access

It takes about 40 minutes from Waikiki by car.

From the H1 freeway, take the H2 and go through the town of Wahiawa, you will see a railroad bridge, cross it and the entrance is on the left.

 

Hawaii Izumo Taisha Shrine

The Hawaii Izumo Taisha is a historical shrine located in Honolulu's Chinatown.

This temple was built in 1906 as a branch of Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture, and both locals and many tourists coming from Japan worship here.

 

Spot Features

If you visit the Izumo Taisha Shrine in Hawaii, you should see the lei-covered komainu (guardian dogs).

Despite their sharp expressions, their Hawaiian-style lei draped over them is a relaxing sight.

If you collect Hawaiian-only good luck charms or red seals, there are some available only here, so it is a good idea to buy one as a souvenir.

The method of worship at Izumo-taisha Shrine is two-beat, four-beat, one-beat bow, which differs from the two-beat, two-beat, one-beat bow that is the common method of worship in Japan.

Remember that at Izumo-taisha Shrine in Hawaii, the same two-beat, four-applause, one-beat bow is also used for worship.

 

Access

Located on the cape of the Nuuanu Canal just outside of Chinatown.

It is about 20 minutes from Waikiki by car.

If you take The Bus, take the #2 or #13 from Waikiki and get off at the Hotel Street or River Street stop, which is about a 5-minute walk.

 

Coco Head

Koko Head is a crater on the southeast side of Oahu.

There are 1,048 sleeper steps leading up to the 368-meter-high summit.

There is no admission fee or time limit.

 

Spot Features

A normal walk to the top takes about 50 minutes.

If you turn around as you climb, you will see a panoramic view of Oahu, and you can enjoy the vast scenery as you climb.

Along the way, there is a pillbox with a pink squid on it, and once you pass it, the summit is just ahead of you.

From the top you can see the ocean and the city of Waikiki, Hanauma Bay and the Waimanalo Coast, and your fatigue will be gone in a flash.

 

Access

It takes about 50 minutes from Waikiki by The Bus #22.

Once you get off the bus, you will walk to the base, which takes about 8 minutes.

 

Three recommended tours to power spots

There are numerous power spots on Oahu.

We recommend three tours to visit these power spots.

 

Diamond Head Sunrise Hiking Tour

3rd note in the tonic solfa representation of the diatonic scaleIf you come to Ahu Island, you must see the sunrise at least once.

This tour includes an early morning hike to Diamond Head, sunrise, and a pineapple smoothie, a typical tropical fruit, for a luxurious morning trip.

And since we return to the hotel around 8:00 a.m., we will be back in plenty of time for breakfast at the hotel.

 

Let's get energy from Oahu! Power Spot & Healing Tour

This tour allows you to experience firsthand the power spots that have long been revered as mystical places, such as the inaccessible heiau and the Kukaniloko Birthstone.

You can also learn about the history of the site as the guide explains it to you.

At lunchtime, you can spend the day relaxing and recharging your own power as you enjoy the delicacies of Hawaii in Haleiwa.

 

Koko Head Hiking Choice of Hanauma Bay Snorkel or Kailua Town Exploration Plan

The Koko Head hike offers a luxurious panoramic view of Hawaii, and although it is a bit steep, the view from the top is a sumptuous sight that can only be seen here.

Then, after enjoying a panoramic view of Oahu, you can choose between snorkeling from the mountains to the ocean or relaxing in Kailua Town after a tiring trip.

 

summary

We hope you have learned a little about the little-known history of Hawaii.

While touring the power spots, you will be able to learn more about the thoughts and actions of the people of that time.

We invite you to step back in time to the ancient Hawaiian people living in the great outdoors.