Keaiwa Heiau State Recreational Area is rapidly becoming our favorite picnic lunch location. The breeze is alway cool, and the park is usually quiet. Families come to use the grilling locations and the covered tables. On the southwest end of the park is a temple said to have life-giving powers and believed to be a center where the Hawaiian Kahuna Lapa'au (or Herb Doctor) practiced the art of healing herbs grown in nearby gardens, and compounded and prescribed with prayer. We enjoy the park because of the serentity of enjoying a quiet lunch and watching chickens and other birds frolick under the trees.
If you are up for a hike, you can continue further into the park area and find the 'Aiea Loop Trailhead. There are some amazing caches along the trail, so come and make a day of it! But if you plan to hike the trail (especially if you plan to find all the caches), bring lots of water and good shoes. Also bring some spare slippers, since you will get muddy on the hike.