KEAIWA HEIAU

(from "A Journey Through Time: Aiea's History" a compilation by the teachers of Gus Webling Elementary)

At the top of Aiea Heights Drive is a heiau ho'ola or ancient healing center - better known as Aiea Heiau. The word "keaiwa" means mysterious or incomprehensible and the heiau was thus named because no one could explain how the priests, with the use of their plants and herbs, were able to heal the sick.

Here are some of the plants found at Keaiwa Heiau:

Ko = sugarcane. Probably used to reduce the after-taste of bitter medicinal herbs. Leaf buds were used as an ointment for treating deep wounds.

Ulu = breadfruit. The milky sap was used to put on sores. Mixed with other plant materials, it was taken by breast-feeding mothers to increase milk production.

Ohia = Bark was crushed and its juices taken for sore throat.  Leaves were crushed and ingested for bronchitis.

Hau = Hibiscus tiliaceus.  The slimy sap extracted from the inner bark of the hau tree and served as an internal lubricant for many purposes; as a mild laxative, as an enema, and to facilitate the passage of a fetus through the birth canal.

Noni = Indian mulberry.  Crushed or singed leaves were applied to bruises, boils, sores and wounds.  Bark of the stem was considered good for cuts, while juices extracted from the roots were recommended for skin eruptions.  Fruits were mashed, mixed with salt and applied as a counter-irritant over bone breaks.  Green fruit was also mashed and applied to the head in instances of concussion.