Pāhua Heiau, an agricultural temple, potentially dates back to the fourteenth century. The heiau was first documented by J. Gilbert McAllister in the 1930s. At the time, its location would have had a panoramic view including Koko Crater, Kuapā Pond, and the surrounding lowlands, which are said to have been cultivated in sweet potato before cattle ranching and pig farming took over in the last two centuries. Today the view is largely obstructed (or mostly obliterated, in the case of Kuapā Pond) by development. The heiau was originally larger and included pili grass thatched structures. The Outdoor Circle began restoring the heiau in 1985. It is not fully restored. It is now in the care of OHA.
For more information, read this OHA report (PDF) and watch this video (Part 1; Part 2 should appear in the recommended videos list).
Please be respectful, both of the site and the surrounding neighborhood, if you visit.
Main source: "Ancient Sites of O'ahu: A Guide to Hawaiian Archaeological Places of Interest" by Van James.
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| A different view of Koko Crater. |