It is included as a contributing part of the Zuni-Cibola Complex of archaeological sites, a larger National Historic Landmark District designated by the United States Department of Interior in 1974.

Rumors and legends revolving around the disappearance of Estevanico in the region eventually led to the Tiguex War.

[3][4] The war occurred during a later expedition by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, as he searched for the legendary "Seven Cities of Gold".

[5]Some Hawikuu residents fled to the Dowa Yalanne mesa top to escape the attackers of the Coronado expedition.

[7] The ruins of Hawikuh were excavated during 1917-23 by the Heye Foundation under the leadership of Frederick Webb Hodge, who was assistant director of the Museum of the American Indian, New York.