If you're looking for beautiful hikes, green rainforests, and dramatic ridges, 'Iao Valley State Monument is one of Maui's must-see destinations.
In this guide, we'll cover park information, weather, hikes, and travel and safety tips, as well as some background on the park's main attraction--the 'Iao Needle.
For more information about 'Iao Valley's cultural history, check out Shaka Guide's West Maui Coastline Driving Tour!
NOTE: Advance reservations are now required to visit 'Iao Valley State Monument. There is a $5 entrance fee per visitor in addition to a $10 parking fee per car. You can make advance reservations at Go Hawai'i State Parks 'Iao Valley State Monument.
'Iao Valley State Park | Photo by Joey Ly on Unsplash
About 'Iao Valley State Monument
Located in Central Maui, the 'Iao Valley State Monument stretches for 10 miles along the lush 'Iao Valley floor.
Verdant ridges covered in dense tropical rainforest surround the 4,000-acre park, which is home to one of Maui's most iconic landmarks--the 'Iao Needle.
This towering needle-shaped peak rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor, reaching an impressive 2,250 feet above sea level.
The natural rock formation is a geological wonder, birthed in Hawaii's volcanic past and shaped by erosion.
The 'Iao Valley was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Today, the state monument draws visitors from around the world to enjoy its scenic walking trails, fascinating history, and awe-inspiring views.
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'Iao Valley Hours, Cost, Reservations, and Directions
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Cost: $5 entrance fee per person / $10 parking fee per car for non-residents. Free parking and entry for residents of Hawaii.
Reservations: Timed reservations for 1.5-hour time slots are required for all non-residents. They can be made online up to 30 days in advance at Go Hawai'i State Parks 'Iao Valley State Monument.
Directions: To get to the 'Iao Valley State Monument, take Highway 32 from Kahului towards Wailuku. The road name changes to Main Street. Take Main until the fork and keep right to stay on 'Iao Valley Road.
The park is at the end of 'Iao Valley Road.
The plaque of The Battle of 'Iao Valley | Photo by drazz, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stepping Back in Time
Known to Hawaiians as Kuka'emoku, the 'Iao Needle holds deep spiritual significance rooted in ancient Hawaiian traditions.
The spire is known as the phallic stone of the Hawaiian god of the ocean, Kanaloa.
The surrounding valley is also believed to contain the secret burial sites of some of Maui's high chiefs.
The valley played an important role in Maui's history. For years, warriors used the needle's high vantage point as a lookout during battles.
Then, in 1790, the 'Iao Valley became the site of one of Maui's bloodiest battles, the Battle of Kepaniwai. It was here that Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army. The battle was a devastating blow for Maui but a major turning point in the future king's plan to unify all the islands.
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'Iao Valley Weather
In the Hawaiian language, 'Iao means "cloud supreme."
With a name like that, you can expect a fair amount of mist, clouds, and rain in the 'Iao Valley. That's what makes this place so lush and green!
In fact, the 'Iao Valley is the second wettest spot in Hawaii, averaging 386 inches of rainfall per year!
Surprisingly, the valley does not get rain every day.
During the winter, from November to March, the valley gets between six to eight days of rain per month, but only two to four days of rain per month during the summer. So when it does rain, you can expect a lot of it!
Even when it does not rain, low hanging clouds often obscure views of the needle.
If that happens during your visit, we still encourage you to explore the trails and soak in the serenity and peace this valley is known for.
While the temperature at the park stays fairly mild year-round, with highs ranging between 71 and 75 degrees, we recommend you pack a light raincoat--just in case.
PRO TIP! The best way to avoid the clouds (and the crowds) is to plan your visit for the morning. If you arrive before 9 a.m., you'll have cooler temperatures and a better chance of seeing the 'Iao Needle before the afternoon clouds roll in.
'Iao Valley Hikes
The park offers a few short, paved trails that showcase the valley's natural wonders--the 'Iao Needle, the 'Iao Stream, and the surrounding verdant ridges.
'Iao Needle Lookout Trail: This short, paved path takes you to a lookout with stunning views of the 'Iao Needle and surrounding valley. Along the way, take time to read the interpretive signs about legendary battles that took place here and the area's cultural and spiritural history.
The trail is relatively flat except for the 133-step staircase to the lookout at the end. Allow for about 30 minutes for this hike.
Mala (Garden) Trail: This easy paved loop winds through a mala or garden featuring Hawaiian plants that were cultivated in pre-contact time, as well as an interpretive hale or traditional thatched house. It takes about 10-15 minutes to explore this trail.
Streamside Trail: After you cross the bridge, take the lower road to explore the kahawai or stream on this short nature loop.
NOTE: Although you are likely to see people in the water, swimming in the 'Iao Stream is not recommended due to slippery rocks, fast flowing water, and the risk of flash flooding. Please stay on the desginated paths for your safety and to help protect native plants.
Majestic view of 'Iao Valley | Photo by Rich Hay on Unsplash
Visiting 'Iao Valley
When visiting the 'Iao Valley, take time to read the interpretive signs and learn more about this special place--from its unique geography and plant life to its remarkable people and history.
Here, not only can you step into a land of natural wonders but also into Maui's past, where ancient traditions were honored and warriors fought fiercely for their land.
Interested in visiting Maui? Check out all of our Maui Tours!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us, so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
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