Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is located just a few miles west of Wailuku. The 1200 foot Iao Needle, one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, is located here.

A short, easy hike will bring to you a lookout overlooking the Iao Valley.  The day we were there it was sunny and clear, but they get a fair amount of rain in the valley so the Needle is often shrouded in clouds.

The Iao Valley has great historical significance.  “It was here in 1790 at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui’s army in his quest to unite the islands. Even with Iao Needle serving as a lookout point, Kamehameha defeated Maui’s forces in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history.”  History boards at the entrance of the park will tell you the history of the area.

There are hiking paths along the river and through a botanical garden.

Maralee