This scenic gem is located at the end of Highway 32 (which becomes Iao Valley Road) just 5 miles west of the town of Wailuku-Kahului (the commercial center of Maui). It is a short drive or leisurely day-long hike from town.

Hidden deep in the Hawaiian Rainforest on 6.2 acres of land, this lush, stream-cut, stunning valley is home to the Iao Needle, a huge forested spike-shaped lava remnant. The Iao Needle rises 1200 feet from the valley floor, and is quite an imposing sight upon first glance.

Upon arriving in the park (there is no entrance fee), find a shady parking spot and climb up the small hill to the visitor center, where there are restroom facilities and a bunch of good information signs. Learn about the history of the monument and the valley. You will learn how the valley was once the site of one of Hawaii’s most famous battles, where King Kamehameha I destroyed the Maui army in 1790, effectively uniting the Hawaiian Islands. The stories of the stream being dammed up by the many fallen bodies will surely send chills down your spine.

From the information area, there is a nice walkway heading out over the streams. The natural beauty of the area is intense, and it is possible to swim in a shallow lagoon fed by the warm waterfalls and streams. Simply climb off of the beaten path and join the masses as they wade through the warm shallow water.

If you’re not in the mood to get wet, stick to the path and you’ll eventually round a small corner to the Iao Needle viewpoint, where you can get some decent photos of the mountainous formation. The valley walls here are also very picturesque, these being the walls of the dormant volcano Pu'u Kukui. Enjoy just strolling around the beautiful paths around the park, admiring the unique fauna and flora of the area. This isn’t the place to come for high adrenaline excitement – it’s a relaxing, quiet setting in the heart of nature, perfect for a romantic stroll or a moderately challenging hike.

The nearest hotels to the park are in Kahului, and the park is made more for day trips than extended stays. The park is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, and you can stay as long as you wish during that time. Food and refreshments are NOT available in the park, so bring your own. There is also no clean drinking water available whatsoever. There is a couple inexpensive grocers in nearby Kahului for cheap picnic food choices.

The park is family friendly, and children will enjoy the sights. Wading in the shallow stream can be especially fun for children. The trails are easy enough for children to walk without complaining too much. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit this beautiful monument, it is simply one the most amazing things to do on this island.

If you are vacationing on Maui, and want to see some of the famous sights around the island, you'll want to include the "Iao Valley" State Park on your list.

A lush green valley in the middle of a tropical rainforest, the Iao Valley is also home of the "Iao Needle". The "needle" is a tall, skinny mountain that juts high into the sky. It is covered in foliage, and looks quite odd just standing there by itself. You don't see too many mountains that are formed like this. Pictures don't do the Iao Needle justice... you really need to see it in person. That way, you can appreciate the sheer size of it.

While inside the state park, you can walk throughout the grounds, and check out the different types of plants and flowers, as well as see some animals walking around. The tropical surroundings are quite beautiful, and make you appreciate the beauty of nature.

While we were there, we were lucky enough to see a rainbow form between two mountains. It was a great photo op!

Iao Valley State Park might be a boring car ride for the kids, but it boasts spectacular scenery. Once at the park, the kids will probably enjoy the hike up to the viewpoint and down to the river. We toured this area on an overcast day and it made it even more beautiful, with the clouds drifting eerily around the needle.

On the way to Iao Valley, we stopped at Heritage Gardens Kepaniwai Park. Even though it was a drizzly day, lots of activity was going on here. Every covered picnic area was filled with a group celebrating some event. This park is unique as it celebrates the contributions of several different nations to the islands. A Korean garden area is especially prominent.

On the day we were there, 'Iao Valley was misty and mysterious. It's a hard place to describe. Technically it is what is left of the central caldera of the West Maui volcano. As you stand there and look around, you know you are in an ancient place with a lot of history and legend. It is the valley where the people of Maui took their last stand against Kamehameha the Great in 1790 and lost. It's not very far out of Wailuku and well worth the visit. I'd like to spend some more time there in the future.

Ioa Valley is located in the West Maui Mountains. Just a short walk from the parking lot, you will see Needle Point. This geological wonder stands 2,250 feet. It was caused by the erosion from the rains. Depending on how the weather is that day, the needle will look different. We were there on day when the clouds were low and the mountains looked very mysterious. On anther day we visited, it was a crisp, clear day with no clouds; the needle looked fabulous with the clear blue sky as a backdrop.

After you visit Needle Point, take the lower path to visit the gardens. This area is a very tranquil place with vegetation and the sound of a running stream. I was told that Ioa Valley was a sacred burial site for Hawaiian chiefs. The last documented burial was in the late 1700s. This is a great place to visit with your family. There is no cost and it is only a short trip from South Maui or West Maui. I would plan on 2 hours total for this trip.

Hours of operation: 7am to 7pm

Cost is FREE.