The forest here is dense and lush, and it is regarded as a place blessed by the local people. Visiting mauis iao valley state park by kevin whitton, author of moon hawaii, and kyle ellison, author of moon maui iao is not a onestop destination, but an outing in which the journey is the highlight of the trip. Group sizes are usually fairly small, and again, what makes these hikes. An enchanting area for maui visitors and locals alike, iao valley has endless opportunities to capture the perfect photo, connect with nature, and learn more about hawaiis culture, history and spiritual relationship with the outdoors. The north coast is an undeveloped series of bluffs and bays, made for whaleandwave watching, or hiking grasslands toward the jungly interior. Maui ancient history stories, myths and sites valley isle excursions. I hestitate to call this a hike since its more of a walk up a paved trail and loop around a somewhat maintained botanical garden. Mauis ancient history, as with all the islands, was passed down through close to 100 generations by the kahuna priests of old hawai.
Learn about the cultural history and geological history of iao valley. A practical guide to the most scenic walks on the major hawaiian islands of maui, molokai, lanai, hawaii, kauai and oahu. Iao needleoil painting by ivan muncysigned in the painting and titled on the back. Explore the nearby river on one of many gentle trails that traverse the park. Iao valley state park maui hawaii hawaii travel guide. A great battle took place at iao valley in which kahekilis maui army. Even though the drive into iao valley goes deep into mauna kahalawai, the valley itself doesnt have very good public hiking. I had never seen anything like this solid green, needlelike mountain shooting straight up to the sky.
Take a walk on the iao needle lookout trail and ethnobotanical loop. Book your tickets online for iao valley state monument, wailuku. Because of its natural environment and history, it has become a tourist. Imagine calling at lush, tropical islands, isolated beaches and bustling fruit markets as you cruise across the pacific ocean. Iao valley is a lush, streamcut valley in west maui, hawaii, located 3. Because of its natural environment and history, it has become a tourist location. I had never seen anything like this solid green, needle like mountain shooting straight up to the sky. Maui loved her very much and as he watched her grow up, he vowed that only the most worthy king in all the islands would marry her but without her father knowing, the beautiful maiden fell in love with puuokamoa, a merman god. If it has rained recently, there are sometimes very long narrow waterfalls coming down the mountains. On our last day there she told me about iao valley state park where we had not visited. Visiting mauis iao valley state park hachette book group. Iao valley state monument also has historical relevance as the site of the battle of.
The focal point of the valley if the kukaemoku or iao needle. One of the top places to visit in maui, hi marsha ingrao. The name may have originated with the verdant valleys nearomnipresent cloud cover, largely provided by. Iao valley guide maui, hawaii maui information guide. Iao valley state park in wailuku needle lookout trail. Apr 12, 2010 this is first of two posts about exploring iao needle and iao valley. The needle is a fascinating erosional pinnacle rising 1,200 feet 366 meters. When you finally reach iao valley state park, return visitors will be shocked to find a parking lot attendant collecting fees. Iao is not a onestop destination, but an outing in which the journey is the highlight of the trip. The history of this area is the bloodiest of the island of maui, hawaii. Even with iao needle serving as a lookout point, kamehameha defeated mauis forces in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of hawaiian history. A needle book is a little cloth book that you can take on the go. Walk along the paved trails and up the 100 or so steps for great views of the iao needle and wailuku.
Find all the books, read about the author, and more. The best time to go to iao valley state park depends on a few factors. Apr 01, 2011 iao valley becomes a cool, verdant retreat. Waikiki, the koolaus, honolulu, lahaina, the seven pools of kipahulu, kaanapali, iao valley state park, waimea canyon, kalalau valley, the na pali. Known as an important political center in ancient hawaii, it was the site of many battles and the bones of hundreds of warriors were scattered here. Since we stayed in west maui and had to leave the condo by 11am, we had a whole day to drive around before our 9pm flight so we did both haleakala and iao valley that day. In stark contrast to that violent past, mauis iao valley is now a quiet, lush valley with easy access and several nice nature trails. Iao needle lookout trail and ethnobotanical loop this is a good activitiy to do if you are visiting maui and want an easy hikewalk away from the beach. Maui ancient history is an incredible story of conquest and survival. This beautiful state monument is among the rainest in the world, receiving an inch of rain a day. The landmark iao needle, a vertical rock peak, looms 1200 feet above the lush forests of iao valley state park. There is a wellmarked, paved pedestrian path leading from the parking lot to view iao needle and. During periods of warfare, warriors used the peak as a lookout.
Bloggers adam hammond marta balcewicz of the website portsie recently cruised from sydney, australia, to vancouver, canada, and chronicled their journey. The needle is a historic site, for in 1790 a battle took place which made a mark in hawaiian history. Iao valley state park the park in the center of west. An update on the closed iao valley for maui travelers.
Jan 23, 2018 the iao needle is one of those places in hawaii that knocked my socks off the first time i saw it. The fascinating origins behind 7 famous hawaiian place names. This is widely considered a lookout for warriors of maui and the view from the bottom is quite impressive. Iao valley is a lush, green, beautiful state park in the center of the west maui mountains. The needle was formed as part of a volcano remnant and is known as the phallic stone of kanaloa, hawaiian god of the ocean. Hikers will be drawn to west mauis tropical mountains and streams, like iao valley and waihee ridge. The iao valleys colorful past makes it almost impossible to not enjoy a lesson in ancient hawaiian history while being wowed by its stunning display of exotic plants, footpaths, picturesque waterfalls and pools. There is a 686meter rock spike iao needle standing between the mountains, like a green spire towering into the clouds, is one of the famous. Iao needle see left, a volcanic monolith 2,250 feet 686 m high, soars nearly straigt up 1200 feet from the valley floor. Iao valley state park climbs iao needle to watch the fourth largest mountain springs on maoyi island. Iao valley iao valley state park maui hiking iao valley. Over many years, wind and rain have eroded this skinny, attention grabbing mountain that stands some 2,250 feet above sea level one of mauis.
Once you round the corner to the entrance of the iao valley state park, the thinnest cliff, the iao needle, captures your attention as it juts skyward to an elevation of 2,250 feet above the sea level considering that the ocean is probably less than five miles away as the crow flies, that. A brief history of the hawaiian trail and mountain club from 1910 1950, r. Drive right up and see landscape youve only seen in jurassic park. This 10acre park, four miles west of wailuku, is crowned by an ancient 2,250foot rock pinnacle and defined by the events of its brutal and sacrosanct history. Iao valley was set apart as an alii roylty class burial ground in the 15th century by the islands ruler at the time, kakae. Iao valley state park can easily be seen in less than a 12 day. The valley was once a center of death according to hawaiian history. The heart of the iao valley surrounds you with sheer volcanic cliffs carpeted with tropical greenery.
Haleakala, iao valley and central maui day tour usa. Read and watch a video on the iao valleys needle and stream. A guide to lahaina, kaanapali, kapalua and iao valley. Buy iao needle canvas prints designed by millions of independent artists from all over the world. A short drive from the maui tropical plantation is the iao valley, home to the iao needle.
Iao valley state parkfamous battleground where king kamehameha defeated mauis warriors and ruler in his quest to unite the islands and is now also home to a beautiful botanical garden. If youre measuring from sea level, the iao needle is 2250 feet high. Maui loved her very much and as he watched her grow up, he vowed that only the most worthy king in all the islands would marry her. Summit mauis 10,023foot 3,007meter dormant volcano while learning about its geologic history on the driving ascent. A needle book is a little cloth book that you can take on. If youre looking for the very best view of the iao needle, then youre better off going to the park in the morning, as the iao needle is less likely to be cloud covered at this time. The cultural gardens are located approximately one mile from the parking entrance gates of iao needle state park. The name may have originated with the verdant valleys nearomnipresent cloud cover, largely provided by the equally emerald surrounding west maui mountains. We tried to go today and there is a police officer at the road to ensure that no one goes in. Kepaniwai park and heritage gardens is an interesting and lowkey spot with small pavilions made by various cultural groups on. During past battles, the iao needle was an ideal spot to observe enemy movement. Iao valley state park and our hike to see the famous. Jan 14, 2015 a comprehensive guide to the iao needle.
Maui tropical plantation 35minute narrated tram tour through flower fields and fruit orchards. Iao valley state park iao needle see it all on tour. The iao needle is one of those places in hawaii that knocked my socks off the first time i saw it. It is a great spot to visit on your way to or from the airport, since it only takes a few minutes to get there. This natural wonder was formed from a long gone volcano. Travel to wailuku town, and youre only minutes away from iao.
Sarah vowells unfamiliar fishes, a quirky history of. A clear creek ambles beside a skinny peak, the iao needle. The only part of iao valley which could be considered a hike is the 10minute, paved walking trail leading up to a lookout peering out at iao needle. Guests are given a stunning view of the needle from the stairways leading up at iao valley state park.
Apparently there was major floodinga few weeks ago and the cop says it will not open for a few months. The park at the end of the road is where youll see the. Iao valley state park is a beautiful stop on our maui volcanoes tour. Once the site of an alii hawaiian royalty burial ground, iao valley is now a national natural landmark visited by thousands of nature enthusiasts. It was designated a national natural landmark in 1972. For easy to moderate hikes, hike maui 8088795270 or 8663246284, 6am8pm daily offers knowledgeable guides who will take you to some of the islands most scenic locations. Reaching 2,250 feet above the valley floor, the iaoneedle is a remnant from past volcanic eruptions thats been carved by years of erosion. Both are worth a stop and these are great places to enjoy on your last day on maui as checkout is usually around 11am in most resorts and condos.
Mauis history along the road to hana ancient hawaiians were a people without writing who preserved their history in chants and legends. Nearby is the hawaii nature center and bailey house museum. At iao, king kamehameha i defeated the maui army in a pivotal battle in his quest to unite the islands under one rule, a feat that had never been accomplished prior. This is first of two posts about exploring iao needle and iao valley. This famous landmark in maui in iao valley state park rises 1200 feet above the floor of the valley. The iao needle is 2250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley.
A guide to lahaina, kaanapali, kapalua and iao valley kepler, angela kay on. Iao valley state park the park in the center of west maui. Reaching 2,250 feet above the valley floor, the iaoneedle is a remnant from past. Hawaiian native plant genera, univeristy of hawaii, department of botany.
If it has rained recently, there are sometimes very. Iao valley state monument wailuku 2020 all you need to. Its amazing to me the variety of landmarks that those volcanoes can create. Once inside, the trail within the park is a paved, semicrowded walkway which winds its way up 3 steps to a lookout for 2,250foot kukaemoku.
Iao needle, the most iconic point in iao valley, is a 1,200 foot tall natural rock formation once used as an altar. It rises abruptly from the valley floor and stands 1,200. But really, it was designated a burial grounds for the ruling alii and is not really a place for traipsing around. Today, iao valley is recognized as a very special place for both its spiritual value and spectacular scenery. There is a wellmarked, paved pedestrian path leading from the parking lot to view iao needle and the ridgetop lookout provides incredible views of the valley. Take in the tropical scenery and expansive views before driving on to the next piece of eye candy. Iao valley state park is closed until further notice. When you are in iao valley, you are surrounded by steep green mountains 3000 to 5700 feet high. Iao valley is a favorite visitor attraction because of its convenient admission. Once in old hawaii, in the days when anything was possible, maui, the most powerful god, had a beautiful daughter. Iao needle 40s hawaii large vintage oil painting maui. Many warriors died here and for hawaiians it is a spiritual and sacred place that is rich in ancient history.
Iao valley was set apart as an alii roylty class burial ground. The iao needle and stream are located in central maui. Located on the island of maui, iao valley state monument contains the kukaemoku iao needle, a geological feature created by erosion. The fascinating origins behind 7 famous hawaiian place. If you plan to go to the park find a way to make sure it is open before driving there. There is no question that the iao valley is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Yearly rainfall there is an incredible amount of rainfall in the iao valley and it is a pretty good spot of the rest of maui is getting a little to hot and you want to cool off. The stream is warm and shallow and a favorite for locals to cool off in on hot days. At 2,250 feet above sea level, the iao needle isnt the tallest volcanic remnant around, but its unique shape, separation from the surrounding cliffs, and history give it special significance and beauty. Make a point to visit mauis iao needle go visit hawaii. Iao valley is deep, narrow gorge 5 miles 8 km long and flanked by heavily forested walls almost a mile in height. I met a wonderful woman while battling the hawaiian surf oldlady style. Central maui hiking options are varied enough that while most hikes arent exactly challenging, there are opportunities for a good workout. To complete your iao valley experience, visiting the kepaniwai cultural gardens, also known as, kepaniwai heritage garden park, is essential.