Iao Valley State Park – One of the Best Experiences On Maui

Maybe this isn’t a secret, maybe it was just me who was in the dark? In all of my previous trips to Maui, I had never heard of Iao Valley State Park. But this might be the most easily accessible, most stunningly beautiful spot on the island.

When you plan a trip to Maui, you do your research, you plan your excursions. If it is your first trip you’ll likely do Haleakala or the Road to Hana. Definitely some whale watching, snorkeling and sunset cruises. Maybe just hanging at the beach or exploring the beach towns is your thing. I thought I’d done all of the must-be-seen sights on previous trips. Then I read an article from our friend and fellow PNW’er, the amazing Chantelle from Flannel or Flip Flops, The Best Experiences in Maui (that aren’t the beach). Chantelle details fantastic excursions that are worth a visit, but the one that stuck out to me was Iao Valley State Park.

Getting to Iao Valley State Park

This state park is very easy to get to. It is 20 minutes from the airport or maybe 45 minutes from Lahaina/Kaanapali; at the base of the West Maui Mountains. I decided to stop on my way back to Kaanapali after my Epic Doors-off Helicopter Tour (find that post here).

It was still relatively early so I was able to find parking without any trouble. If you are later in the day, finding a spot may be an issue. Parking will cost you $10 (free for residents). Take the short walk to the entrance – it’s a $5 admission (again, free for residents) and they take credit cards in case you don’t have cash (halleluiah!).

Exploring the park

The park is not only a site of incredible beauty, but historically significant. In this valley, Kamehameha defeated the Maui army in a ferocious battle to unite the islands – a battle that would contribute an important part of Hawaiian history. Read more here.

A paved path leads about 0.6 miles from the entrance to a viewpoint from which you can look out over this incredible, lush, green valley. There are off-shoots and paths that lead down to the river and other awe-inspiring views. If you take the footpath downwards from the entrance, there is a small exhibition center with a thatched hale.

The whole park does not take long so it can definitely be accomplished in an hour or two.

The surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Lush doesn’t begin to describe the landscape, and the impossible shades of green…just wow.

Iao Needle

The predominant feature of the valley is the Iao Needle – Kuka‘emoku – an feature that rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. The Needle is a moss/leaf covered rock formation and definitely a little phallic. You cannot hike up to it, in fact there are really no trails that go beyond the viewpoint. As the Iao Valley is the second rainiest place in Hawaii, often times the Iao Needle is covered in fog and clouds in the afternoon.

Conclusion

I was truly humbled and awestruck by Iao Valley State Park. Even now, as I edit pictures and reflect on this trip, I think of this magical place and am blown away by its beauty. However, as tourists we need to remember to be respectful of the Native Hawaiian culture and take care to acknowledge and honor the sacred lands.

Read our other Maui Adventures

• Maui Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
• Haleakala Sunrise and Kihei
• Day Drinking Lahaina