Iao Needle Upper and Lower Paths, Wailuku
NOTE: If you are not a Hawaii resident, you must make an online reservation (I recommend looking at the website a few days ahead, but one day ahead is often ok), and pay $6 to enter, and $10 for parking. If you come in the same car as a resident, you don't have to pay for parking. You choose the date you will come when you make the reservation.
As you drive into Iao Valley, you sense that you are in a special place. The mountains tower above you, draped in mist. Once you reach Iao Valley State Monument, you can't wait to immerse yourself in it! From the parking lot, there are two ways to go- make sure you see both! Both paths are very short and easy. A narrow path takes you over a bridge. Here you can look down on the roaring river and boulders. After the bridge, you can choose to go uphill or downhill. Both paths are very short.
Take the right fork and a path winds uphill, and takes you on 133 steps up to Iao Needle. This peak or spire is the stronger dike-stone end of a ridge that also had softer rock that eroded away. The light playing on the valley walls is gorgeous, especially in the afternoon.
Take the left fork and a dirt path takes you downhill to a magical area by the river, with boulders and large tropical trees. I love this area! The trees are from around the world, and a huge one has golden bark. Stay a while and listen to the water bubbling and the birds singing.
There is also a third path, before the bridge, that goes down to a drier area with some plantings of Hawaiian plants.
Swimming in the river is dangerous as the water can rise suddenly and wash you away. There is also leptospirosis in freshwater in Hawaii.
Plaques around the park tell you the history of the area. In 1790, there was a bitter battle in Iao Valley, between Kamehameha who was fighting to unify the islands, and the Maui forces under Kalanikupule. Many died, falling into the river and creating a dam, thus the battle was named Kepaniwai or "damming of the waters." Kamehameha faught Kalanikupule again, in 1795, for the island of Oahu. You can visit this place too, at the Pali Lookout. The chief of Kauai then surrendered, and Kamehameha became the king of all four islands. Guns and cannons had given Kamehameha the advantage.
On your drive back, stop at Heritage Gardens or Kepaniwai Park, which is also surrounded by stunning valley ridges. Here you can see the architecture of the many different peoples that settled in Maui: Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, and Filipino. There is also a path through a bamboo forest. It is lovely, especially on a weekday when no one is BBQing at the picnic pavilions.
Iao Valley can get warm, so cool off with a swim at Kanaha Beach Park, or a lay on a blanket in the strong wind in the ironwood forest that flanks the beach. It is a 19 minute drive east.
For a picnic, buy some butter mochi at Foodland Kehalani in Wailuku. It is delicious! It is a ten minute drive east then south.
Boys playing in the river. Swimming is not recommended, however.
The river, as seen from the pedestrian bridge.
Standing and looking out on the valley.
Looking back toward the coast and the parking lot.
Steps to the top.
The wonderful mountain ridges.
Iao Needle and the mountains around it.
The path below Iao Needle, when you first start your walk.
The river and mountain ridges.
The third path, below the bridge, with Hawaiian plants and benches.
I love the light falling on the mountain ridges.
The third path, past trees and Hawaiian plants.
A tree I loved in the lower area by the river.
The leaves of the tree.
Tree roots over the river, which is strewn with beautiful boulders.
The bark of the tree.
Sign about the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai.
Looking down toward the coast and the parking lot.
Tropical plant, high mountains, and blue sky. Stunning!
Visitors make their way down the stairs.
A tropical plant with mountain ridge above it.
The river and its many boulders.
Rocks and tree roots on the lower path.
A tree by the river. A peaceful spot.
Boulders in the river.
The clear water of the river.
Map of the three paths.
The golden tree I loved.
Tunnel of trees on High Street in Wailuku, as you drive south toward Kihei.
Iao Valley State Monument is located at 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Open daily 7am-6pm.
Non-residents make a reservation at this website.
Last Updated: Thu, 15 May 2025 22:04:17 GMT
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