Visiting the Iao Valley on Maui is a must do when vacationing on the island. The park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an amazing attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.
After being closed for nearly 1 year the historic Iao Valley State Monument has been reopened to the public. On Saturday, August 5th, state officials from The Department of Land and Natural Resources opened the gates to the beautiful valley that had been closed since September 2016 due to a flood that was caused by a freak storm that produced an enormous amount of water. Much of the park was damaged including the parking lot and botanical gardens.
The repair project is ongoing and will cost upwards of 1.8 million dollars. There is still much to do but because of a lengthy permitting process the state decided to open until the fall when repairs are predicted to resume.
If you have not had the chance to visit Iao Valley you are missing out on one of Maui’s most stunning places. The valley is in the center of the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai and is surrounded by towering green ridges. Arriving at the park you will see Iao Stream flowing through the center of the valley along with a number of historical sites ranging from heritage gardens that memorialize Maui’s multicultural history to informational placards that tell of great Hawaiian battles that took place in the valley.
A paved 0.6 mile trail will bring you to the viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (Iao Needle), a spire like feature that shoots up 1500 ft from the valley floor. Looking beyond the needle, you have the chance of seeing massive waterfalls cascading down “Jurassic Park” cliffs that lead back into Iao stream. Iao Valley holds rich spiritual and cultural values for many people on Maui and is a place that you must visit!
There is an entrance fee when entering the park that ranges from $5 to $40 depending on how many passengers are in the vehicle.
About the Author: Skyline Eco-Adventures is Hawaii’s most experienced zipline operator. Feel confident providing your family with a safe and fun adventure during your island stay. To reserve a zipline tour or for more info, visit: https://www.skylinehawaii.com
After being closed for nearly 1 year the historic Iao Valley State Monument has been reopened to the public. On Saturday, August 5th, state officials from The Department of Land and Natural Resources opened the gates to the beautiful valley that had been closed since September 2016 due to a flood that was caused by a freak storm that produced an enormous amount of water. Much of the park was damaged including the parking lot and botanical gardens.
The repair project is ongoing and will cost upwards of 1.8 million dollars. There is still much to do but because of a lengthy permitting process the state decided to open until the fall when repairs are predicted to resume.
If you have not had the chance to visit Iao Valley you are missing out on one of Maui’s most stunning places. The valley is in the center of the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai and is surrounded by towering green ridges. Arriving at the park you will see Iao Stream flowing through the center of the valley along with a number of historical sites ranging from heritage gardens that memorialize Maui’s multicultural history to informational placards that tell of great Hawaiian battles that took place in the valley.
A paved 0.6 mile trail will bring you to the viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (Iao Needle), a spire like feature that shoots up 1500 ft from the valley floor. Looking beyond the needle, you have the chance of seeing massive waterfalls cascading down “Jurassic Park” cliffs that lead back into Iao stream. Iao Valley holds rich spiritual and cultural values for many people on Maui and is a place that you must visit!
There is an entrance fee when entering the park that ranges from $5 to $40 depending on how many passengers are in the vehicle.
About the Author: Skyline Eco-Adventures is Hawaii’s most experienced zipline operator. Feel confident providing your family with a safe and fun adventure during your island stay. To reserve a zipline tour or for more info, visit: https://www.skylinehawaii.com
