Iao Valley State Monument

The Basics

Visit to enjoy a relatively easy, 0.6-mile walk to see Kuka‘emoku (or “Iao Needle”), a rocky outcropping that rises 1,200 feet into the air and resembles a cathedral spire. Then enjoy the park’s botanical garden, where you can see examples of the plants cultivated by the region’s early settlers. To learn more about the area’s history, take a guided tour of West and Central Maui that includes a stop at the Iao Valley.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Make sure to wear walking shoes and bring water and sunscreen with you.

• The weather can change quickly on Maui, so bring layers, including a hat and a waterproof jacket.

• Parking is free for locals, but there is a charge for visitors.

• The trail is uneven at times and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.

• There are restrooms on site.

How to Get There

The Iao Valley park is located in West Maui, 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the town of Wailuku. To drive to the park from town, head west on Main Street, which becomes Iao Valley Road and heads directly to the park. The drive takes about 12 minutes. There is no public transportation to the park, so if you prefer not to drive, opt for a taxi or visit on a guided tour that includes transportation.

When to Get There

The park is open daily from morning through early evening. Maui is a popular destination all year round, but the spring and fall are perhaps the most pleasant times to visit as the weather is slightly cooler than in the summer and the crowds are smaller than during peak holiday travel seasons.

Other West Maui Sights

After enjoying a walk in the Iao Valley, head out to see some of West Maui’s other sights: You can spend a day in the charming town of Lahaina, which is full of stylish shops and restaurants, or go whale watching along the coast. For a day of fun and relaxation, head to the golden sands of Kapalua Bay beach, where you can read, swim, and snorkel to your heart’s content.

Ways to explore

Iao Valley State Monument is an ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages, offering a relatively easy nature walk and breathtaking views over the dense rainforest canopy. History buffs will be interested to visit the site of the battle that took place between Kamehameha—the founder of the Hawaiian Kingdom—and Maui’s warriors in 1790, while garden enthusiasts can see examples of the plants cultivated by the region’s early settlers in the ethnobotanical garden. Visit on your own with a self-guided audio driving tour or take a driving or helicopter tour of West and Central Maui that includes the Iao Valley.

Accessibility

The main path to the Kuka‘emoku lookout point is paved but steep, making it challenging for some wheelchair users.

Age limits

The short, paved walking trail is ideal for families with young hikers or tots in strollers, and children under 3 years old enter free.

What to pack

Water, camera, sun hat, swimsuit to take a dip in the stream

What to wear

Walking shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Bicycles, pets, littering, smoking

Amenities

Hiking path, restrooms, trash cans

Address

The Iao Valley State Monument is located in West Maui, 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the town of Wailuku. The drive takes about 12 minutes, and there is ample paid parking at the park entrance.

Driving

To drive to the park from Wailuku, head west on Main Street, which becomes Iao Valley Road and leads directly to the park. Parking is UD$10 for non-residents, and you must reserve it in advance.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to the park, so if you prefer not to drive, take a taxi or visit on a guided tour that includes transportation.

Best times to visit

The park is open daily from 6am to 7pm (last entry 5pm). Admission must be reserved in advance online, so book your time slot for early morning to enjoy the trail when it's least crowded.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are the busiest times to visit the Iao Valley State Monument, as it's when locals take advantage of the always-free entry for residents. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

Iao Valley State Monument is pleasant to visit year-round, although midday temperatures are at their highest in July and August.