Hike Through A Lush Tropical Paradise At This Historic State Park In Hawaii
When you think of an island vacation, you might picture relaxing on the beach or swimming and snorkeling around The Big Island — but the most incredible adventure waiting for you in Hawaii might just be at 'Iao Valley State Park. This unique landscape stands out because of its jagged rocky cliffs covered in lush tropical greenery. The most striking feature of 'Iao Valley is the towering 'Iao Needle, a particularly narrow peak with a fascinating history.
Visiting 'Iao Valley State Park provides an incredible chance to connect with the natural world of Maui. While hiking through this serene tropical wonderland, you may encounter the red 'I'iw bird, (also known as the Hawaiian honeycreeper) dipping its beak into flowers to suck out the nectar, or the little yellow Hawaiian happy face spider's markings seeming to grin at you as it crawls through the foliage. If you're especially lucky, you might even see 'Io soaring overhead. These incredible hawks are sometimes considered familial ancestral gods within Hawaii.
If you're not a Hawaii resident, don't forget to make a reservation before you arrive through Go Hawai'i State Parks. Entry is only $5 per person, but it is required to get into the park. Between the jaw-dropping natural beauty, the bountiful plant and animal life, and the fascinating history of 'Iao Valley, this is one spot that you won't want to miss.
'Iao Valley State Park holds cultural and historical significance
In a park filled with tropical forest, vibrant wildlife, and gorgeous waterfalls, the highlight still manages to be the over 2,200-foot-tall peak known as the 'Iao Needle. Traditionally, though, it has another name: Kūka'emoku, or as stated by The Historical Marker Database, "the phallic stone of Kanaloa, Hawaiian god of the ocean." This peak has been of vital importance in the region, not just because of its beauty and religious significance, but because of its strategic value to Maui fighters during military conflicts. Being so tall, the 'Iao needle provided a wide view of the valley below, which allowed warriors to see opposing forces approaching from far away.
While hiking through the valley, you may spot a brilliant flash of orange among the trees: the Kamehameha butterfly, named for the powerful king. You may feel overcome by a sense of wonder due to the natural splendor of the place — but there is a somber note as well. In 1790, 'Iao Valley was the site of the horrific battle of Kepaniwai, meaning "dammed stream," because, by the time the fighting was done, streams had been blocked by the number of fallen soldiers in their path. This battle completed the famous King Kamehameha's mission to make Maui a part of his empire and unite the Hawaiian islands into one kingdom.
Best hiking spots near the 'Iao Needle
If you're sick of dodging tourist traps while planning your trip to Hawaii and want an authentic experience, this is the place to go. There are several designated trails within 'Iao Valley State Park, and even more in the surrounding area, providing incredible views of the mountains and valley.
Looking to get out into nature and explore the valley without doing anything too strenuous? You won't want to miss the 'Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop. This trail is paved, so you don't have to worry about losing your footing as you make your way up to a lookout with the best view of 'Iao Needle. The trail not only lets you see the lush forest, but clear, rushing streams lead you through beautiful tropical botanical gardens.
For those looking for something more challenging (don't worry, not as challenging as Oahu's notorious Haʻikū Stairs hike that was shut down for being too dangerous), try the nearby Waihe'e Ridge Trail. While it's not technically within the park's boundaries, the 5.5-mile-long hike provides a stunning view of the valley below. From its highest points, you can see over the forest and across the ocean.