Iao Valley State Park Maui Hawaii Walking Tour Central Maui Wailuku Swimming & Hiking Trails

Welcome to Iao Valley State Park, a place of natural beauty and historical significance. This park is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot green-mantled rock outcropping that overlooks the Iao Stream. The needle was used as a lookout point by the warriors of King Kamehameha I, who fought a fierce battle here in 1790 to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

The park offers a well-marked, paved pedestrian path that leads from the parking lot to the Iao Needle Lookout Trail and botanical Loop. The trail is about 0.6 miles long and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, which are often covered in mist. You will also see various plants that are important to the Hawaiian people, such as taro, banana, and ti leaf.

The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and requires reservations for out-of-state visitors. The entrance fee is $5 per person and the parking fee is $10 per vehicle for non-residents. Residents can enter and park for free with a valid Hawaii ID or driver's license. The park has restroom facilities and picnic tables for your convenience.

Iao Valley State Park is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to experience the tropical flora and fauna of Hawaii, as well as its rich history and culture. It is a place where you can connect with nature and appreciate its beauty and diversity. We hope you enjoy your walking tour of this amazing park. Aloha!

00:00 start
00:24 Intro
1:09 Reservations website
1:59 Walk begins
4:50 Iao Bridge
5:17 Iao needle
8:19 Iao Stream
10:17 Upper lookout
13:08 Botanical Gardens