We’re always looking for interesting hikes and sites, and on Maui Iao Valley State Park is a wonderful spot to visit for a few hours. It’s actually a State Monument, not a park, but everyone refers to it as a park or “the needle.” Whether you just want a quiet spot to sit and read or if you want to swim in the river, there’s a lot to do here. Iao Valley State Park is not too far from Kahului International Airport (OGG) so it’s easy to either be your first or last activity when you land on Maui.
For the hikers out there, you’ve got some options here at Iao Valley State Park, but I’ll be honest, the trails are rough and get rougher the further you continue, so you need to be ready for an adventure if you’re planning a big hike. Don’t worry if that’s not you because this is one of the prettiest places on Maui, even without hiking. If you have any questions about visiting Iao Valley State Park or need more recommendations for things to do on Maui, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.
What Makes Iao Valley State Park Special?
The drive into the Iao Valley is absolutely beautiful. As you approach you’ll see the landmark that the Iao Valley is famous for, the Iao Needle. The mountain spire shooting up 1200 from the valley, covered in lush green vegetation is an iconic Hawaii sight. The main area people visit is the botanic garden trail which is pretty short, but has lots of information about endemic plants and flowers, as well as beautiful sights all around. This is not an epic hike like the Seven Sacred Pools trail at Haleakala, but it’s pretty.
If you’re of that hiking mindset, this is not a well connected trailhead. From the main Ethnobotanical Trail Loop, there are spur trails that head up the valley into the rainforest along the river. These trails aren’t maintained by the State Park, but are frequently used so stay tame. The trails are rough but really pretty to explore as you climb over roots and rocks. There are several places along the best kept trail to access the river with swimming holes having been made by people moving rocks in the stream to make calm areas.
Tips for Visiting Iao Valley on Maui
Unless you’re kamaaina (Hawaiian resident) you’ll need a reservation to access Iao Valley State Park. This is one of four Hawaii State Parks that require reservations if you’re not a Hawaii resident. The others are Ha’ena State Park on Kauai, Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu, and Wai’anapanapa State Park over on the Road to Hana. If you know when you want to visit, make your reservation for the date AND TIME you plan on visiting. I know that sometimes you just want to be free-flowing when you’re on vacation but for popular places like this you do have to make a plan and stick to it.
Gear for visiting Iao Valley State Park
Because Iao Valley State Park is just a short visit unless you’re going trailblazing, you don’t need to get fully geared up. The ethnobotanical trail is easy in flipflops or shoes, but if you’re hiking upriver you’ll need something more solid, like Keens. What I think is key to really enjoying a visit to Iao Valley State Park is actually bringing a picnic and birding binoculars. There are tables and it’s an absolutely beautiful setting for lunch. After you eat, get out your birding binocs to watch for the smaller colorful endemic species like the apapane and amakahi birds.
Parking and Accessibility at Iao Valley State Monument
Access to Iao Valley State Park is very limited due to the reservation system so there shouldn’t be any problem finding parking when you arrive. The trails are just off the parking lot, so it’s not far to go. While the ethnobotanical trail isn’t a wheelchair accessible one, guests who aren’t able to traverse the steps down towards the river will still have a beautiful view of the Iao Needle and surrounding rainforest.
Location of the Iao Valley Needle
I mentioned that visiting Iao Valley State Park is very easy to do before heading to the airport or just after you land. The Iao Valley Needle is located on the east side of the West Maui Mountains, halfway up the valley. On the same road into the state park you’ll find Kepaniwai Park (Japanese Garden and trails) and the Maui site for the Hawaii Nature Center. All of this is just above the cool town of Wailuku. It’s very easy to access and you’ll have lots of food options after your visit to the Iao Valley. It’s less than a 20 minute from either Maalaea (Maui Ocean Center and Pacific Whale Foundation are here) or Kahului (OGG airport).
State Park Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, 7 days a week, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Tour office phone number: 808-984-8109
- Company website: Hawaii State Parks
- Park entrance address: 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Reservation booking link: GoStateParks.hawaii.gov
More Things to Do on Maui
Some people visit Maui over and over and love every minute on the island while others visit once and that’s enough. We’re in the middle of that, but always enjoy out experiences all around the island. I see Maui as the island for beaches and hiking, with some wonderful state parks and, of course, Haleakala National Park. Others see it as a place to check into a resort and vege out for a week. You do you, but at least go experience some of what makes Maui such a beautiful, fun place to explore.
Here are our top picks for things to do when you’re visiting Maui:
- Beach days all around the island
- Snorkeling at Olowalu
- Hiking at Haleakala National Park (skip sunrise, people)
- Drive the Road to Hana or Northwest Loop (no need to do both)
- Visit Honolua Bay Magical Enchanted Forest (north of Lahaina)
- Visit the Maui Ocean Center
- Whale watching from November to March
- Relaxing and enjoying the vibes of Kihei, Wailea or Paia (Lahaina when it’s more recovered)
Here are more ideas for things to do on Maui:
Where to Stay on Maui
My favorite part of Maui to stay is Kihei. I like the location being convenient to any sort of trip plan, and being an actual town with regular businesses and neighborhoods, it’s a great place to find good dining options AND be close to the beach. Wailea is quite a bit fancier and the Paia is much more mellow with fewer option. Lahaina has always been a popular place to stay on Maui, but since the fires it’s been in slow recovery. There are still resorts around Lahaina, but the town is still undergoing full reconstruction.
Having said that, check out the map below for ideas of where to stay on Maui and the types of accommodations you’ll find.
I hope you’ll spending some time in the Iao Valley. It’s really pretty and I think shows off what makes the older islands of Hawaii so beautiful. You’ll find this area very different from anywhere you’ll visit on the Big Island. If you have any other questions about Maui or places we enjoy hiking, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a beautiful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
