The Ī'ao Valley is a lush, stream cut valley in West Maui, Hawaiian Islands located 5 km (3 mi) west of Wailuku, at . Ī'ao means "cloud supreme". Because of its natural beauty it has become one of Hawaii's most popular locations to visit on Maui.
Iao Valley State Monument
The state park is located on 6.2 acres at the end of 'Iao Valley Road (Highway 32). The Ī‘ao Needle is a famous landmark in the state park. It is a lava remnant rising 1200 feet (365 m) into the air (2250 ft or 685 m measured from sea level), covered with vegetation. The needle is surrounded by the cliffs of the dormant volcano, Pu'u Kukui. One can take a short trail to a windy overlook for some good views. Park hours are from 7 am to 7 pm.
Rainforest
Ī'ao Valley is considered to be the second wettest spot in the state, after Mount Wai‘ale‘ale on Kauai. The valley and the surrounding West Maui Mountains can receive more than 400 inches (more than 1000 cm) per year which ends up flowing into the Ī'ao Stream. Trails in the State Park run alongside Ī'ao Stream and through the forest, making it a nice place for a short hike, if you don't mind the chance of getting wet.
History
The Hawaiian god Kane is considered to be the procreator and the provider of life. He is associated with wai (fresh water) as well as clouds, rain, streams and springs. Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the ocean, is represented by the phallic stone of the Ī'ao Needle.
During the late 15th century, Ī'ao Valley was designated as an Ali‘i burial area by Kaka'e , the ruler of Maui and O‘ahu. The remains of the chiefs were buried in secret hiding places in the valley. In 1790 the valley was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai. It was the battle in which Kamehameha the Great defeated King Kalanikupule and conquered the Maui army in order to unify the islands. The battle was said to be so bloody that dead bodies blocked the Iao Stream, and in turn, the battle site was named Kepaniwai ("damning of the waters").
Kepaniwai Park's Heritage Gardens
Since 1952, Kepaniwai Park's Heritage Gardens have memorialized the multicultural history of Maui. Scale models of ethnic buildings and gardens representing the immigration of Caucasians, Filipinos, Hawaiians, Japanese, and Portuguese cultures are the highlight of the park. The gardens were restored in 1994.
Tropical Gardens
Tropical Gardens of Maui is a four acre botanical garden, certified orchid grower, and nursery located on Iao Valley Road near the base of the Valley. A self-guided tour will discover palm, orchids, red and yellow heliconias, ginger, and hibiscus. There is a small fee for admission. Hours are 9 to 5 daily. [1]
