Stephanie C.
Yelp
Beautiful state park and probably my favorite place we explored in Maui. There is a super easy and accessible parking lot and box where you will go and pay your $10 parking fee and $5 per person entrance fee. Someone was actually sitting there to help us through it, which was really nice, though the box was pretty self-explanatory.
There is a short walk up a bunch of steps to get to the top of the overlook to see the "needle". It's completely paved and at the top, there's a little gazebo and shaded area to rest and take photos.
If you're interested in a hike, there is a "secret trail" that is not encouraged by the park but locals recommend it! You just have to go over the barrier to start, it's very well trafficked, so you'll know where to go. While AllTrails may mark this as a "moderate" hike, it's a little over 3 miles and pretty technical. It gives you beautiful views of the needle but also to actually explore the rain forest.
They say it's one of the wettest places in Maui but surprisingly didn't rain while were hiking. This is not a trail for someone who isn't comfortable with hikes and I do not recommend anyone taking this trail without the proper footwear. We saw people in flip flops that ended up barefoot because it was so muddy in places, and we also saw people in dresses that may make it more difficult to maneuver.
I wore hiking boots and felt a lot more confident in the trail given there were branches everywhere, mud, and just darting around trees! It probably took us a couple hours to go all the way to the top and back, but the top brings you to this clearance that you can see a 360 view that makes you forget where you are.
The way up is a lot harder than the way down, but on the way down, we decided to go all the way to the stream, hop in and cool down to relax. Absolutely the best way to spend the afternoon! I would recommend this to anyone.