ʻĪao Valley State Monument

The view is beautiful, but I’m not sure if it’s worth making a reservation and paying $10 per car plus $5 per person. The walk to the top is very short, and while there are a few trails, it doesn’t take long to explore the area. The restrooms were closed during our visit, which was inconvenient. There are also signs asking visitors not to walk beyond certain areas, but many people were ignoring them.

Easy, quick viewpoint. There's a paved path and optional unpaved trail. Both are short "hikes". Fun to check out if you are in the area, but wouldn't go out of my way. You need a paid reservation to enter. We spent about 45 mins here.

Such a beautiful place. Is there a lot to do? No. Whatever there is, is it worth it? Absolutely yes. The parking and entry permit gives you access to the viewpoint and also the Iao stream flowing down, where you could easily spend a couple hours. If the fog rolls in, it creates a beautiful landscape along with the mountains. I’d rate this as an easy hike unless you dread stairs.

Beautiful! But the trail is short. To see cute river curves you should step off the trail and walk a little. Expect to spend 45 min - 1 hour. Parking and entry tickets were bought online, 10$ a car and like 5$ per person. But people were dropping cars in front of the park gate entrance, not sure how safe is that

Great little place to visit. There is not much there so don’t plan to stay long. Beautiful views of a stunning steep valley. A short walkway path to walk. Just wish there was more to do.

Loved this place, a great quick climb to the top then multiple paths upstream to a couple of pools to relax and cool down in. Really enjoyed the vegetation being so close to the trail added to the experience quite a bit!

Parking space is limited but we found a space, it’s an easy walk 5 min up to view the peaks. The views were great. Great spot for a few photo clicks.

This state park is breathtakingly beautiful and packed with history. The parking situation is good and leaves you steps from the main trails that allow you to see both The Needle and water flowing down the valley. Staring up at the mountains above you and down the valley is a spectacular view full of photo opportunities. The Needle towers as a standout spot along the trail and the Botanical Trail takes you through a pretty area with native plants that allow you to feel like you’re in a surreal setting. Be warned: the trails are very short so don’t expect a real hike or to be there for too long, but do expect a luscious and photogenic activity.

3 friends and me did a little island hopping and decided to visit this site. Being Hawai'i residents we are able in enter for free without reservations. The surrounding are stunning at this location. Walked the path reading about the location and what took place between Waring chiefs . Many stunning views from different locations. The example of the type of terraced farming the Hawaiians did was interesting. We walked along the river trail which was very pretty and peaceful. Worth a stop when visiting Maui. There is fee when you are a nonresident.

Nice family place to go on a walk & sight see. There are 133 stairs to the top (it didn't seem like that many). There's a lookout point that's beautiful with a 2,500 foot tall Needle! We seen waterfalls that are amazing. You can walk a trail along the side of the waterfalls for about a mile. There are some myths & truth here! The monument, which was known as Kuka`emoku in Hawaiian, was supposed to have been used as an religious altar generations ago. There is a stone honoring the God of the ocean, Kanaloa, located upon the top of the needle. Pretty cool place!

One of the tour guides told me about Iao Valley and said it is one of the most beautiful sites on the island. Of course, I had to see what it was all about! You MUST go on to the website and make a reservation of a time and pay either $15 or $30 depending on how much of the park you would like to explore. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND.. ENTER THIS PARK WITH RESPECT and do not go unprepared. The trail can be treacherous if you are not careful and watching what you are doing. Our tour guide told us a story about how he shattered his ankle and broke his foot 4 hours into the hike and had to crawl out. He said they almost had to life flight him. On this trail, there are some places that are right off the edge of a cliff that leads into a raging river. At least the river was raging whenever I went due to the rain that came that day and the day before. Typically, you can go into the river and dip in when the current is calm. Because it was so strong, I was unable to. I am so glad that our tour guide told us that story because I hiked 45 minutes into the woods and turned back due to a lack of true knowledge of this area and not wanting to get lost. While there are other people around you, there are different paths you can take and would say to be mindful of this. I recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and a wind Breaker jacket. There are many wet rocks throughout the trail, too. Otherwise, this park has the most remarkable landscape and mountains I've ever seen in person. Iao Valley is a historical landmark where the battle of Kepaniwai took place in the late 1700s. You can feel the energy all around that something big took place in those woods beyond the mountains in Iao Valley. A daunting sense of darkness throughout the park, yet completely breathtaking and calm at the same time. You definitely can look around and conclude that seeing this park isn't something many people get to see in a lifetime. I am so glad I got the opportunity to go and see as much as I could. Highly recommended for once in a lifetime sites!

The drive in is beautiful and we enjoyed our time there, such a beautiful place to come visit! Put it on your list of places to visit when coming to Maui!! Only junk part is bathrooms are closed because sewer issues but they do have port a potty's in the parking lot!

Absolutely beautiful! Family friendly, easy hikes, gorgeous waterfalls! Definitely check this place out while visiting Maui. You need reservations in advance but it's very inexpensive and you can spend 2 hours there. Bring a picnic lunch for your family! Enjoy!!

What an absolutely beautiful, tranquil piece of nature to visit. We almost weren't able to visit but were able to squeeze it in before our flight out, and it was 100% worth it. The day we came, it was raining. But even so, I was unprepared for the sheer beauty of this valley. This area is so green everywhere you look. Multiple gorgeous waterfalls. Since it was raining, the river was huge and roaring by. There weren't many people there, so it was mostly quiet with the exception of the rain. So peaceful. We did the short little hike up as well as the small hike down to the river - both were easy and enjoyable. Wish we had more time to do the Waihee Ridge Trail, but next time we'll be sure to plan the time. If it's anything like what we saw, it must be a beautiful hike. You have to have reservations to visit. It's $10/car and $5/person to visit. We didn't know you needed reservations prior to arriving, but they still had some on the website - super easy to make. Definitely grab them in advance to secure your spot, but if you forget, there's a chance they will still be available the day of. Definitely worth the add to your itinerary while visiting Maui.

Easy online reservation system. Lotsa parking & restroom facilities. Great Views, Cool Mountains and Vegetation; Mountain streams; Waterfall down the cliffs during frequent rains; Great trail hiking into Upper Valley; Ice Cold Streams.

Overall an enjoyable experience. We first arrived and park attendants at the gate were on their phones. We had to make reservations so needed to travel back a few minutes to get cell service so we could achieve our booking. We got back to entrance of park, showed our pass and parked the car. Instructions said allow for 30 minute hike time to see the 'needle'. We hiked it up the 133 steps in 3 minutes, took pictures and then pondered what to do next. We explored the lower trails along the river, which to be fair were more majestic. Their are many swimming holes along the river so make sure to bring a towel and swimming attire so you can get some nice natural pictures.

It's been a while since I went back, but I like to teach my kids the old history of the islands. The view was nice as always but it was a bit raining. The pictures still came out nice and the rain made the water strong. Highly recommend. If your kamaaina you get free access if not there's a small fee.

Hawaiian Beauty. We researched historical Hawaiian sites and the Ioa Valley monument and park was recommended. The valley is gorgeous and the Iao Needle is a stunning feature that rises 1200 feet from the valley floor ---a beautiful sight to behold. This valley is rich in historical cultural and spiritual values set where the battle of the Kepaniwai forces of Kamehameha "I" conquered the Maui army in 1790. Incredible history and much to be admired. Not only is there a-lot to see but you can also learn about the plants brought by the Hawaiians who settled in ʻIao Valley by strolling the short path ways through the botanical garden. You may want take advantage of the beautiful waterfalls and convenient swimming locations along the river.

Tranquility. Beauty. Sacred. Respect. I so appreciated this beautiful place. If I had more time I would have loved to enjoy the views longer! If you are visiting, this is one of the many places to come and appreciate. But please come with respect. Please throw your trash, please don't take or destroy plants.

Sacred, beautiful and a short drive from Wailuku town. I love it so much. It's beauty never gets old. Check it out.

It is what it is. A large rock formation sticking up intimidatingly to the divines. There isn't much to say about it. Personally, I found the Grand Canyon pretty boring so my second trip to the Needle was even more of a waste of money than the first. I'd say just check it out to say you've been here and take some pictures, but I don't think it's a place at which you need to spend more than 15 minutes. It's far more interesting for its place in Hawaiian history. They charge $5 per person to see it, and $10 for parking unless you're a Hawaii resident (you can park to the side of the road in front of the entrance, however). The actual Needle is just a short trek up (10-15min of walkable, paved incline and stairs with railing) and is relatively uneventful, other than a small observation hut for viewing and sitting. There are some nice trails and a creek along the valley part of the monument, and if you go further in, a few shallow pools of calm water that are excellent for lounging and relaxing.

This is a great, easy to get to, quick stop. You will need a parking reservation. This stop took no longer than 45 minutes to see everything we wanted to. Beautiful lush valley.

Our waitress recommended we visit this place, so glad she did. We did have to go back down the mountain to get better phone service to be able to buy a one day pass that we weren't aware of ($20 and worth every penny). The views were beautiful and it was not crowded at all!

This was close to our Airbnb so I decided to come here. It's a short hike. I took some pictures around the area and then left. I would suggest maybe 30 mins to 1 hr tops here. Decent amount of parking here, don't worry it doesn't get packed.

My rating is based on experience for the value of time and money commitment to see it. Nice historical marker with a great story of King Kamehameha I and Maui which is more in depth to read online and I encourage that to fully experience the culture and history of Hawaii. Expensive parking plus admission for each occupant, we spend $35 on 3 peeps. You must have reservations though mid day the parking lot was empty. There is a short set of stairs to a lookout and a couple short paths to walk... Took us about 20 min to do everything. The closest rainforest to Kaanapali at about 40 minutes drive and about 10 degrees cooler which can be nice on a hot cloudless day (almost always clouds here at least thanks to topography). I recommend a skip unless you are passing by. Park outside the gate and walk in to save $10. (2024 rates). Much love to the people of Lahaina. The town will be missed.

Great stop!! Reserve online first because they don't take cash on-site, and the phone signal is not good in the area to reserve on the way. The stairs to the top are not steep or strenuous. I've had multiple ankle surgeries and can't handle much hiking or stairs, and I had no issues here. You can see everything from the bridge/bottom area, though. There were areas I saw people swimming in--beautiful lush jungle feel without being crowded.

Reservation is required for visitors, $5 per guest entry and $10 per vehicle parking for non Hawaiian guests. The state park has improved the paved pedestrian path leading from the parking lot to view Īao Needle and the ridge-top lookout provides incredible views of the valley. Visitor can also take a rainforest walk down to the creek. Mobile restroom facilities are available in the parking lot.

Pay to play SCAM recently introduced. Thing is, the girl at the hut gave me the most disgusting and disrespectful LIE I think I've ever heard here. They did a poor cleanup job and shut down the park for close to a year and upon reopening they started a forced reservation system that costs more than the park is worth. The LIE, the girl at the scam hut told me they are charging because of the Lahaina fire, and it's to pay for that. Absolutely disgusting lie. Hawaii and DLNR do better, stop scamming and lying

*Tourist trap alert* I'd recommend giving this place a miss if time and money are of essence on your trip to Maui. Parking is difficult to find. Even if you do manage to find a spot, entry requires 20$ per person which is an absolute joke given what this place has to provide (a man made garden, a view of a river and a 5 minute hike to a vista point where you can actually see the valley). The place doesn't even try to take itself seriously given the fact that they've printed out the same historical notes multiple times inside the area.

If you ever visit Maui... or even lives there, a highly suggested to visit ʻIoa Valley State Momument. Very breath taking. The mountains, ahhh sooo beauitiful and the stream peaceful. If you willing to take the chance in swimming in the stream, go for it! Refreshing I tell you.

Spend the whole day here and bring packed lunch, bathing suit and some towels and go off of the beaten path, it's entirely magical and at the center of Hawaii.

I was here about 15 years ago and came back with my stepson. I wanted hi. To see more of the island than just the beach. Out of state visitors need to sign up for a time frame - I think 3 of us was $30. We arrived and did the walk around. It was beautiful as ever. Sadly the wild kitties that used to populate are no longer there, but I'm sure it's better for the native animals. Follow the path along the river and you can find a nice spot to relax. I would recommend this as a nice spot to explore for first timers of the island. Please remember to pack what you bring in.

We went twice on our trip! Soooo beautiful! Especially a couple hours before sunset as the sun passes through the valley. MUST have a reservation to enter and there is no service up there. So make reservations before you go. Nice hike up for views and down to go along the river/ cascades. Lots of juicy pools for swimming!

Got to see the historic monument and park on a pretty great day, it was raining (it rains a lot there) when we pulled in, and by luck it stopped and the sun came out. There was a huge rainbow that didn't last long, but it was an awesome sight. The monument itself is an inspiring sight. As you walk up a short trail and come around a small mountain you see the "needle" sticking out of the valley. The needle has a lot of history including some folk lore. At one time it was considered a phalic symbol of Kanaloa (the god of the ocean). It was also the site of the last battle between the local tribe of Maui in the battle with King Kamehameha, as he united the islands of Hawaii into one kingdom. They used the needle as a lookout point as Kamehameha's warriors approached. The park is not huge, you pretty much can climb up to the viewing area for the needle or walk down to the stream and maybe go for a swim. Both hikes are not very long. The cost is $5 per person and $10 for your car. I think the biggest let down is the bathrooms are closed (after reading reviews, they have been closed for years). You'd think at at least $20 per car for a few years the could fix the bathrooms. There are port-o-potties however.... Yuk! Make sure to go before you make your way here! This is a beautiful place with a lot of history. Just don't expect much for hiking or to use the restroom.

Came from Twin Falls on the Hana Highway which disappointed us so we drove here instead and got the same vibe even better in my opinion. You have to have a reservation still but you can make it as you walk up & it's $5 a person. We came on a cloudy windy kind of rainier day which is best for hiking. The views were so gorgeous and super relaxing. Not too busy to where it's overbearing & parking was a breeze. Overall would have gone here instead of the twin falls we enjoyed this much better. Close to a pretty garden too driving back down the hill which could be your second stop.

This is a really beautiful, serene place to spend a bit of time. Although it's very small, there are lots of details not to be missed. Originally, we allowed half a day to this place, but you can see everything in an hour. Don't forget to pay $10 for parking. There's even a fruit stand very close to this place on the main road that sold delicious passion fruit and okay banana bread (just get the passion fruit).

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.

A gorgeous small little "hike." I use hike loosely because it's really just a small 10min climb up to the top of the main trail, but the views are absolutely serene on the way up. The path itself is clear cut concrete but as you walk up there are small stops with informative signs and picture-taking spots. You can clearly see the outlines of the valley and the nature afar. It can get a bit crowded, so pick either early or late times to avoid too many people. Also notable is there were longer trails around - much longer. We didn't take them because they didn't really lead anywhere, however; they just more or less kept going with the same scenery and more dirt paths rather than concrete. Still gorgeous. A nice drive down to reach here as well. Well worth a spot in the itinerary! PROS: - gorgeous scenery and a small climb upwards - informative signs with teachings about the valley and cultural context - great photo spots CONS: - not a very involved hike; quite short - can get crowded in peak hours

Usually I rate these types of places higher, but this is just not worth the entry just because it is so small. We spent about 30min max there, and that's after covering the entire park. This rating is based on the regular pricing. We actually didn't have to pay anything... we parked on the street right outside the gates, and for some reason there was no one collecting fees at the entrance.

Beautiful views, easy climb to the top, free. There are stairs. It takes at least 20 to 30 minutes to explore the trails, but give it at least 45 to 60 minutes to fully enjoy it. Parking is doable but maybe a little walk to the site from the lot. There are also a lot of good food options nearby. Definitely a recommended place to visit.

Iao Valley is easy to get to by car and you are rewarded with a beautiful scenery with not much effort. There is a parking lot right at the entrance but there are cars parked on the side of the road leading to the entrance to avoid the parking fee. Restrooms were closed for sewer repairs when I visited and only portable restrooms were available. The air was nice and cool at Iao Valley and it felt very comfortable. A short walk down will take you to the river and small garden area. You can either spend half an hour here or stay longer to take everything in. It's a nice spot to visit to kill time before heading to the airport.

While I understand that the costs for parking and admission may seem steep, please know that costs go back to the county to ensure that beautiful parks are maintained. The views from the park are simply stunning and words cannot describe how breathtaking it is. The walk to the highest lookout is doable for able-bodied individuals. I would feel comfortable bringing my wheelchair-bound family since the lower area is still an amazing view. Bring bug spray, sun hat and a jacket!

Surprised there is an entrance fee now, $10/car plus $5/per person. Despite the entrance fee, definitely check it out, as there are many smaller areas to walk around. Parking was full by the time we arrived around 2pm, but seemed to open up around 4pm. Bathrooms were shut down, but there are porta potty's available. Beautiful views, it's the second wettest place in Hawaii and accounts for the scenic, lush greenery. A breath of fresh air in this special place.

I'm not sure why, but the worker let us in for free. I loved it here. It's the type of nature I really like. Mountains with tons of green with fog.

About a 45min drive from Kaanapali, it felt like a small green oasis away from the ocean and town vibes. Temperature was also about 10 degrees cooler. They changed their fee structure so that it's now $5/pp and $10/car. However, most cars parked on the side of the road near the entrance to avoid the parking fee. Nice cultural history where King Kamehameha had a bloody battle with the local Maui natives. There's a small trail to the tip that takes about 20min round trip. A gentle incline, but there are steps so keep that in mind with baby strollers and other accessibility issues. It was nice change in scenery, but understand that paying $20+ for about 30min may be a steep price

I decided to take a break from the beach last Sunday and drive out to the Iao Valley. After all, Maui is called the Valley Island and this one has been considered sacred. It was an easy trip to another gorgeous, lush, and rain forest-like world. I loved the journey in and the various short scenic walks (including the river, a garden area, and of course the spire) just past the parking lot. I was also fascinated by the history of this place. For example, Maui's ruler Kakae, in the late 15th century, designated Iao Valley as an alii burial ground, with remains in secret places. In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai (damming of the waters) took place here, in which Kamehameha the Great defeated Kalanikūpule and the Maui army during his campaign to unify the islands. The battle was said to be so bloody that dead bodies blocked Iao Stream, hence the name.

Docked 1 star because the price is kind of steep! $10 per car to park in the lot (if you park on the street and walk up, then you can save yourself the parking fee) and THEN ALSO $5 per person aged 3 years and up. The main trail is a short, paved walk and there are over 100 steps up to a viewing area. Then you can also hike down to the river, where people were wading and getting in the water. Our kids (2 and 4yo) enjoyed walking in the shallow parts and playing with/throwing the rocks and pebbles in the river. I wish we could have spent more time here! We spent about 30 minutes maybe, but I would have loved to had 1+ hour here. There are some mosquitoes here, so use repellent if you don't want any bites.

Honestly a bit underwhelming. Small parking lot that you pay $10 (free outside the gate, wish I'd known the extra 50feet wasn't worth it). $5 per non-resident. Very short hike. The view from the bridge is basically the same as going up to the end. The other thing to do is hike up the river. Saw a couple of birds and a wicked looking spider. I preferred the picnic area just down the road that has a bunch of stuff dedicated to the Japanese Korean and Chinese immigrants.

An easy tourist spot to add to your Maui bucket list. This was my 3rd visit to the island but first time to Iao Valley (I've truly missed out!). A short drive up a residential neighborhood in Kahului takes you to a gorgeous scenic spot that is quintessential Maui. Don't let the $10 car/$5 person entrance fee stop you from taking in the natural beauty of the Iao "Needle" and surrounding mountains, river, garden, and short paved (steps) trails. It's fairly easy getting to the top if you're in fair physical shape; otherwise, take your time and enjoy the view. There are many photo ops right from the parking lot, to the lookout, and down to the rocky river at the bottom. Be kind. Respect the island and its community. Mahalo!

Very cool. Not too many people during midweek. At first I thought It was just the short paved trails but you can follow the river for quite some distance on unmarked trails. Swimming holes and rocks to climb on. I will go again.

Yikes... 7 years later. It took me 7 years to come back here... Still an amazing place. And even more so this time around! Went off the beaten path some and ended up jumping into the water and it was awesome. Gorgeous views, and amazing water... the epitome of Maui, but not at the beach. Go early to have some time to yourselves, and get some great shots without a bunch of people in it.

Beautiful views, cooler weather in the mountains, kid friendly, and a nice place to walk around or hike. It's only $5/person (free for locals), and $10 to park (or park free on the street and walk over). You can easily spend 1-2hrs here, or longer if you're hiking.

C'est magique! That's the words that came out of my mouth after the short hike up to the viewing point of the "needle". There was this amazing man making music for free (please give him a tip if he's still there) with his singing bowls. The views from the lookout are magical, specially with this guy so in touch with nature making it even more special. Take your time to find the other trails down to the bed of the falls. Just take care of slippery rocks. Such an easy drive for what you get from nature out of this mystical place. The history is very interesting for us all, and specially Hawaiian people. So make sure to read the plaques and historical chest sheets at the site.

We were very excited to see this place. Drove all the way there only to learn the monument is closed until Jan 2023. The drive is pretty.

This is a beautiful state park. Although parking isn't free, you can easily park on the road and take a short walk up. It reminds me a mixture of Manoa Valley and the Pali if you've ever been to those places on Oahu. Anyway, they also have a few easy hiking trails, or some more difficult ones, but you definitely don't need to do any hiking to enjoy the beauty of this place. If you get a chance, it's a great place to visit and an easy drive to get to from Kahului.

An easy way to experience being in the "cracks" of the mountains. You'll want to take photos! This special spot is easy to access, doesn't require a large chunk of time, and is family friendly. Many find this place spiritual.

Beautiful park with some connected hiking trails nearby. It's so green with a short 0.5 mile staircase up to a great view spot. Fees: fair warning, there is a parking fee PLUS a per person fee. There's one pay station that takes cash or card. Pro-tip: there's a few (truly a few like 3) spots that's are technically outside of the parking lot. Park there if you can and walk across the parking lot so you only pay the per person fee. Definitely bring a rain jacket as it can get a bit wet and some good hiking shoes to walk around in. Enjoy!

What a great view of the very picturesque Lao valley. Drive from Lahaina was jaw dropping as roads were very narrow for like 20-30 miles. However very scenic and must do if you can do. State park view is the closest to the twin rocks famous in valley. This was probably most scenic things we saw during our Hawaii vacation to Big Island and Maui. Park has river too and great spot to relax there. Entry fees was just $5 for a vehicle so very reasonable. Loved this and highly recommended.