Iao Valley State Monument
Iao Valley State Monument
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Located in Central Maui, the park is home to a historic battleground and is punctuated by the 1200 feet tall Iao Needle rising from the ground.
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See what travelers are saying
- aehall7Columbus, Ohio167 contributionsTranquil and locale for reflectionWe’re so glad the Iao Valley State Monument opened up by the time we visited Maui. It was cloudy the day we were there but tranquil and calming. We also walked along the stream and made our way across the rock footings. Tried to picture times from long ago. Recommend the visit!Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 4, 2023
- Taylor MorrisBoise, Idaho81 contributionsFun little hikeThis is a good place to see the needle. It’s not marked too great, we thought it was just a small loop at first, but there is a path to the left that goes along the water. There are pools where you could sit or play in the water. It’s cold water though so we just put our feet in. It was a good little hike to start off our Maui experience, but not a must do which is why I docked 1 star.Visited February 2023Written June 23, 2023
- Kelly CCarrollton, Texas22 contributionsIao State Park and MonumentJust beautiful! So many excursions are really expensive. At just $5/person plus $10 for parking this is an amazing value. We were able to get a same day reservation. All of the main paths are paved and the trails were well maintained. We spent about 2 hours at the park. The hike to the top was easy and my 75 year old mom did have any issues. We then went down to the river that runs through the park. There are educational signs throughout the park that tells the tale of Maui and the aloha culture.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 24, 2023
- smhrPickering, Canada277 contributionsThis place was one of the highlights for our Maui visitWhat an amazing place. This is really beautiful. I will strongly recommend to go up the trail from the parking lot and also go all the way down to the stream. Going down to the stream is way easier. We noticed that there are leaves there which have black seed attached to them. I never even imagined that this is even possible. There is an entrance fee but if you park on the side of the road just before the entrance.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 18, 2023
- jane2001Columbus, Ohio197 contributionsEnjoyable VisitIt's been a few years since we visited Iao Valley State Monument and there have been improvements to the parking area and the trails seem to be better maintained. Some guests park outside the gates and hike in but that actually takes funding away from upkeep. I know it costs a lot ($10/car, $5/person), but the fees really do help maintain the park. The park still has a nice casual feel to the trails and the plant areas with many opportunities to swim and lounge around. We enjoyed the park and hike up the creek. Though the signage could probably use some updating, they do share a good story about the cultural significance of the area. It's a must-do on any visit, but not every time you visit Maui.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 27, 2023
- EliHodgesMansfield, Texas7 contributionsPretty; hike involves climbing over rocks/boulders and up trails - fun!Wear shoes that can get wet if you plan to go up the trail to the soaking pools. Remember this is literally a major battle site so imagine the warriors fighting hand to hand in this terrain... Be respectful as it is sacred for that reason and others. The clouds never seem to leave this area. One of the wettest places on the planet. Water is cold, but I got in during November for a soak. Bring a sack lunch and go to the restroom before you hike.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 10, 2023
- Christie RBountiful, Utah4 contributionsPermit RequiredThe needle is cool. We took the nearby trail and hiked along a stream. You do need to get a permit to enter the area. We drove back down the canyon where we had some bars on our phone. We registered and turned around to drive back up the canyon to the iou needleVisited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 12, 2024
- Hrothmir202 contributionsWorth a stop (but park outside the park and walk in).The view of the "needle" in the park is impressive. The walk to it is paved and short. The botanical gardens at the site seemed in a poor state when we were there (Feb.). Going to the needle and seeing the botanical garden took about 30 minutes. One needs a timed ticket to go Iao Valley State Monument now. We purchased a timed ticket for entrance and also for parking. I believe the parking was $10. When we got there, we realized many smart people were parking on the road just outside the park entrance (no charge) and walking in (short distance). I wish we had known to do that.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,188 reviews
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Hrothmir
Smyrna, GA202 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The view of the "needle" in the park is impressive. The walk to it is paved and short. The botanical gardens at the site seemed in a poor state when we were there (Feb.). Going to the needle and seeing the botanical garden took about 30 minutes.
One needs a timed ticket to go Iao Valley State Monument now. We purchased a timed ticket for entrance and also for parking. I believe the parking was $10. When we got there, we realized many smart people were parking on the road just outside the park entrance (no charge) and walking in (short distance). I wish we had known to do that.
One needs a timed ticket to go Iao Valley State Monument now. We purchased a timed ticket for entrance and also for parking. I believe the parking was $10. When we got there, we realized many smart people were parking on the road just outside the park entrance (no charge) and walking in (short distance). I wish we had known to do that.
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wizard
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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
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
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christie R
Bountiful, UT4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The needle is cool. We took the nearby trail and hiked along a stream. You do need to get a permit to enter the area. We drove back down the canyon where we had some bars on our phone. We registered and turned around to drive back up the canyon to the iou needle
Written February 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rmartinmitch
Boston, MA573 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We had a chance to visit the Iao Valley State Monument during our recent trip to Maui. It is a very beautiful and tranquil site, with various hiking trails and a covered lookout post.
There are multiple trails available for hiking and ponds for swimming. But take care, the water is very, very cold - hard to understand how that is even possible in Hawaii.
The area is the site of a famous battle among native Hawaiians and is considered a sacred site by locals.
Worth visiting.
There are multiple trails available for hiking and ponds for swimming. But take care, the water is very, very cold - hard to understand how that is even possible in Hawaii.
The area is the site of a famous battle among native Hawaiians and is considered a sacred site by locals.
Worth visiting.
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EliHodges
Mansfield, TX7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Wear shoes that can get wet if you plan to go up the trail to the soaking pools. Remember this is literally a major battle site so imagine the warriors fighting hand to hand in this terrain... Be respectful as it is sacred for that reason and others. The clouds never seem to leave this area. One of the wettest places on the planet. Water is cold, but I got in during November for a soak. Bring a sack lunch and go to the restroom before you hike.
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jane2001
Columbus, OH197 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
It's been a few years since we visited Iao Valley State Monument and there have been improvements to the parking area and the trails seem to be better maintained. Some guests park outside the gates and hike in but that actually takes funding away from upkeep. I know it costs a lot ($10/car, $5/person), but the fees really do help maintain the park. The park still has a nice casual feel to the trails and the plant areas with many opportunities to swim and lounge around. We enjoyed the park and hike up the creek. Though the signage could probably use some updating, they do share a good story about the cultural significance of the area. It's a must-do on any visit, but not every time you visit Maui.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smhr
Pickering, Canada277 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
What an amazing place. This is really beautiful. I will strongly recommend to go up the trail from the parking lot and also go all the way down to the stream. Going down to the stream is way easier. We noticed that there are leaves there which have black seed attached to them. I never even imagined that this is even possible.
There is an entrance fee but if you park on the side of the road just before the entrance.
There is an entrance fee but if you park on the side of the road just before the entrance.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loo
Athens, Greece25 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We climbed the well maintained path and it was well worth it but the best part was when we went off the main path. We went past the swimming holes and found beautiful running water (not really waterfalls but almost) and gorgeous scenery. And it smelled amazing. It does get a little harder to hike the farther you get from the official path but it’s worth it
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky V
Norcross, GA347 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My husband and I visited the Iao Valley State monument and park. The walking trails are very well maintained and the views are very beautiful.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly C
Carrollton, TX22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Just beautiful! So many excursions are really expensive. At just $5/person plus $10 for parking this is an amazing value. We were able to get a same day reservation.
All of the main paths are paved and the trails were well maintained. We spent about 2 hours at the park. The hike to the top was easy and my 75 year old mom did have any issues.
We then went down to the river that runs through the park.
There are educational signs throughout the park that tells the tale of Maui and the aloha culture.
All of the main paths are paved and the trails were well maintained. We spent about 2 hours at the park. The hike to the top was easy and my 75 year old mom did have any issues.
We then went down to the river that runs through the park.
There are educational signs throughout the park that tells the tale of Maui and the aloha culture.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm trying to find an email or phone number for this site. I hope to bus from Lahaina to the shopping mall, then get an Uber to the Iao Valley. My question....Is there cell service in Iao Valley to call for a return Uber? Also awhile back I saw a site that offered an on-site tour by park staff. Can no longer find this. Any suggestions. I am heading to Maui in mid-January.
Written December 28, 2018
Absolutely no need for a tour guide. This is a very small footprint, and best to include with some other activity in the area. You just go past the parking lot and up the stairs, then you can go below to the stream to cool off. The scenery is seen from there and the road in. It is a short stop.
Written December 31, 2018
Would a 2 yr old be able to do this hike? Should we take a stroller or not? Thanks!
Written October 4, 2018
A two year old could do this with maybe some help towards the end. A stroller would be complicated as there are stairs in a lot of places. Not too many to be excessive, but an inconvenience with a stroller. Hope you enjoy it, it’s a beautiful park!
Written October 5, 2018
Is there cell reception at Iao Valley State Park? I want to be sure that I can call a cab or Uber, as we won’t have a car.
Written June 15, 2018
I did not use my phone however I did notice Bars as I was taking pictures with the phone. I have Verizon. also there is a gate attendant he could help as well
Written June 15, 2018
is there a place for my mom to sit near the parking area while my sister and I hike?
Written April 29, 2018
Yes - there was a wall over looking the water that people were sitting on. But before you get there same road there is a park left side as you head up with picnic tables and huts etc. a great spot to enjoy a picnic, it is a tribute to those that immigrated to Hawaii.
Written April 29, 2018
Too far and uphill. Take a taxi.
Written June 13, 2017
I did some googling, and this is the most recent info I could come up with, "The County of Maui’s Kepaniwai Park at ʻĪao reopened on Monday, April 10, 2017, but according to a Parks Department announcement ʻĪao Valley State Monument in the upper section of the valley will remain closed as the State continues conducting damage assessments, clean-up and repairs. State officials have said that the plan to reopen the state facility to modified access sometime this summer. " So to answer your ? Technically, yes & no.
Written April 28, 2017
Just wondering if the park is open. Looking for a nice hike on Maui.
Written February 23, 2017
I hear it is still closed from December floods but cannot be definitive on this. Iao Valley did not really have a "real hike" in it as it is more like 0.25 round trip. It has a little vertical but mostly is a beautiful place to stretch your legs.
I would hike either Haleakala area (I believe that Hosmer Grove is still closed as well) but nice further up. Past Hana, about 10-12 miles) is the Waimoku Falls trail - nice easy full featured hike.
The Wildlife Refuge and its boardwalk is a couple mile round trip and often has unique birds and mullet fish to watch.
Also around the west end as you follow Hwy 30 north along West Maui it turns from 4 lanes, down to 2 lanes and at the far north end it turns into "Hwy" 340 which is almost a full 1 lane road. There are some short trails across the rugged shoreline along the end of Hwy 30 and the beginning of 340. However use maximum caution on this misery road, It is extremely dangerous and looks on map to be the short road back to Kahului but is nasty, switchbacks, blind corners, etc. Highly recommend after hiking the NW corner, go back around Hwy 30!! That's all I got. Jim
Written February 24, 2017
No, the entire area is still closed. You cannot access any of it.
Written January 28, 2017
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Claim your listingIAO VALLEY STATE MONUMENT: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Iao Valley State Monument
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Iao Valley State Monument:
- West Maui Coastline Audio Driving Tour (From ₱1,109.94)
- Maui Spectacular with Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour (From ₱29,927.82)
- Maui Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Including Road to Hana (From ₱1,665.19)
- Maui: Audio Driving Tour (From ₱1,109.94)
- Maui Tour : Iao Valley, Hawaiian Distillery and Lavender Farm Tour (From ₱16,656.86)
- Hotels near Iao Valley State Monument:
- (0.32 km) Howzit Hostels
- (0.41 km) Wailuku Guesthouse
- (0.44 km) Newly Renovated Modern Cottage: Walk into Historic Wailuku Town!
- (0.62 km) Banana Bungalow Maui Hostel
- (0.48 km) Hostel City Maui - 1
- Restaurants near Iao Valley State Monument:
- (0.11 km) Lorraine's Shave Ice
- (0.16 km) McDonald's
- (0.28 km) 808 on Main
- (0.25 km) Giannotto's Pizzaria
- (0.22 km) Uptown Kitchen & Food Mart
- Attractions near Iao Valley State Monument:
- (0.07 km) Kaahumanu Church
- (0.07 km) Ka'ahumanu Congregational Church
- (0.27 km) Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House
- (0.22 km) Chee Kung Tong Society Building
- (0.24 km) Cami Chartrand LMT