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HomeMauiIao Valley State Monument

Travel Guide

Iao Valley State Monument

Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.

Overview

About Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley is a lush, emerald valley in the West Maui Mountains just outside Wailuku, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. It was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, and a short paved loop leads to viewpoints, a stream and botanical gardens.

Iao Valley State Monument
Maui

Insider Knowledge

Travel Tips

  • Reserve a visitor entry and parking time slot online before you arrive.

Nearby

Must See Attractions

Haleakala National Park
maui

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala's 10,023-foot summit looks down into a vast volcanic crater of red and black cinder cones, and sunrise here above the clouds is one of Hawaii's signature experiences. The park also protects the rare silversword plant and, on the coast, the Kipahulu district with Oheo Gulch and the bamboo-lined Pipiwai Trail.

View Details
Iao Valley State Monument
maui

Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley is a lush, emerald valley in the West Maui Mountains just outside Wailuku, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. It was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, and a short paved loop leads to viewpoints, a stream and botanical gardens.

View Details
Kaanapali Beach
maui

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali is a 3-mile stretch of golden sand in West Maui backed by a paved beach walk and resort hotels. At its north end, Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) offers easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, and a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony takes place there at sunset.

View Details
Molokini Crater
maui

Molokini Crater

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the south Maui coast and a protected marine sanctuary. Morning boat trips anchor in its calm inner basin, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and reef fish swarm the coral.

View Details
Napili Bay
maui

Napili Bay

Napili Bay is a small, crescent-shaped cove in West Maui with soft sand, calm summer water and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Low-rise condos keep it relaxed, and it is one of the island's loveliest spots to watch the sun drop behind Molokai.

View Details
Road to Hana
maui

Road to Hana

The Hana Highway twists about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana past more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls, bamboo forest and black-sand beaches. It is less about the destination than the stops along the way, including Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the Kipahulu district of Haleakala.

View Details

Go in the morning, when clouds are less likely to hide the Needle.

  • Stay on marked paths and out of the stream, which can flash flood after rain.

  • Combine it with lunch in Wailuku's small historic downtown.

  • Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, non-resident visitors need advance entry and parking reservations.

    Opening Hours

    ParkApprox. 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM by reservation

    Allow about an hour for the loop walk and viewpoints.

    Ticket Prices

    Entry (non-resident)Approx. USD 5 per person
    ParkingApprox. USD 10 per vehicle

    Fees and slot times can change, so check the Hawaii State Parks site before you go.

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