What Is There To Do at Iao Valley in Maui?
Have you heard of the beautiful lush, green “Iao Valley” and are curious about visiting on your trip to Maui? Maybe you live in Maui but haven’t visited yet. I didn’t know what to expect on my visit, but I learned so much and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
This post contains affiliate links that I do profit from, if you choose to support my business. These links are at no cost to you.
Where is Iao Valley State Monument?
This beautiful park is located in West-Central Maui. Maui is divided almost like a bowtie: a smaller west portion and a large east portion. Iao Valley is central, but a little more towards the west side. The airport is very central, and it’s only about 15-20 minutes away.
What is the Weather Like?
Understanding the weather in Maui helps you plan your trip and your day. Maui has wet and dry portions, based on the wind, clouds, ocean, elevation, etc. It’s pretty interesting. The south tends to be more dry, while Hana is the wettest part of the island. Iao Valley almost ALWAYS has clouds. Iao stands for “clouds supreme” actually. Despite that, it is beautiful no matter the weather.
“Iao” in Iao Valley stands for cloud supreme.
Tickets to Visit
Tickets, or reservations, for Iao Valley can be made up to 30 days in advanced and as late as the same day. I didn’t know about it, and the lady at the ticket desk allowed me to purchase on site. Reservations are $10 for parking and $5 per person. Iao Valley is open 7:00am-6:00pm (last entry window 4:30pm).
I’ve Created a FREE warm weather hiking guide for you!
Wanting to upgrade your hiking gear/outfits? I’ve been working on creating COLORFUL, functional, and minimal weight outfits to maximize my comfort! I myself are from Arizona, but clothing choices are applicable to Hawaii as well. Download my free guide with links!
Hiking in Iao Valley
Available Hiking Trails
Iao Valley is limited in hiking options, but the short trails are BEAUTIFUL. There is 0.6 miles of hiking to see the needle, lookouts, and to go down to the stream. You could make it more by doubling up on parts or repeating it if you want some more exercise.
There is a loop around native plants, you cross a bridge across a waterfall, you can walk up stairs for a closer view of the needle, and you can walk down to the stream. It was so peaceful and so beautiful to us.
outfit details:
jacket- REI Rainier Rain Jacket
top- Paragon Fitness Crop
shorts- Senita Knockout Short
Meditating in Iao Valley
I had to add this. The world and our society moves at SUCH A FAST PACE. We all need to slow the heck down. I had one of the best days of my life in Maui becuase I didn’t have a set schedule or route and was able to enjoy my time.
My husband and I hiked down to the stream and sat on top of a flat wide rock and meditated for almost 30 minutes. We practiced square breathing, mindfulness, and grounding- look them up if you haven’t heard of it!
“The Iao needle is one of the most sacred places on the entire island of Maui. Ancient Hawaiians honored it as the phallic stone of Kanaloa, god of the ocean. It was once even used in ceremonies as a natural altar. If you leave the paved path and explore some of the trails surrounding the needle, you may happen to find a large rock with offerings wrapped in ti leaves piled in front of it. The leaves of the ti plant are traditionally used by the Hawaiians to wrap offerings left at sacred places. More than one visitor to the area has mentioned feeling a powerful rush of energy streaming down from the Iao needle.” –Shaka Guide
Swimming at Iao Valley
Iao Valley is also great for a little swim if the weather is right and if you’re down for it! Just hike down to the stream and hop in wherever it looks nice. Beautiful backdrops and the sound of rushing water is just perfect.
If I lived in Maui, Iao Valley would be myyyy spottttt. It’s just so nice.
