Iao Needle State Monument

Iao Needle State Monument or Iao Valley State Monument is located at the end of Highway 32 in Maui, Hawaii. Visitors can drive down Iao Valley Road between 7am and 7pm to see the monument. There is a paved pathway which is .6 miles in length that leads to the Iao Needle State Monument. The walk ends with a scenic view of Kuka'emoku or Iao Needle. It is an erosion feature meaning that over time it has become more like a needle point than a rock formation. It erupts from the earth to rise more than 1200 feet from the valley floor.

Iao Valley State Park, which includes the Needle Monument, offers a short walk through botanical gardens. The valley is considered a rich location for flora and fauna. It was also filled with much history and culture. Today it is said to have spiritual value as it was the site of the Kepaniwai battle that forced the Maui Army to concede to Kamehameha I warriors. The battle occurred in 1790 and now the park is 6.2 acres. Visitors will discover restrooms, trash cans, signs to interpret the area, and no drinking water available at the park.