Towering emerald peaks guard the lush valley floor of Iao Valley State Park. Located in Central Maui just west of Wailuku, this peaceful 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.Iao State Park is one of the wettest places on Earth. It has an average of 385 inches of rain each year. So... it was no surprise that only Justice would get out of the car as we pulled up to the trailhead. We promised it would be a shorter hike this time but the girls weren't buying it, I guess. LOL We are losing them quickly to their electronic devices. ;) Sad day for the beauty of Maui we still have left to see.
Aside from its natural tropical beautiful, sacred Iao Valley has great historical significance. It was here in 1790 at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui's army in his quest to unite the islands. Even with Iao Needle serving as a lookout point, Kamehameha defeated Maui's forces in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history.
The rest of us took the "paved 0.6 mile walk that provides a scenic viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (ʻIao Needle), an erosional feature which abruptly rises 1200 feet from the valley floor." It was super wet and drizzling the whole time. But it was so beautiful and lush! The "Cloud Supreme" name held up it's end of the bargain!
We enjoyed the walk up to see the needle and the short trail to check out the local vegetation.
It was amazing to watch the water pool of the Taro plants and then roll together. Amazing!
We also stopped and watch the locals jump from the cliffs into the stream below. The pools there looked so clear and refreshing.
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