Iao Needle trail (Maui, Hawaii)

Iao Needle is the focus of a short walking trail in Iao Valley State Park. There is a beautiful stream running along the parking lot, and after the entrance, you can take an unpaved trail down to viewpoints along the river.

Also near the entrance is a paved ethnobotanical garden area, with local plants and taro, which also has good views of the stream.

But if you walk up the hill, you’ll get to the main attraction: the Iao Needle viewpoint. The Iao Needle towers over the landscape, and was used as an overlook where the warriors could go to see if anyone was approaching. It is 1200 feet tall and can view much of the valley. The area is verdant, and the hike is quite short although it has a lot of stairs.