Iao Valley State Park

Iao Needle (Kukaemoku)

Iao Valley State Park

Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor. 

'Iao Valley Reservations Notice

As of May 1, 2023, a new reservation system is now being implemented to reduce congestion and diffuse parking and crowding issues.

Advanced reservations to enter ‘Iao Valley State Monument are now available online. All Hawaii State Parks day-use reservations can be made at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/iao-valley. The parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person, with no charge for children under three years of age. There are separate fees for commercial vehicles.

Hawaii residents with a valid driver’s license or State identification will continue to access all of Hawaii’s state parks free of charge. However, entry may depend on parking availability. Out-of-state visitors entering the site with a Hawaii resident must still have a reservation.

The traditional name is Kuka`emoku and it's known as the phallic stone of Kanaloa (Hawaiian god of the ocean); thus the 'Iao Needle was once used as a natural altar. The name 'Iao is pronounced "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. 

In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It is said that when the battle was over, the stream was so damned with all the bodies that the water ran red with blood. The site was named Kepaniwai "damming of the waters." Nearby in the valley, you'll find the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens. Take Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320 which leads directly to the 'Iao Valley State Park. Those looking to enjoy the scenic park must follow social distancing measures and wear protective face masks for the duration of their visit.

Park gates open from 7 am to 6 pm. Non-residents are now required to pay $5 for walk-ins and $10 for cars - as of this writing. The last vehicle entry is at 4:30 pm.

FREE 2025 DOWNLOADS

Maui Intro Visitor Guide
+ Our Summary Guidesheet!

Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Maui Summary Guidesheets.

Iao Valley and Iao Needle (Kukaemoku) Reviews

Guidereview:
A (based on 1,199 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 20.88099279
Longitude: -156.545393

Open in Google Maps

bathtub Facilities
Rest rooms
multiple_stop Length
0.4 mile loop trail
family_restroom Children
Great trail for families
map Historic
Hawaiian Cultural Sites
my_location Nearby
Iao Needle
alarm Duration
Less than one hour typically
terrain Difficulty
Relatively easy, with stairs in certain locations
waves Experience
Non-residents are required to pay $5 for walk-ins and $10 for cars
Iao Valley State Park Photo Gallery
 thumbnail
 thumbnail
 thumbnail
 thumbnail
 thumbnail
 thumbnail
Recommended Tours Nearby

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →