Hiking Iao Valley: Beyond the Signs

Many people drive just outside of Wailuku, Maui to see the famous Iao Needle. It is part of a ridge line that has survived the test of time while the rest of the ridge eroded away under the incredible amount of rainfall in the West Maui Mountains. Evidence of this water can even be seen on beautiful, clear, sunny days like this one in streams that constantly flow down to the valley floor.

My good friend Hunter and I decided to explore the trails leading away from the beaten path at Iao. I've heard of people trying to make it all the way through to Lahaina, only to be turned back by a steep precipice or an unclimbable waterfall. However following the streams in either direction take you to some hidden area not often visited. Suddenly you have a lush Hawaiian valley all to yourself to enjoy the sounds of nature all around you.

Iao has a storied past as the site of one of the bloodiest battles during King Kamehameha's conquest of the islands. Maui's warriors backed into the valley ala '300' style only to lose in the end to Kamehameha's superior firepower. It is said that lookouts were stationed at the very top of the needle. How they got there and how they got back down are still a mystery to me.

   If you are looking for an easy hike or a hard hike this could be your place. Either way I suggest taking the time to see the true beauty of Iao Valley.

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 18, 2019 at 6:06 AM

    Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a good article…
    but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don't
    seem to get nearly anything done.

    ReplyDelete

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