Once someone sees the breathtaking vistas of the ‘Iao valley they can never forget them. There is an unforgettable aura to the ‘Iao valley, created by the mist and clouds, and with dramatic cliffs and a lush rainforest,the ‘Iao valley is known as one of the wettest places on Earth. Visitors who forget an umbrella quickly find out why.
The ‘Iao valley is easy to get to by road, and most visitors find the marked paths of the ‘Iao valley easy to climb. Following the trails introduces them to some spectacular flora. But, visitors should remember that the ‘Iao valley is a sacred ground, and holds the bones of many past rulers of Maui.
For that reason, it’s important to respect the marked trails, and not deviate from them.
One of the most impressive sights of the ‘Iao valley is the ‘Iao needle. At 1,200 feet tall, it stands proud amongst the sharp cliffs of the valley and is easily accessed via a walking trail which provides visitors with a view of the needle’s sloping back.
The needle is considered a representation of the Hawai’ian God Kanaloa, due to its phallic nature. Although this might not be obvious from the lookout center it’s perhaps easiest to see the resemblance from the car park.