Being one of the lucky residents of Hawaii there is so much to choose from in the way of favorite parks, as soon as I heard the subject posed, Iao Valley instantly popped into my head.
While you wouldn't think the site of a very bloody battle -- so bloody in fact the river was said to have run red -- would be a top pick. Way back in 1790, King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui chieftains and their armies in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands. This very battle was an integral part of Hawaii's history.
Now the valley is a tranquil, must visit park, with its 2,250-foot natural rock pinnacle looking over Iao Valley. This peaceful lush area is surrounded by the walls of the Pu-u Kukui Crater (part of the West Maui Mountains). Trails in the State Park run alongside Iao Stream and through the forest making for easy hikes that take you around to leisurely look at the exotic tropical plants and crystal clear pools.
Your time in the park doesn't have to stop there! Make sure to stop at the Kepaniwai Park's Heritage Gardens which is found right below the Needle.
Memorializing the multicultural history of Maui since 1952, the Heritage Gardens include scale models of ethnic buildings and gardens representing the immigration of Hawaii's people including a New England Salt Box, Japanese Tea House, Hawaiian grass shack with taro patch, Chinese Moon Gate, Portuguese outdoor oven, and beautiful landscaping.
Picnic tables and fire pits are available making this garden a perfect picnic stop. Locals use it for birthday parties, first birthday celebrations or just to sit and enjoy time together.
Japanese Tea House
Iao Valley is a rainforest and is known to be the second most wettest area in the islands, so be prepared!
3 miles from downtown Wailuku at the end of Iao Valley Road, Highway 32 Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793. Entrance is free. Open from 7am - 7pm daily.
