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exploring
Planning Your Trip
Free & Affordable Things To Do

OGG, the airport
Iao Valley, the spiritual center
Wailuku, old Maui
Kahului, the shopping center
Paia, windsurfing capitol
Hana, the last Hawaiian place


Lahaina, sin city 1860
Maalaea, ocean center
Kihei, condos, malls, beaches
Wailea, big hotels
Haleakala Crater
Upcountry. cowboys, shopping


Iao Valley, the spiritual center

Drive a couple of miles above Wailuku and you're suddenly in a rain forest. The valley closes in, the air is moist and cool and the shade welcomes. The Iao Valley is a 6.2 acre state park, a place of history and beauty. Iao means Supreme Light. The valley is the eroded caldera of the West Maui mountains, an amphitheater where four streams converge.

central maui map

Iao Needle


Iao Needle

The Iao Needle (2,250 feet) is actually the end of a ridge. Walk over the bridge and along the stream. The valley is full of tropical flowers, rainbows, waterfalls and swimming holes. Resident come here to picnic, relax and reflect. You may, too.

Iao Stream

 

Wade in the stream and think the water you stand in will soon irrigate a golf course in Kihei. Think also that in 1790 King Kamehameha and his men fought a battle here for control of Maui. When they finished, the stream was blocked with bodies and red with blood. The site was named Kepanawai "damning of the waters."

Iao Stream

Stone Face

 

Stone Face

On the way in or out, watch for a plaque inviting you to see the stone profile of Kauala'iwai, a Hawaiian wise man of the late 1400's. He was so sacred that anyone his shadow fell on or who looked at him was clubbed to death. To spare his people, he lived in a cave around here and came out only at night. Until recently, the stone face was supposed to resemble President John F. Kennedy.

Heritage Gardens

Heritage Gardens


Neat place for a picnic along the Iao stream. The Gardens celebrate the heritage of Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and New Englanders that built modern Maui with small buildings and gardens. Look for a Portuguese outdoor oven, Chinese moon gate, Japanese tea house and Hawaiian grass-thatched house.

Heritage Gardens 2

Roadside Shrine


roadside shrine

On the way down the hill you'll see a shrine where many local people burn candles and leave gifts. There is no sign to tell you who the saint is or what the shrine is for. Let us know if you find out.

Hawaii Nature Center

Hawaii Nature Center


Hands on science and a lot of fun for kids and adults. The Center has interactive exhibits , experiences and explorations that open up many ways to understand and appreciate the beauty as well as the science of the Iao Valley. Guided nature walks, too. 875 Iao Valley Road 244-6500

Tam really liked to ring the bell on this exhibit. >>>

Hawaii Nature Center 2

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