Iao Valley
Iao Valley, is a lush, stream-cut valley in West Maui, Hawaii, located west of Wailuku. Because of its natural environment and history, it has become a tourist location. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Valley State Monument
The state park is located on at the end of Valley Road. The Needle, a landmark in the state park, is a vegetation-covered lava remnant rising from the valley floor or above sea level. The "needle" is a sharp ridge that gives the appearance of being a spire when viewed end-on. The needle is an extension of and surrounded by the cliffs of the West Maui Mountains, an extinct volcano. There is a short trail to a windy overlook.Rainforest
Iao Valley is covered in dense rainforest, most of which consists of introduced vegetation on the valley floor. The summit area at the valley's head receives an average of rainfall per year, making it the state's second wettest location after The Big Bog, slightly wetter than Mount Waialeale. Much of this rainfall ends up flowing into the ʻĪao Stream. Trails in the State Park run alongside ʻĪao Stream and through the forest.Above the Iao valley at the watershed is a native cloud forest of and. This forest is home to many native species including birds like the, and.
History
The Hawaiian god is considered to be the procreator and the provider of life. He is associated with wai as well as clouds, rain, streams, and springs., the Hawaiian god of the underworld, is represented by the phallic stone of Kukaʻemoku, the Needle., the king of prior to, was buried here. Maui's ruler designated Valley as an burial ground in the late 15th century. The remains were buried in secret places. In 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai took place there, in which Kamehameha the Great defeated and the Maui army during his campaign to unify the islands. The battle was said to be so bloody that dead bodies blocked Stream, and the battle site was named .