Iao Valley State Monument Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Iao Valley State Monument. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Maui Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Including Road to Hana
• Private Tour of Maui, the Valley Isle
• Private Shore Excursion: The Best of Maui
• Maui Tour: Iao Valley, Hawaiian Distillery, and Lavender Farm Tour
• Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Maui

Timed reservations are required to visit the Iao Valley State Monument; visitors who are not Hawaii residents must purchase parking (US$10) and entry tickets (US$5 per person). Children 3 and under don’t need a ticket. Reservations are available 30 days in advance, and may be sold out at busy times of day.

Visit Iao Valley State Monument to hike to the viewpoint to see The Needle, a prominent rock feature rising 1,200 feet (366 meters) from the valley floor. A 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) paved walkway with stairs at the end leads to the viewpoint. Other trails take you through the lush landscape, past waterfalls and flowing streams.

Yes, Iao Valley State Monument is worth visiting when you are on Maui. The area holds cultural and historical significance for the Hawaiian people, as it is the site of the battle of Kepaniwai, where Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. It’s a beautiful spot for a hike to see The Needle.

The morning is the best time of day for visiting the Iao Valley State Monument. You'll have cooler temperatures if you visit before 9am, and you'll likely avoid the majority of the tour buses that arrive later in the day. Clouds tend to cover the area in the afternoon, potentially obscuring some of the views.

Residents of Hawaii with proof of state residency do not need entry or parking reservations. A limited amount of parking spaces are reserved for residents of Hawaii. If a Hawaii resident is visiting with someone not from Hawaii, an entry ticket for the non-resident is required.