Wailuku in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Kūka‘emoku
— [ʻĪao Valley] —
Commonly called ʻĪao Needle, the traditional Hawaiian name for this 2,250 foot high peak is Kūka‘emoku. This peak is known as the phallic stone of Kanaloa, Hawaiian god of the ocean.
During periods of warfare, the peak was used by warriors. It was here that some of the Maui warriors retreated from the forces of Kamehamea I during the Battle of Kepaniwai.
Kūka‘emoku is an erosional remnant. It is at the end of a ridge comprised of a denser dike stone. The softer rock around the dike stone was eroded by streams and waterfalls.
Erected by Iao Valley State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Natural Features.
Location. 20° 52.842′ N, 156° 32.719′ W. Marker is in Wailuku, Hawaii, in Maui County. Marker can be reached from Iao Valley Road (Hawaii Route 32) when traveling west. Marker is in the Iao Valley State Monument, Iao Valley State Park, Maui, Hawaii - west of Wailuku and Kahului. It is about 0.1 mile up the hiking trail, off the parking area at the west end of Hwy 32, just inside the state park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wailuku HI 96793, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Monument of Christian Faith (approx. 0.7 miles away); Haleki'i and Pihanakalani Heiaus (approx. 3.9 miles away); Master Navigators (approx. 6˝ miles away); Scandinavian Migration to Hawaii (approx. 7.3 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. 'Iao Valley. Go Hawaii website entry (Submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Battle of Kepaniwai. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Native Hawaiians; West Maui Forest Reserve; Kukaemoku; Iao Valley.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,360 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.