Wailuku in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Ka 'Ikena o 'Īao - Sites of 'Īao
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 7, 2025
1. Ka 'Ikena o 'lao - Sites of 'Iao Marker
A thousand years ago, Hawaiians gathered at Iao Valley to celebrate and honor the bounty of Lono, god of agriculture, during the annual makahiki festival. More than a hundred years ago, visitors began coming to witness the natural beauty of this valley. Today, Iao Valley is recognized as a very special place for both its spiritual value and spectacular scenery.
The trails of the park are paved but may be slippery when wet. The trail is steep in places with many steps so take your time. Stay on the designated walkways and enjoy the views.
Lookout
When you climb the 133 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with a great view of 1ao Valley and Wailuku. Allow 30 minutes for the walk.
Kahawai (Stream)
Swimming in Iao Stream is not recommended. The rocks are very slippery and the water is fast flowing.
Caution! Flash floods can occur without warning.
Mala
A 10-minute walk on a paved loop trail through a garden of Hawaiian plants.
Bridge
Take a photograph of Kϊka'emoku, the peak commonly referred to as Iao Needle.
Malama i kιla wahi
Care for this special place and show respect as you visit
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 20° 52.841′ N, 156° 32.732′ W. Marker is in Wailuku, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is at the intersection of Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop and Iao Valley Road, on the right when traveling west on Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 898 Iao Valley Rd, Wailuku HI 96793, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Lahaina and West Maui. Globally, it is in North America, Polynesia, the Pacific Ocean, North Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ka Wai Ola O Kāne (The Living Waters of Kāne) (here, next to this marker); Wahi Pana o Nā Ali'i (Sacred Place of the Chiefs) (here, next to this
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 7, 2025
2. Ka 'Ikena o 'lao - Sites of 'Iao Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 63 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
