Wailuku in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Kūka‘emoku
| — | [ʻĪao Valley] | — |
Photographed by Grace Corpuz, September 5, 2006
1. Kūka‘emoku Marker
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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Landmarks • Natural Features • Wars, Non-US. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list.
Location. 20° 52.842′ N, 156° 32.719′ W. Marker is in Wailuku, Hawaii, in Maui County. It 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
this page online
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) (a few steps from this marker); Wahi Pana o Nā Ali'i (Sacred Place of the Chiefs) (a few steps from this marker); Ka 'Ikena o 'Īao - Sites of 'Īao (a few steps from this marker); Lā'au - The Plants of 'Īao (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Kepaniwai - Uniting the Islands (about 400 feet away); Nā Wai 'Ehā - The Four Waters of Maui (about 400 feet away); Kūka'emoku - 'Īao Needle (about 500 feet away); Dedicated to the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wailuku.
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.
Photographed by Grace Corpuz, September 5, 2006
2. Kūka‘emoku, the “ʻĪao Needle”
Photographed by Grace Corpuz, September 5, 2006
3. ʻĪao State Park, hikers' trail near the Kūka‘emoku Marker
Photographed by Grace Corpuz, September 5, 2006
4. ʻĪao Valley stream bed
Photographed by Grace Corpuz, September 5, 2006
5. Mauna Kahalawai ("West Maui Mountains") - viewed from near Kūka‘emoku
Photographed by Anthony Young, July 24, 2024
6. National Natural Landmark plaque for 'Īao Valley
has been designated a
National Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of the environment
1972
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,420 times since then and 147 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 6. submitted on July 25, 2024. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
