We visited Iao Valley today with our guest Phil. Iao Valley was at the top of our list of one of the must see sites on Maui. Iao Needle is a 1200 foot lava remnant that has been eroded by the streams and waterfalls that converge in this valley.
Clouds clinging to the steep cliffs behind Iao Needle created a mystical mood. We visited the lookout spots and the botanical garden with plants, such as taro, that were brought by the first settlers. The garden has paved pathways and seating, including a picnic table.
Iao Valley is a State Monument and National Natural Landmark. Today it was completely packed. The last few times we visited were during the Covid Pandemic and the park was practically empty. It is best to visit in the morning when it is likely to have fewer clouds.
Iao Needle is named Kuka'emoku and is known as the phallic stone of Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god associated with the underworld and ruler of the ocean. Kuka'emoku is a 1200 foot lava remnant that has been eroded by the streams and waterfalls that converge in this valley.
Iao Valley was also the site of the historical Battle of Kepaniwai:
As King Kamehameha fought to control all the islands, he won a decisive battle at 'Iao Valley. Landing his war fleet at Kahului while Maui's chief Kahekili was on O'ahu, Kamehameha pursued Kahekili's son Kalanikupule and other Maui chiefs deep into 'Iao Valley. Kamehameha's warriors were aided by his Western cannon, called Lopaka, and his two foreign advisors, John Young and Isaac Davis, who operated it. Many died in the bloody battle called Kepaniwai ("the damming of the waters"), but none of Maui's major chiefs were killed. Many, including chiefess Kalola and her granddaughter Keopuolani, escaped through the mountains to Olowalu and Lahaina. After Kamehameha's victory, Kalola accepted Kamehameha's protection and promised Keopuolani to him as a future wife (she was 11 years old at the time). Despite the defeat of his forces, Kahekili refused to relinquish control of the island; Kamehameha returned later to reconquer the island in 1794.
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