Iao Valley & Needle

A paved 0.6 mile path climbs through rainforest to a viewpoint of Kuka’emoku, the 1,200 ft Iao Needle rising sharply from the valley floor. The valley carries deep cultural and spiritual significance and was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai. A short botanical walk introduces plants brought by the early Hawaiians who settled here. Skies are clearest in the morning before clouds gather on the needle.