Our trip to Maui included a relaxing and scenic drive to Iao Valley State Park. We were looking to escape the sun and beach for a few hours and a lush rainforest with a beautiful stream sounded just right. After a quick 5-minute drive from Wailuku, the road ends in a parking lot where for $5 per vehicle you can explore this significant place of Hawaiian history while hiking along a lush a mountain stream under steep rugged cliffs and spires.

This valley is a remnant of the central caldera of the West Maui volcano and is considered the second wettest location in the state of Hawaii. Though hopeful of a warm tropical shower we did not get any rain on our trip. Your eyes and cameras are immediately drawn to a towering volcanic remnant aptly named the ‘Iao Needle.

Steep cliffs surround you on all sides as you wander through lush vegetation down to an idyllic stream that cascades over under and through the volcanic boulders and rocks that have collected at the bottom of this valley. There is a small botanical garden that highlights native Hawaiian plants and many dirt paths lead off the paved walkways to allow a one of a kind stroll through the peaceful rainforest.

Formerly a sacred burying place for chiefs, this valley was also the site of a 1790 massacre in which Kamehameha the Great and his forces from the big island pursued the local resistance to the end of the valley and annihilated them. This battle has been referred to as Ka-‘uwa’upali (clawed off the cliff) and Kapaniwai (damming of the waters) by the natives and is very hard to imagine such a scene in this eden.

The highlight of this side trip for me was a short hike along a dirt path that wound through the dense jungle that ended when we decided if we went any further we may not find our way back.  As a fan of the television series LOST, though it was filmed on Oahu, walking through the dirt path reminded me of scenes from the show.  I was amazed that there were no insects or pests around, the crisp, cool air was so clean, it was such a pleasant hike. The amazing lush scenery is so dramatically different from west Maui on just the other side of the mountain.  Having this a part of itinerary was a cultural treat!

Thank you to my history-loving husband for helping me write this story.