Iao Valley State Monument

Before I tell you about Iao Valley I want to say I am sorry this post is a little late. Here on the East Coast we’re getting hammered with high winds, power outages and coastal flooding. But if my internet manages to stay on I’m going to get this post out to you tonight.

The beautiful rain forest valley of Iao was designated a National Natural Monument in 1972. The area is steeped in Sacred Traditions and Hawaiian History. I’ve wanted to visit the “Needle” ever since I saw a photo of the unique landscape. But thanks to the rainforest environment the roads were closed due to mud slides on my last 3 visits.

The Hawaiian Gods of the Valley

The Hawaiian God Kane is considered to be the procreator and the provider of life. Kāne is one of the four main gods in ka hoʻomana kahiko, traditional Hawaiian religion. The Iao Valley is one of the wettest locations on Maui so it is a perfect home for Kane. Native Hawaiian’s associate Kane with rain, fresh water, streams and springs. As early as the 15th century the valley was a royal burial ground.

The Great Battle

The Battle of Kepaniwai took place there, in which Kamehameha the Great defeated Kalanikūpule and the Maui army during his campaign to unify the islands. . The battle was so bloody that dead bodies blocked Iao Stream. That must have been very distressing to the God Kane.

The Needle

The landmark “Needle” at the mouth of the valley is a volcanic core. In ancient times the Needle was used as an altar to worship the ocean god, Kanaloa. The Iao Needle is actually the end of a ridge that leads to the West Maui Mountains. It only looks like a like free standing point because of the angle that you see the stone.