ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️Monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[O’AHU] UPDATE 2/13/26 — Puʻu ʻUʻala Kaʻa State Wayside, Mauna Ala–Royal Mausoleum State Monument and Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area, and Keaīwa State Recreation Area has REOPENED.

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[MAUI] 2/13/26 - Kaumahina State Wayside is temporarily CLOSED until further notice.

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[KAUA‘I] UPDATE 2/11/26 — Kalalau Trail, Na Pali State Wilderness Park has REOPENED, Haʻena State Park shuttle has RESUMED.

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[MAUI] UPDATE 2/11/26 – ʻĪao Valley State Monument has REOPENED.

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[KAUAʻI, OʻAHU, HAWAIʻI] 2/10/26 – Wailua River State Park (Kauaʻi), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (Oʻahu), Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Hawaiʻi): All commercial kayak operators must apply for a Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application, each kayak vessel requires a registered decal. Visit State Parks Permits page here and download and mail in the Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application.

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[O‘AHU] UPDATE 2/3/26 – KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK, MOKULE‘IA SECTION: Vehicle access dirt road repairs are occurring to stabilize severe erosion, and armor problem areas with aggregate to reduce erosion and puddling, and improve road stability. 1/5/26 - Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits available now: kaenasups.ehawaii.gov. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant.

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[ALL ISLANDS] UPDATE – 12/12/25: Camping - Reservations for February 1, 2026 and beyond available at https://explore.ehawaii.gov, please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi to make a camping reservation.

ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop

UPDATE: 5/1/23 – ʻIao Valley State Monument has REOPENED.
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*Advance reservations are required for out-of-State residents. Reservations can be made at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
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**Hawai‘i residents with a valid driver’s license or State ID, continue to get into all State Parks free of charge.

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    Trail Length 0.6 miles
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Easy
    Terrain Wet Valley
    Elevation Gain 200 ft
    Park Name ‘Iao Valley State Monument

    Description

    A paved walking trail provides a scenic viewpoint of Kuka’emoku (‘Iao Needle), an erosional feature which rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. A short paved loop trail meanders though an ethnobotanical garden adjacent to ‘Iao stream.

    Route

    Trail begins just beyond the park restroom and interpretive signs. The path crosses a bridge over the stream and climbs to the lookout point, where a small shelter is nestled.

    Directions

    End of ‘Iao Valley Road (Highway 32), ‘Iao Valley.

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • No dogs allowed on this trail.