ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 3/18/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout.

ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop

UPDATE: 5/1/23 – ʻIao Valley State Monument has REOPENED.

*Advance reservations are required for out-of-State residents. Reservations can be made at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov.

**Hawai‘i residents with a valid driver’s license or State ID, continue to get into all State Parks free of charge.

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.