ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

[OAHU]  UPDATED 3/29/23: Kaʻena Point State Park – Mokuleʻia Section – Vehicle Access Gate has CLOSED due to saturated road conditions.

[KAUAI] UPDATED 3/29/23: Kaua'i North Shore Shuttle service to Hā‘ena State Park has been SUSPENDED due to inclement weather.

*PARK PROJECT CLOSURES*

[MAUI] UPDATED 3/17/23: Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – camping will REOPEN soon. See Polipoli site for updates.

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 3/14/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. See Hapuna site for updates

[MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23: ʻIao Valley State Monument – CLOSED August 2022 through April 15, 2023. See ʻĪao site for updates.

[O’AHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area – WATER OFF, camping and comfort stations CLOSED. See Sand Island site for updates.

ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop

UPDATE: 1/26/23 – Closure extended for current slope stabilization project through April 15, 2023.

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.