ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop
Hawaii hikers

Covid-19 Protocols: Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. Aloha, Hawaii State Parks

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PARK UPDATES: 4/30/21 - [OAHU] - The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline will be CLOSED May 4th through May 6th (Tuesday-Thursday) from 7:00am to 11:00am for maintenance of the trail. Shoreline access will remain open along the Wawamalu/Sandy Beach area.

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4/30/21 - [OAHU] -  Weather conditions have caused delays in the work at Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area and the park will remain CLOSED through May 28th, 2021. The park will technically be open on the weekends however the gate and parking lot will remain closed throughout the month. Weekdays the park will be completely closed.

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4/26/21 - [OAHU] - The beach area of Ahupuaʻa o Kahana State Park is CLOSED beginning Wednesday, April 28, 2021 due to a potential treefall hazard.

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4/19/21 - [ALL ISLANDS] - Entrance AND parking fees are now required for non-residents at several parks across the islands including: [KAUAI] Haena, Kokee, Waimea Canyon, [OAHU] Diamond Head, Nuuanu Pali, [MAUI] Iao Valley, Makena, Waianapanapa, and [HAWAII] Akaka Falls, Hapuna Beach.  Non-resident visitors will be required to pay for both entry and parking.

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4/7/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park - Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side (north shore) is OPEN. The Keawaula gate (west side) remains CLOSED but the park is OPEN.

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3/29/21 - [KAUAI] - The Kalalau Trail reservation system is open again. Reservations are available 30-days in-advance. Park Entry and Parking reservations for morning and midday are available. Sunset-time reservations are currently not available.

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3/1/21 - [MAUI] - Waianapanapa State Park - Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go to www.gowaianapanapa.com

ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop

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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.