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.

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*PARK PROJECT CLOSURES*

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

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

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

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[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.

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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.