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Just west of the town of Wailuku you will fine the Iao Valley State Park. This is definitely a site on Maui that shouldn’t be missed. Wailuku is an older quaint town with lots of lush greenery and rolling hills. One third of the islands total population lives here, but driving through this lush area full of plantations and banana trees you would never have known it. Here is where you will start your journey to the Iao Needle. As you begin traveling on route 32,also known as the Iao Valley Road, be sure to stop and visit the many attractions along the way. There is plenty for you to see and do when you are on your way there so take your time. If you happen by the Kaahumanu Church on a Sunday you will likely see parishioners seated on koa wood pews singing Hawaiian hymns. This house of worship is a small stone building set against the mountains and was named after the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great. As you continue to travel west you will come across the Maui Historical Society Museum that is housed in a 19th century missionary house that was built from lava rock back in 1833. The setting is beautiful and it makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. Continuing on your way to the needle you’ll come to a scenic area known as black gorge. Be sure to look in the pipe stuck in the ground here and see if you can make out the likeness of the profile of John F. Kennedy through the hole. Some people are able to make out the likeness a little easier than others are.
Two miles after you leave Wailuku you will come across Kepaniwai Park and Heritage gardens. This is a park that has been dedicated to Hawaii’s people. It houses replicas of a Portuguese villa, New England salt box, Chinese pagoda, Japanese teahouse with an authentic garden, and even a Hawaiian grass shack. The admission is free and it is a great place to take a leisurely walk and even have a picnic. At this park backed by the West Maui mountains you find the Wailuku stream. During the 18th century, a vicious battle was raged in this area. The Kakekili of Maui practically wiped out the Kalaiopuu army and hundreds of bodies damned the Wailuku stream. The translation of Kepaniwai is “damning of the waters”, and Wailuku which is downstream translates to “bloody river”.
If you have the time and a few extra bucks be sure to stop by the Tropical Gardens of Maui located about half way to the needle. It’s a fun place to stop and see all the plants and flowers indigenous to the island of Maui. They have numerous paths to follow and Koi ponds at every turn.
Located in the west Maui Mountains the park houses the Iao needle, a velvety green pillar that reaches a height of 1200 feet (2,250 feet from sea level). The road ends at this breathtaking spot but once you get to the needle, don’t neglect to take the hike to the viewpoint at the top. This is a perfect spot for both amateurs and professional photographers to get the shots of their lives. Bring a rain slicker though, the West Maui Mountains are the wettest spot on the island.
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