ʻĪao Valley at a glance
ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a state park in central Maui, run by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. Its main sight is the Kūkaʻemoku, the ʻĪao Needle, a pinnacle that rises about 1,200 feet (366 m) above the valley floor. A paved path of 0.6 miles (about 1 km) leads to the viewpoint, and an ethnobotanical loop shows plants of the islands along the way.
The monument is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm. This guide is independent and is not the state parks website, so confirm the details on the booking page before you go.
How the reservation works
Older guides describe a gate where you could pay on arrival. That is no longer the case for non-residents.
Who needs one
Non-residents must reserve both entry and parking online through the state parks reservation system. Hawaiʻi residents with a Hawaiʻi driver license or ID enter free.
What it costs
Entry is $5 per person for non-residents, and children up to 3 are free. Parking is $10 per car. These are the prices listed in October 2026.
When to book
Reserve before you travel, as soon as you know which day you will go. Choose your date on the booking page and keep the confirmation on your phone.
If the park is closed
The monument can close temporarily for maintenance, as the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority notes. Check the booking page for the status of your date before you drive over.
Maui sightseeing tours
Guided day trips and sightseeing tours on Maui, with live prices and availability.
The walk to the ʻĪao Needle
The path to the viewpoint is paved and 0.6 miles long. It leads through the valley to the view of the Needle, which stands 1,200 feet (366 m) above the valley floor. The ethnobotanical loop lets you add a slower look at the island plants.
Treat the valley with respect, as a place that matters in Hawaiian culture. Stay on the marked paths, do not climb on or around the Needle, and take your trash with you. A light rain jacket is a good idea in any season.
Maui state park fees compared
Non-resident prices listed by the state parks division in October 2026. Residents with a Hawaiʻi ID enter free everywhere.
| Park | Entry per person | Parking per car | Reservation | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ʻĪao Valley | $5 | $10 | Required | 7 am to 6 pm |
| Waiʻānapanapā | $5 | $10 | Required, timed | 7 am to 6 pm |
| Mākena (Big Beach and Oneuli) | $5 | $10 | Pay at kiosk or online | 5 am to 7 pm |
Children up to 3 are free at all three. Commercial tour vehicles pay $25, $50 or $90 depending on size and book through a separate system, which is why a guided tour handles this for you. For the east coast park, see the Road to Hāna guide.
Planning your visit
The valley is a short stop, which makes the reservation the only real piece of planning. A few points keep the visit smooth:
- Reserve entry and parking together. Non-residents need both. The $10 parking fee is per car, so a full car pays $10 plus $5 for each person.
- Plan around the hours. The monument is open from 7 am to 6 pm every day, so be back at your car before closing.
- Check the status of your date. Temporary closures for maintenance can happen. The booking page shows what is open.
- Residents. People with a Hawaiʻi driver license or ID do not pay, and neither do children up to 3.
- On a guided tour. Operators pay commercial vehicle fees of $25 for 1 to 7 passengers, $50 for 8 to 25 and $90 for 26 or more. Ask the operator whether entry is included.
A day around the valley
The walk itself is short, so the valley works well as a morning stop. Maui Ocean Center in Maʻalaea is open 365 days a year from 9 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm, and makes a dry option if the weather turns. For the temperatures and rainfall you can expect in each month, see the Maui weather guide.
Reservations and fees at Maui's state parks have changed in recent years, so treat older guides with caution, including printed books. The figures on this page are the ones listed in October 2026.
Combine it with
The valley is a short stop. Here is how to build a day around it.
ʻĪao Valley: frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for ʻĪao Valley?
Yes, if you are not a Hawaiʻi resident. Entry and parking are reserved online through the state parks system. Residents with a Hawaiʻi ID are free.
How much does ʻĪao Valley cost?
$5 per person for entry and $10 per car for parking as of October 2026. Children up to 3 are free.
What are the opening hours?
Every day from 7 am to 6 pm. Check the booking page for temporary closures.
How long is the walk to the ʻĪao Needle?
The paved path to the viewpoint is 0.6 miles (about 1 km). The Needle rises 1,200 feet (366 m) above the valley floor.
Is ʻĪao Valley free for Hawaiʻi residents?
Yes. Residents with a Hawaiʻi driver license or ID do not pay for entry or parking, as listed by the state parks division in October 2026.
Can I visit ʻĪao Valley on a tour?
Yes. Guided sightseeing tours across Maui may include it. Tour operators book entry for commercial vehicles through a separate system, so check what the tour includes.