The 'Iao Valley
Hiking into history
Maui's 'Iao Valley is rich in history, and guavas! This valley was the location of one of Hawai'i's bloodiest battles, the "Battle of Kepaniwai" in 1790, when King Kamehameha I's army defeated King Kahekili II of Maui.
The trails around the 'Iao Valley and the towering 1200 ft 'Iao Needle are paved and short, so we decided to hop the fence and go exploring. The trail leads through a forest dotted with strawberry guavas, and up a ridge adjacent to the 'Iao Needle. If you decide to take this trail, keep your eyes peeled for a short steep scramble up to the right, which will lead you to a spectacular 360-degree vantage point from which you can survey the entire valley.
The 'Iao Needle
'Iao Valley, Maui (March 9th, '08)
Derek at the 360 degree viewpoint
'Iao Valley, Maui (March 9th, '08)
Derek and I hiking near the 'Iao Needle
'Iao Valley, Maui (March 9th, '08)