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Iao Valley
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a thumbnail to
see a larger version of the photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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A
thousand years ago, Hawaiians gathered at `Iao Valley to
celebrate and honor the bounty of Lono, god of agriculture,
during the annual makahiki festival. More than a hundred
years ago visitors began coming to witness the natural
beauty of this valley.
Today `Iao Valley is recognized as a very special place for
both its spiritual value and spectacular scenery. The trails
in the park are paved, but may be slippery when wet. The
trail is also steep in places, so visitors should take their
time.
`Iao means "cloud supreme", the bank of clouds that often
sits over the valley. These clouds bring the frequent rains
that feed the streams in the valley. It is these waters that
carved this spectacular landscape over the past 1.5 million
years.
The Hawaiian god Kane is the procreator and the provider of
the life giving elements. He is the patron of wai (fresh
water) and is often associated with clouds, rain, streams
and springs.
From the highest peak of of Pu`u Kukui to the shoreline of
Kahului Bay, the ahupua`a (land division) of
Wailuku was a favorite place of ali`i (chiefs) and a ruling
center of Maui. `Iao Valley is part of this ahupua`a.
As one of Maui's most important political centers, many
battles took place here. Wailuku translates as the "waters
of destruction" referring to its history of battles and
floods.
`Iao is so sacred that the remains of the highest chiefs were entrusted to
secret hiding places in the valley. Kaka`e, ruler of Maui in
the late 1400's to 1500's, is believed to have designated
this valley as an ali`i burial area.
The presence of Pihanakalani, a large heiau (temple) near
the shore and along the `Iao Stream, denotes the religious
significance of `Iao.
Commonly called `Iao Needle, the traditional Hawaiian name
for the 2,250 foot peak that dominates the valley is
Kuka`emoku. This peak is known as the phallic stone of
Kanaloa, Hawaiian god of the ocean.
During
periods of warfare, the peak was used as a lookout by
warriors. It was here that some Maui warriors retreated from
the forces of Kamehameha I during the battle of Kepaniwai.
Kuka`emoku is an erosional remnant. It is at the end of a
ridge comprised of a denser dike stone. The softer rock
around the dike stone was eroded by streams and waterfalls.
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DIRECTIONS |
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Take
Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of
Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320
which lead directly to the 'Iao Valley State
Park. |
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WEBSITE |
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http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/Index.cfm?park_id=36 |
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