Iao Valley

Iao Valley - This cool, green amphitheater staged historic battles and today is home to Kepaniwai Heritage Garden, Hawaii Nature Center and a state park.

Find Nature, History- Tales of ancient warfare are muffled in the tranquil green carpet of Iao Valley. Iao means “cloud supreme” and the lush valley is blanketed in coolness. The icy Iao Stream roars along the valley’s attractions: Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, Hawaii Nature Center and Iao Valley State Park.

With its central island location, get to Iao Valley quickly. Follow Wailuku’s Main Street toward the mountains; it becomes Iao Valley Road.

The free Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens has plantings accentuated with pavilions representing Hawaii’s many cultures. It’s a great place to bring a lunch as picnic shelters line Iao Stream. The county park is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Next door is Hawaii Nature Center’s Interactive Arcade. The fun starts when measuring your mileage from home on a giant globe. Inside, 30 activities introduce you to Hawaii’s natural history. Pull out a species drawer on the Rainforest Wall and take a spin on the wheel to learn how plants and animals came by chance to the islands. It’s open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, fee. Ask about guided nature walks, (808)244-6500.

At the end of the road is Iao Valley State Park. Paved paths with guard rails provide perches at different elevations through the free park. Go down to wander in Hawaiian agricultural plantings and up to face the landmark Iao Needle. Lookouts along the way point out historic battles; do a leisurely trek to the top in a half hour.

Two points of interest are just outside Iao Valley at the Main Street/Highway 30 intersection. Bailey House Museum focuses on Maui’s history and is open 10 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, fee, (808)244-3326. Steeple-topped Kaahumanu Church, Maui’s oldest, is named after Kamehameha’s favorite wife who hailed from Hana, (808)244-5189.

PHOTO OPS

• Iao Theater: N. Market St., Wailuku
• Kaahumanu Church: Hwy. 30, Wailuku
• Bailey House: Hwy. 30, Wailuku (left)
• Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens: Iao Valley
• Iao Valley State Park

CENTRAL MAUI TOP TO DO

• Iao Valley State Park
• Bailey House Museum (left)
• Antique hunt on Wailuku’s North Market Street
• Shop and eat at Kaahumanu Center
• Maui Tropical Plantation Tram Tour
• A&B Sugar Museum in Puunene

A HOST OF HAWAIIANA
Bailey House (pictured left) is on Kahalelani, the gathering place for chiefs at the gateway to Iao Valley. Today the home of the Maui Historical Society, the museum displays Hawaiian stone and shell artifacts, kapa cloth, wood and featherwork. The society presents changing programs like “Ahupuaa—Name, Place and Spirit ” and“The Hawaiian Warrior.” There’s also a gift shop, (808)244-3326.