For secluded natural beauty, hidden
mountain trails and the gurgling brook's chant through serene
secrets held deep in Hawaii's deep valleys, a trip into Iao
Needle is highly recommended - and an absolute must!
Here's why: there's loads of historical and mythological events
woven around the Iao Valley Needle (that's Iao Needle's other
name; it is pronounced as 'ee-ow') and an easy car drive up from
West Maui Drive turning a bend (perhaps two, but who cares with
the immense lush green foliage and fresh mountain breezes
beckoning you?) at West Maui Mountain to arrive from Kaanapali
into the natural splendors preserved at Iao Needle.
Known locally Kuka emoku, the `Iao Needle is located on Maui
island and is regarded as a State Monument - when you visit it,
you'll know it is rightfully regarded so!
This ideal location in the state park has helped maintain the
natural beauty and sacred value of Iao Needle, which folklore
tells us had been the preserve of Hawaii's top military chiefs
and high priests as various niches and recesses in the mountain
are among the best secret hiding spots for putting the remains
of none but the mightiest of the troops to rest. According to
historical documentation, one of the strongest Maui rulers,
Kakae, (he ruled around the 15th century) selected this spot to
be an burial ground for the alii.
Further historical past of religious rites and ceremonies being
held at the large temple (known as heiau ) called Pihanakalani,
close to the shoreline, accessible by a walk down the side of
Iao stream, enriches the visitor's experience of being in a
place that is both sacred and serene even today, even as several
centuries have passed since this natural rock formation -
comprising an ancient basaltic volcanic remain - provided the
base for a phallic green-covered stone that stands 2500 feet
tall proclaiming its sea-origins.
The reference to Iao Needle's sea origins is not only because of
its height from volcanic floor is measured in terms of being 'so
much above sea level' but because it was regarded as a symbol of
the Hawaiian God, Kanaloa's phallic stone, serving as a
nature-gifted altar for many years.
To appreciate how something as devastating as volcanic remains
can provide lush, natural and serene beauty even several hundred
years into the future, a visit to Iao Needle is called for!
Great for a leisurely walk through a scenic narrow, but clear
pathway designated for romantic as well as family or business
visitors to the valley, this garden filled with a variety of
tropical blooms and enveloped by Pu'u Kukui Crater on all sides,
is also recorded as the battle ground for the most famous local
battle ever documented.
In ages long past, the local people would celebrate makahiki, a
festival of thanksgiving in honor of Lono, whom they considered
the God of Agriculture, who blessed them with their natural
bounty of crops that sustained lives. In modern times, people
still gather here to witness the prosperity that has thrived
along with the rich spiritual values and unforgettable beauty of
the landscape even as nature trails get paved treatments and the
'supreme cloud'as Iao's intrinsic meaning is, stands tall amid
cosmetic treatments that still retain its spectacular fresh
water streams, springs and ridges and dykes.
To be one among the clouds, you may need to walk up some steep
winding mountain trails, but the sun playing hide-and-seek with
the mist, the immense natural beauty that is owned by no-one but
those who can quietly soak in the romance, mystery, mythology
and history of nature's life giving elements, make a trip in to
Iao Needle!
