Iao Valley State park is one of Maui's most popular tourist attractions. The park is near the center of the extinct West Maui Mountains volcano crater. Dramatic mountain ridges surround the lush park. The summit ridge at the valley's head is the second wettest location in Hawaii, receiving an average of 386 inches of rain per year! All this water flows down the Iao stream. Inside the crater is a very distinctive ridge that rises 1200ft above the valley floor called the Iao Needle.
If you enjoy hiking, expect to spend at least an hour at the park exploring the trail beside the stream. It's less than a mile round trip but includes lush vegetation and a couple spots to swim in the stream (provided there hasn't been a lot of rainfall).
Note that you must
reserve park tickets in advance. The best time to visit is around 9am for fewer crowds, less chance of clouds, and good lighting for photographs.