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Iao

Iao refers most commonly to Iao Valley, a rugged and lush gorge located on the island of Maui in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. The valley is cut by the Iao Stream and lies in the western part of the island, near the town of Wailuku. It is renowned for its dramatic scenery and serves as a focal point of Hawaii’s natural and cultural landscape.

A central feature of the area is the Iao Needle, a prominent basalt rock spire that rises

Historically, Iao Valley holds significance in Hawaiian history and culture. In 1790, it was the site of

Today, Iao Valley remains a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking scenic views, photographic opportunities,

above
the
valley
floor
and
has
become
one
of
Maui’s
recognizable
landmarks.
The
valley
and
its
surrounding
surroundings
are
protected
as
Iao
Valley
State
Monument,
preserving
a
tropical
rainforest
habitat
that
visitors
can
explore
via
short
trails
and
overlooks.
the
Battle
of
Kepaniwai,
part
of
Kamehameha
I’s
campaigns
to
unify
the
Hawaiian
Islands.
The
valley
has
long
been
important
to
local
communities
for
water,
taro
cultivation,
and
spiritual
associations,
and
it
remains
a
symbol
of
Hawaii’s
natural
beauty
and
heritage.
and
educational
interpretation
of
Hawaii’s
ecology
and
history.
Its
combination
of
dramatic
geology,
botanical
richness,
and
historic
resonance
continues
to
shape
its
status
as
a
key
landmark
on
Maui.