At a glance:

Distance: 0.4 miles out and back
Difficulty: Totally mellow
Ascent: 90 feet
Map Link: Iao Valley
Website: Iao Valley State Monument
​Google Maps Link: Iao Valley

Iao Valley State Park

If you are just coming here to take pictures of the iconic needle and waterfalls, then don't waste your money.  It's actually a bit pricey to park and come into this park.  However, if you are doing the above AND going to jump in the stream, then it is totally worth it.  Super fun afternoon activity when you need a break from the beach, but still want to be wet.

Iao Valley

getting there:

Address: Iao Valley State Monument, Maui, Hawaii 96793
 1) If you are staying in Lahaina, then head back down Hwy 30 and take it back around to Wai'uku
 2) Take a left on Main Street and head up the Iao Valley Road.

The Hike:

This is a paved, state park style hike.  There are some stairs, but otherwise, not much to this in terms of working hard.  Get the obligatory pictures out of the way, and then head down to the stream.  There is a muddy / dirt trail that heads up the stream.  You can follow this for as long as you like until you find a place to hang out in the stream.  There are parts that are deep enough to jump into, or just let the water rush over a rock onto your head.  It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.