At 1,200 feet high from the valley floor, the monolithic ʻĪao Needle (Kūkaemoku) Monument is one of the most beloved natural landmarks in Hawaiian history. This vegetation-covered lava remnant is a sharp ridge that’s an extension of the surrounding West Maui Mountains and is reached by a short trail to a windy overlook in ʻĪao Valley. Used as a lookout point for the Maui army during the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790 before succumbing to Kamehameha I’s campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, it is also a historic burial ground since the 15th century. The needle is easily accessible from the parking lot, with the paved main trail being about .6 miles, including steps to the top, and arterial trails of another .5 miles that feature several types of flowers and fauna. It’s recommended to go early in the morning when clouds are less likely to obscure the view.