One of Maui’s most popular parks, ‘Iao Valley State Monument includes the ‘Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop. Located west of Wailuku in Central Maui, this lush 4,000-acre park’s main attraction is the ‘Iao Needle (Kuka`emoku), a 1,200-ft. high peak that you can hike up for incredible views of the valley. In Hawaiian culture, it is known as the phallic stone of Kanaloa (ocean god) and the battle site of Kepaniwai where Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in 1790. This valley is very sacred to the Hawaiian people and at one time was kapu to all but Hawaiian royalty. When you enter the upper park, there is a footbridge suspended above the stream with incredible views of the Needle. There is also the Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens, where you can spend the day learning more about the multicultural history of Maui. Amenities include bathrooms, BBQs, and sheltered picnic tables.