If you find yourself in Maui, Hawaii and you are looking for something other than playing around on the beaches. May I suggest taking a drive to Iao Valley State Park. There you can get out and sight see, do a little short hiking.
As you can see in the shot above, you are a bit more inland for this. However, when you hike up to the top views, you can still see the Maui Valley and Ocean in the distance.
There are lots of beautiful lush mountains surrounding you as you walk along the trails, you can stop and take different pictures at different view points. Helps give you a different perspective of Hawaii than just warm sand and beaches.
Above is the Iao Needle. This was carved by erosion, and rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor.
This is a fun spot to visit, if you want to spend half of a day doing something different and unique, but still see lots of beauty.
There is also a botanical garden in the lower area's. This will give you a chance to see some of the beautiful plants that the Hawaiian's brought when they first settled here.
If you get hot, just sit under a shade tree, or stick your feet in a nearby creek to cool off. The main trail in this area is just over a half a mile long, so it doesn't take much time at all. Which is why you can actually take your time, and enjoy the beauty before moving onto the next thing.
IF YOU GO:
* There is not any drinking water here, you will have to bring your own.
* They didn't charge me an entry fee, however they do collect a parking fee from tourists, although I believe it is free for Hawaiians.
* You climb about 200 feet. However, the trails are well maintained.
* I'd suggest bringing a camera:)
* You can easily see everything you'd want to in about 1-2 hours. However, if your going with friends or family you may want to stay a couple of hours and take your time, relax, pack a picnic and enjoy.
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