If you’re looking for “Jurassic Park vibes” on Maui (you know…those green, jagged mountains set in a jungle so lush and prehistoric that it seems like it could be home to a spare dino or two?), you’re going to want to visit the Iao Valley. 

Iao Valley on Maui

In terms of actual history, Iao Valley State Park is the site where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army and united the Hawaiian Islands. 

The spot has a lot of cultural significance, and it’s also the most accessible way to see the West Maui Mountains up close. 

To visit Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here. 

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot. 

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park. 

In my personal experience, reservations are usually available last minute (at least a day or two before), but if you’re visiting during peak season or on a holiday, you’ll probably need to plan a bit more in advance. 

Once you arrive, you’ll park right in the valley and you’ll only need to do some light hiking (a stroll really) to see the best views. 

There’s a 0.6 mile paved walkway that leads to an overlook of the Iao Needle.  

There’s also a small botanical garden where you can learn about the plants brought to the valley by the Hawaiians who first settled there.

I don’t think it’s a place where you’ll spend more than an hour tops (given that a lot of people don’t think the parking and entry fee is worth it), but if you have kids, older people, or you’re just not up for serious hiking, it’s one of the most accessible, scenic places on Maui. 

While you’re in the area, stop for breakfast/lunch/coffee and some shopping in historic Wailuku town. I especially love Momoda Bakery in Kahului. 

Maui Tropical Plantation isn’t far and their gift shop is one of the best on the island. 

And if you’re a serious hiker, nearby Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a must.

P.S. I travel to Hawaii multiple times a year, and let me tell you a secret…I do most of it for FREE using credit card points and miles. 

I have a somewhat intricate system that I’ve fine tuned over the years to maximize earning points and how I cash them in, but the short version is:

I use THIS Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card for free Marriott nights. The sign up bonus alone on this card will get you 3 (sometimes 5!) free nights at hotels in Hawaii like the Sheraton Maui, Royal Hawaiian (Oahu), Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott (Kona). 

And I use THIS Southwest Premier Rapid Rewards card for free flights on Southwest. The sign up bonus will get you at least one round trip flight to Hawaii (possibly two depending on where you’re flying from). 

The combo of these two cards will have you most of the way to a free trip to Hawaii right out of the gate. Again, you can sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless >> HERE and the Southwest Premier Rapid Rewards >> HERE
And if you’re really serious about getting into the travel hacking game, read this post for a more in depth look at how I maximize credit card points to book travel.