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exploring |
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Drive a couple of miles above Wailuku and you're suddenly in a rain forest. The valley closes in, the air is moist and cool and the shade welcomes. The Iao Valley is a 6.2 acre state park, a place of history and beauty. Iao means Supreme Light. The valley is the eroded caldera of the West Maui mountains, an amphitheater where four streams converge. |
The Iao Needle (2,250 feet) is actually the end of a ridge. Walk over the bridge and along the stream. The valley is full of tropical flowers, rainbows, waterfalls and swimming holes. Resident come here to picnic, relax and reflect. You may, too.
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Iao Stream
Wade in the stream and think the water you stand in will soon irrigate a golf course in Kihei. Think also that in 1790 King Kamehameha and his men fought a battle here for control of Maui. When they finished, the stream was blocked with bodies and red with blood. The site was named Kepanawai "damning of the waters."
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Stone Face
On the way in or out, watch for a plaque inviting you to see the stone profile of Kauala'iwai, a Hawaiian wise man of the late 1400's. He was so sacred that anyone his shadow fell on or who looked at him was clubbed to death. To spare his people, he lived in a cave around here and came out only at night. Until recently, the stone face was supposed to resemble President John F. Kennedy.
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On the way down the hill you'll see a shrine where many local people burn candles and leave gifts. There is no sign to tell you who the saint is or what the shrine is for. Let us know if you find out.
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Tam really liked to ring the bell on this exhibit. >>> |
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