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Legend has it that ’Īao was the beautiful daughter of demigod Māui and his wife Hina. Though strictly forbidden, a young warrior became ’Īao’s lover. Māui found out, and punished the man by turning him into a pillar of stone, now known as the ’Īao Needle.

The largest of the major streams reaching the ocean from Pu’u Kukui (West Maui Mountains), ’Īao forms one of Nā Wai ’Ehā (The Four Waters) valleys of Maui. There are several pools along the stream that are easily accessible for a refreshing dip in the cool water.

Crisscrossing the valley, most of the park’s hiking paths are well maintained. A leisurely walk to the top takes about half an hour, and markers along the way note historic battles.

Along the river, under ferns, camouflaged by moss and overgrown by invasive coffee plants, one can find remnants of the stone foundations of early Hawaiian village sites. Also visible are farming terraces typical of traditional Hawaiian agriculture.

The beautiful Japanese Garden, centered around a traditional tea house, reflects a culture that also shows itself in Hawaiian customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home.

Statue of Japanese farm laborers

The Chinese Pagoda celebrates the culture of the laborers who were brought to work on Maui’s sugar plantations in the 1850s. The Chinese influence continues today in culinary treats, such as manapua (steamed buns).

The architecture of the colonial United States, with its predominance of whitepainted wooden structures (the “salt box” form), was brought by Protestant missionaries, who came to the Hawaiian islands beginning in the 1820s.

The Portuguese came in the late 19th century and taught the Hawaiians how to tend cattle and other livestock. Outside the villa is a traditional stone bread oven. Portuguese bread is very popular in Maui today.

Pick up a plate lunch and a soft drink at any of the myriad local restaurants and snack bars in Wailuku, and enjoy it at the picnic tables located in a shady grove near ’Īao Stream. The tables are sheltered from the sun and are easily accessible from the parking lot.

At this well-planned educational attraction, you can wiggle your fingers in a touch pool, play evolutionary roulette, and try to guess how many plants and animals chanced upon the Hawaiian islands.