MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: IAO VALLEY STATE PARK, WAILUKU, HI :: By day four, our burnt skin needed a break from the sun. Fortunately, the remainder of our planned activities on Maui would take place in cloudier areas. It's amazing that Kāʻanapali and the west coast of the island annually receive less than 20 inches of rain, yet just five miles inland, more than 400 inches fall on the mountains.

On our way to Hana, we took a detour into the Iao Valley, the second wettest location on the island. There we gazed upon the ‘Īao Needle, a natural landmark with spiritual and historical significance. A major battle between Hawaiian kings to unite the islands occurred here in the 15th century. It's said the river in the valley ran red with blood.

We took a short walk across a bridge to the lookout, alongside the river and through a garden. Perhaps it was the wrong time of the year, but most of the plants in the garden seemed pretty dead... Only a couple decent photos at this quick stop.