Once the site of an ali’i (Hawaiian royalty) burial ground, Iao Valley is now a National Natural Landmark visited by thousands of nature enthusiasts from around the globe every day.

Iao Valley is most famously remembered as the location of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790. In an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands, Kamehameha landed his war fleet on the shores of North Maui while Maui’s Chief, Kahekili, was away on the island of Oahu. Kahekili’s son, Kalanikupule, entered Iao Valley with other Maui chiefs and army members, planning to use Iao Needle as a protective hideout from oncoming forces. He wasn’t aware, however, that Kamehameha had brought Western weapons along with him, including a cannon, which killed many army members during the battle. The streams of Iao Valley were said to have been blocked by bodies after the battle finished, the reason behind the name Kepaniwai, meaning “the damming of the waters.” While none of Maui’s major chiefs were killed, the damage was done. Chiefess Kalola escaped with her life, accepting Kamehameha’s protection in exchange for the promise of her daughter as his future wife. After returning to Maui, Chief Kahekili refused to give control to Kamehameha, despite his win in the battle, and was the reason for his return in 1794 to reconquer the island.