ʻĪao Valley State Monument

Fees, Hours & Getting There

Written by a Local Expert

ʻĪao Valley at a Glance: Fees, Hours, and Essential Information

Category	Details for Non-Residents	Details for Hawaiʻi Residents
Reservations	Required. Book up to 30 days in advance	Not required (with valid State ID/DL)
Entrance Fee	$5.00 per person (ages 3+)	Free (with valid ID)
Parking Fee	$10.00 per non-commercial vehicle	Free (with valid ID)
Operating Hours	7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily	7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily
Last Entry	Must enter by 5:00 PM	Must enter by 5:00 PM
Arrival Window	Must arrive within 30 mins of reservation start	N/A

Important clarification: While the last available time slot is 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM, you must physically enter the park by 5:00 PM. This confusion has caught many visitors off guard, so plan accordingly.

Getting to the Valley: Directions and Parking Insights

From Kahului Airport (OGG)

The drive takes about 15 minutes covering 7.9 miles. Take Hana Highway (Highway 36) west toward Wailuku. This becomes Kaʻahumanu Avenue (Highway 32). In Wailuku, the road becomes Main Street. Continue straight, and at the fork, bear right onto ʻĪao Valley Road (Highway 320). Follow this winding road to the end—you can't miss it.

From Wailea/Kīhei

Take Piʻilani Highway (Highway 31) north. Turn left onto North Kīhei Road, then right onto Honoapiʻilani Highway (Highway 30) toward Wailuku. In Wailuku, turn left onto West Main Street and follow ʻĪao Valley Road (Highway 320) to the park entrance.

Parking Reality Check

The reservation system was implemented partly because of parking chaos. Before, cars lined the narrow road illegally, creating traffic nightmares for locals. Now, with a confirmed reservation, you're guaranteed a parking spot within the park's lots. Never park on the road leading to the park—it's prohibited and you'll likely get towed.

What to Pack for One of Hawaii's Wettest Places

ʻĪao Valley receives nearly 400 inches of rain annually, making it one of the wettest spots in Hawaiʻi. The weather can shift from sunny to stormy in minutes, so come prepared.

☔ Rain Jacket or Poncho

Not optional. Even if it's sunny when you leave your hotel, pack rain protection. I've been caught in sudden downpours that soaked me completely in under two minutes.

👟 Sturdy, Closed-Toe Footwear

The paved paths become extremely slippery when wet. I've seen too many people in flip-flops take nasty spills. Hiking shoes or sneakers with good tread are essential.

🦟 Insect Repellent

The damp, lush environment breeds mosquitoes year-round. Apply before you start walking and reapply as needed.

💧 Drinking Water

This is critical—the park has no drinking water facilities. The nearest place to buy water is back in Wailuku, so bring more than you think you'll need.