In 2016, torrential rains caused flooding that absolutely destroyed Maui’s ‘Iao Valley State Monument. Since then, officials have been working to restore the valley, its attractions, and its infrastructure. And to finish the project, ‘Iao Valley is closing for 4 months.
Following the devastating floods, much work needed to be done to stabilize the area and make enough repairs to reopen the park to the public. That initial reopening happened back in 2017. Then, of course, the park closed once again thanks to the pandemic, reopening in late 2020. Now, after years of delay, officials are ready to make their final repairs and enhancements, necessitating yet another round of closures.
‘Iao Valley is Closing for 4 Months
The popular Maui attraction is closing on August 1, 2022, and will remain so for about four-and-a-half months, reopening on January 15, 2023. Officials haven’t really said what work will take place during the closure, but we do know that more slope stabilization work will be done. Other possible projects include parking lot expansion, comfort station enhancements, and utility work. This should be the last closure related to the 2016 flood and should, as much as physically possible, restore park operations to what they were prior to that event.
‘Iao Valley Entry Fees
Like so many state parks, when ‘Iao Valley State Monument reopened in 2020, it did so with new entry fees. That’s probably for the better as, when we visited back in 2014, the place was CROWDED. Anyhow, those fees will remain the same when the park reopens early next year. That means residents will continue to get in for free with a Hawaii-issued ID. Non-residents will need to pay $5 if entering on foot (but why? It’s so far from everything else!) or $10 if driving in.
‘Iao Valley is Closing for 4 Months, Final Thoughts
It’s great that this long-delayed project is finally getting off the ground. Hopefully, the work will keep from another catastrophic failure from happening there again. Only time will tell, though. For those of you that are visiting during this time, it’s unfortunate that you won’t be able to see the ‘Iao Needle. But Maui has so much more to offer; I’m sure you’ll find something else!