Iao Valley - Maui - 4.26.2012
From Main Street in Wailuku drive to the Iao Valley State Park at the end of the Iao Valley Road (Hwy 32).
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The Iao Valley State Park (~1000') is located in the West Maui Mountains... one of the wettest places on earth.
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Peaks on the south side of Iao Valley... peaks in the West Maui Mountains are usually covered by clouds.
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ragman, Denali Girl and the Iao Needle (2250').
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A closer look at the needle... clouds are already starting to roll in.
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People aren't really supposed to go beyond the needle lookout... but this trail looked well-used... looking down the Iao Valley to civilization.
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The south side of the Iao Valley.
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Ranger Steve and Denali Girl in a eucalyptus forest.
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We were usually in dense vegetation... but occasionally things opened up some.
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Nice tree.
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Pretty... but no idea what it is.
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Eucalyptus tree.
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Star Jasmine.
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Guava.
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Not sure on this one... maybe a eucalyptus.
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Huge fern.
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Ranger Steve got this shot underneath a banana tree.
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The trail steepens significantly about a quarter mile from our high point.
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Looking down the Iao Valley from our high point.
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The head of the Iao Valley.
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Hang loose from the Iao Valley... ragman, Denali Girl and Ranger Steve.
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Pano shot of the head of the Iao Valley.
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Hiking poles were very helpful coming down from our high point.
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Monkeys in the eucalyptus trees.
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Almost back to the car... looks like the clouds are winning. This hike was ~3 miles roundtrip, gaining ~800 feet of elevation.
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