3. Iao Valley State Park

WAILUKU.   This beautiful, accessible park near Maui is best known for its stone spire, the "Iao Needle," which rises 2250 feet from the valley floor. It's also celebrated for its well-maintained hiking paths and river swimming holes. Calm and serene, the park's name means "supreme light" in Hawaiian, a somewhat ironic moniker considering that one of Hawaii's bloodiest battles was fought here in the late 18th century. At the battle of Kepaniwai, Kamehameha I slaughtered Maui's army as he endeavored to unite the archipelago.   (© 10Best)

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