One of the most sacred spots on the island, ‘Iao Valley—a National Natural Landmark whose biggest claim to fame is the 1,200 foot-high lava spire at its center—presents one photo opp after another, from lush vegetation along its valley floors to extensive views of the weathered central coast. As the site of one of Hawaii’s most brutal wars—the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790—it’s rumored that its stream waters once ran red with the blood of victims. Poignancy is felt in the air here, but the same waters are now lucid and lovely, jutting up against moss-covered boulders and rocks that seem to dance between shadow and light. 4,000 acres of tranquility are enhanced by a steep but worthwhile climb up 133 steps, where you’ll be presented with 360-degrees vistas that practically beg to be captured. Plants abound on its Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Trail, but as “cloud supreme” (to which ‘Iao’s Hawaiian name translates), do know it’s best to arrive in the morning before the fog arrives. If you’d like to supplement your trip to the park with guided assistance, look no further than Valley Isle Excursions, whose tour of ‘Iao also includes a stop at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens—a public space that honors the myriad cultures that shaped modern Maui.
https://www.tourmaui.com/tours/haleakala-maui-tour/

Find all hotels by Fairmont in Central Maui, HI from ￥168,160

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Dec 23 - Dec 24

Tomorrow

Dec 24 - Dec 25

This weekend

Dec 26 - Dec 28

Next weekend

Our top choices for Central Maui Fairmont

View from room

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

Wailea

United States

Laura

￥168,160 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026

View from property

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience

Wailea

United States

Sze Wai

￥541,239 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 24 - Jan 25, 2026

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign up, it's free

Top Central Maui Hotel Reviews

OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Loved the hotel and grounds but wish the pool was larger"

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

10/10 Excellent

"Great property all around (great pools, restaurants, location, stores, and flamingos). Surprisingly, they have a few exclusive bourbon bottles, with my favorite being the Knob Creek single barrel pick Westin exclusive at 120 proof, highly recommend for any bourbon aficionados (take advantageof their whiskey Wednesdays in their arcade)."

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Book Fairmont in Central Maui on Expedia.com

e514d44d-ad27-4456-815c-4bf36eb11361c83e74e3-1834-4436-8891-73d97a44e414