Moanalua Valley. The Moanalua Valley Trail begins at the end of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. Oh my! The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. Monalua Ridge offers legal access to the top of the Haiku Stairs (note: they are illegal to go down). Lots of people sliding down on the trail or ripping out plants because they dont have traction damages the trail and makes it worse for everyone else. Its here, you should remind yourself, as you make your initial descent, not to rush. In this blog post, I will share with you all of the details about the Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku Stairs including distance, elevation, legalities, what to bring, and how to avoid trouble on this route. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Translation: Its going to be a long day. Can see the water on both sides of the islands the further up you hike. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven. The Stairway To Heaven trail is scary, but not very dangerous in my opinion unless you goof off or do something dumb. The trail is a legal hike and you should have no issues on the route towards the summit. Thank you for sharing your experience and pics. The hike follows the Moanalua Valley Trail before connecting up the Moanalua Middle Ridge, which is the legal 'backway' to the Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) satellite summit. Lol ALOHAAAAA. Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. olson.wyatt@stripes.com Twitter: @WyattWOlson. ", Hikerstold KHONthe trail was muddy from rain this past weekend. Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. Speaking of which, please be respectful of the local neighborhood and dont make noise or throw trash, and definitely dont jump any fences or go into anyones yard. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. He was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was pronounced dead, the Air Force said. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and inform builders and other riders about any issues on a trail. There is one short section of stairs that was mangled in a storm, but the damage is pretty minimal and you can pass that part without any trouble. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. It all goes back to a history of lawsuits from people getting injured while hiking in Oahu and then suing the state. Native plants along the ridge and rare apapane (Hawaiian honeycreeper) sightings aside, the hike has grown in popularity over the years because of its whispered status as a legal access route, the back way, to the infamous HaikuStairs. I didnt need spikes but some good traction helps. The police sometimes send an officer to hike up to the summit to give out fines and one time a police helicopter even landed up there. Anthony J. Polizzi. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Not a must, but its often raining, and windy. Still interested? Past Week. Anthony Polizzi, said Col. Dan Dobbels, 15th Wing commander. You just keep heading straight up and you will eventually reach the satellite dish at the summit. It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! The stairs start in the Haiku Valley, under the H3 highway (John A. Burns Freeway) and they wind up the side of a mountain near Kaneohe, called Puukeahiakahoe. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. A man who was hiking Hawaii's Olomana Trail reportedly plummeted hundreds of feet to his death on Sunday after he reportedly tried to grab his hat, marking the fourth death linked to the dangerous trail since 2011. He was previously stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy; Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Mahalo for reading this. Future Of The Haiku Stairs Open / Closed? This will lead you to an open grassy valley that gives you spectacular views of the valley. However, if you cross over and set foot on the platform of the satellite or venture onto the stairs you are now in an illegal area. Thank for your continued support. Its absolutely gorgeous. Significantly more roots are exposed as well. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. Once up on the ridge, the view is absolutely incredible! Thank you. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of mostfitness levels. I wont share the location and exact directions to the stairway here publicly, but I understand there are at least three different main ways to reach the stairs from the neighborhood below, and Ive used two of them in the past. Be advised that if you need emergency services you will be billed for the rescue equipment usage and personnel time. JT, do think anyone cares about the rules and laws you cite? One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. Aloha! As of 2023, there have never been any falling deaths on the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike. Ive done most of the hikes on the island before. Don't. Invalid password or account does not exist. They are fairly obvious when you cross over them and from the time you start there will be 17 crossings prior to the Middle Ridge Trailhead. The main reason to take the back way is just to stay legal and rule out any possible fines. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. After you reach the first platform, the hike flattens out quite a bit and things get much easier. This hike is long, and the weather can change quickly along the trail as you ascend to just shy of 3,000ft elevation. I was extremely surprised at the amount of people who I crossed when I hiked it. Im 100% in favor of keeping the stairway and letting hikers continue to hike it, but, David, you might want to add another item to bring with you on this hike a respectful & considerate disposition. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. Hawaii, like any other state, has property laws. The exposed ridges have more space on the sides than the pictures seem. She was . Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding. (Facebook). Im chicken little when it comes to doing anything that is deemed illegal. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. Please see J T s comments below before attempting this. Instagram @dblock55. This is the trailhead for the hike and you will follow this path until you reach the middle ridge. Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike. The trail becomes quite steep from this point on with lots of tree roots to scramble up, boulders to clamber over and small rope sections to navigate. We won't share it with anyone else. August 10, 1928 - February 22, 2023 Sister Mary Ellen Sprouffske, C.S.J. The Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs is a 10.7 mile (roundtrip) hike along varying terrains with several rope climb sections and very narrow ridge climbing. In terms of cardio its definitely a workout. 2023 Stars and Stripes. There is parking in the park parking lot, but it's only open from 7 am to 7 pm. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. There is a little sign right before accession, go to the left and instead of keeping left, take the middle right path up. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. In 2015, a man from Florida man died after falling about 200 feet from the trail. People claim the stairs are dangerous but they are a lot safer than climbing the mountains without stairs which is what people are doing to avoid breaking the law (but then they get on the stairs at the top for photos). A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. Officials said he collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley. The Stairway To Heaven also has much more epic views than Koko Head in my opinion, but Koko Head is still a great hike in its own way, and its completely legal, so its a good choice if you want another challenging hike with some fantastic island views. Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. But, this is just the beginning, and there are more to scale, a handful of which require ropes already strung along its steepest sections, and I gather this will be the theme of the day: up and down, then up again until theres nowhere else to climb. The trail becomes quite adventurous with many sections becoming quite narrow and requiring a rope to pull yourself up the slippery, gravel surface. . Begin walking the trail and after about 2.5 miles you'll see the sign on the left for "Kulana'ahane Trail". (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). Blah, blah, blah. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail. Parking was easy, street parking next to the park and it was very easy to find the green gate. or redistributed. The stairs are hiked by thousands of people every year, but the status of the trail is still in limbo because the state of Hawaii is afraid of liability and cant decide what to do with the stairs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. It was intense & very rewarding. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 35 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles, Koko Head Hike: Koko Crater Trail & Stairs In Oahu Hawaii, Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah, Komodo Island Indonesia: National Park & Dragon Tour. The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. It definitely is not legal to set foot on the Haiku Stairs or the satellite area at the summit. Whether climbing Stairway to Heaven illegally or legally via Moanalua Valley Trail, know that this hike is not for the faint of heart. The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. Crouching Lion and Sacred Falls are other examples. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. Not muddy today. At this point, it becomes a ridge walk as you keep gradually ascending to the radio tower, and even on a cloudy day the views are spectacular. If you knew anything about natural resources, you'd understand that this isn't just about respecting something that's sacred but rather protecting a watershed that provides benefits that you clearly take for granted. These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. If you want to see this place legally with almost no chance of fines, you can hike up the Moanalua Valley Trail on the back side of the same mountain. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Too many litterbugs on the island sadly. For me personally, it was well worth any of the risks involved! Legal? However, dont be confused by people who tell you this is the legal way to visit the Haiku Stairs. In its original inception, Hawaii's Interstate H3 highway was set to pass through Moanalua Valley, with its tunnel being bored right through Maunakapu, where the burials of some of Oahu's most sacred ali'i were said to be located. Thanks for looking! The World Travel Guy 2023 INDEFINITE CLOSURE: This trail is closed to the public and violators/trespassers are SUBJECT TO $1000 FINES, COMMUNITY SERVICE, BENCH WARRANTS, AND/OR ARREST. Moanalua Valley Trail 4 0 ftHiking Trails Pearl Harbor National Memorial 13,695 2.7 miHistoric Sites Military Bases & Facilities USS Arizona Memorial 27,032 Historic Sites Cemeteries See all See what other travelers are saying JacksonJones 24 contributions Amazing Ridge Hike to the Top of the Haiku Stairs Maybe we miscounted the 4 wheel drive crossings because we were at 15 or 16 when we hit the Kulana'ahane trailhead (on the left). The views are simply stunning and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Chinamans Hat near Kualoa Ranch and in the other direction, you can see all the way to Rabbit Island at Makapuu. Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail Hard 4.7 (4054) Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Photos (5,132) Directions Print/PDF map Length 9.2 miElevation gain 2,998 ftRoute type Out & back Enjoy this 9.2-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and thats why there are so many rescues. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. In any case, just be aware that fines of up to $1,000 have occasionally been given out to people caught climbing the staircase. However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. It has some sections of nearly vertical, rope and muddy sections. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven) [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY] Hard 4.7 (2199) Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Photos (5,275) Directions Print/PDF map Length 10.5 miElevation gain 5,029 ftRoute type Out & back Bummer, this trail is closed. If you are interested in climbing the back (legal) way up to the summit you can contact @mike.karas on Instagram and chat with him about when his next tour is running as he hikes the trail most weeks. Distress hikers rescued off Moanalua Valley Trail Friday evening By KITV4 Web Staff Mar 19, 2022 0 HONOLULU (KITV4) - Honolulu Fire received an emergency 911 call about hikers in distress on. If you do choose to continue on past the legal boundary and to the illegal area of the radio tower and reach the Haiku Stairs, this is what you can expect. Not the one all the way to the left. An absolutely amazing experience. Even the Kalalau Trail is open in Kauai despite being much more risky than the Stairway To Heaven. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Fun hike. The time should be posted on the gate. ! That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. The Haiku Stairs Hawaii hike is steep and strenuous, but the toughest part is the first 1/3rd of the stairway leading up to platform one. Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. This hike was so challenging and worthwhile, probably one of my favorite hikes I have ever done. It's not about the rules and laws I've cited. Try hike the Lanikai pill box brah. As the years have gone by and patience thinned then disappeared completely, hikers have tried to be more stealthy but its a little too late I dont know about you but if all that was happening on a near daily basis to my neighborhood, Id be pretty upset too! I was wondering what hike is the one you took the first picture in!! Wow, the Haiku Stairs, although strenuous, it looks fun with great views and a sense of accomplishment at the end. Be careful with the wind and rain on the ridge. Loved every minute of it! The area escorts us into a network of trails here, where the middle ridge opens up upon crossing a streambed found just after the marker for the Kulanaahane Trail. It will take you through a creek bed, where the trail is fairly obvious to find. I didnt end up using mine even with the amount of rain and mud present. Relax, its not as scary as it looks here. Army: Airman assigned to 15th wing died after collapsing while hiking, Furnishings, appliances from Shirokiya Japan Village Walk up for auction, Former Mililani High athletic director indicted, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. At another, I cut up my knuckles clawing for exposed roots to keep from tumbling down the rugged spine. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Copyright 2020 Hawaii News Now. Many residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the Stairway to Heaven years ago (legally). Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Be sure youre alright with heights, narrow ridges, and some minor climbing/scrambling. A grueling 3,922 stairs lead up the imposing mountain ridge, often at an almost vertical incline, with only a handrail to catch you from falling into the valley below. There is danger involved with traversing a mountain's ridgeback, an absurdly obvious fact that's slightly deceiving during the first leg of this trek, which begins at Moanalua Valley Park, a flat, straightforward 3-mile walk into Kamananui Valley. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. My issue is with the erosion scar that's been exacerbated ten-fold on the middle ridge allowing invasive species to spread further and further to the summit. Continue on the main trail up and up and up. My issue isn't with people hiking to the stairs, its with people using Moanalua to hike to the stairs and not caring about the impact they are leaving while doing so. Daylenn "Moke" Pua, 17, vanished five days ago while heading to the Haiku Stairs. The view from the tower is the most spectacular although there will be lookouts before which are gorgeous as well. Loving all your content and guidance! Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Recommended. (10-15) When I got to the top there was probably 10 or so people hanging out which is cool and all, but took away from the experience for me. 29, 2020 while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. The road eventually turns to an unimproved road and later a narrow trail. One of my favorite trails, with tons of side trails, pools, and ruins to explore. You have permission to edit this article. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. No such facilities are available within the valley itself. I first discovered the Stairway To Heaven Oahu hike on the internet in 2015 and knew I had to try it. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. I lived for a few years in Kaneohe (graduated James B Castle HS) some 50 years ago and NEVER knew about the Haiku stairway. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Easy hike through the lush forest of Kamananui Valley. The valley itself is historical, with the earliest human inhabitants dating back to the 1500s. It's not quite the same experience as climbing the stairs from the bottom up, but you can still reach the Hawaii 'Stairway To Heaven' trail at the top and go back down in either direction when you're done. 00:00 01:00 Only In Your State Step 3 Take the Red Hill/Moanalua Valley exit (exit 2) and turn right on Ala Aolani Street. For safety. Go past it about 20 paces. Foster Botanical Garden is a loop trail that is used for walking and nature trips located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. no reports have been added for Moanalua Valley Trail yet, add a trail report. A non-profit group called Friends of Haiku Stairs has drawn up some good plans for keeping the staircase and re-opening it with managed access, hiker fees, assumed liability, and minimal disturbance to the local neighborhood. Choose wisely! Its 328 steps to a raging waterfall. I was lucky enough to have climbed on a windless morning, but any wind will add to the complexity and risk to the hike. Yes the steepest parts have metal railings to hold. However, the whole Haiku valley is surrounded by a residential area with fences, yappy dogs, and a security guard, with only a few possible entrances. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. There were plans to remove the stairs, but theres also been a lot of pushback from Hawaii locals wanting to keep the stairs. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? We dont know for sure what happened, but its more likely his death happened on the steep and muddy Moanalua trail, not the stairway. Fair enough. At some points, the stairs of death are almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain. Make the risks known to people, but dont close all the hikes. Please explore other trails nearby. Such an exhilarating trail that really puts your body and mind to the ultimate test. Mahalo! These restaurants and cafs hold themselves to a higher eco-standard that make deciding where to eat for ocean-minded people an easy decision. The final major rope section was a steep gravel wall at an aggressive angle that required you to pull yourself up with the rope. Market data provided by Factset. Eventually you will crest on a peak with a sign pointing the way you've come, the first indication of the trails actual name of "Middle Ridge". This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Make sure you bring snacks and lots of water. Hike the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs Peak. To watch your footing. My issue is with the multiple bags of rubbish and litter in the valley that I've personally removed. Stick to the main trailfollow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley. The Oahu Stairway To Heaven was built by the US Navy in 1942, along with a radio station and giant antenna at the top of the mountain that were used to communicate with ships in the Pacific during World War II. I was wondering 10.4 miles is it a round trip? However, we wouldnt recommend running. Also please pack out your trash! From plantation towns to planned communities, Central Oahu has its share of secret spots, a bumper crop of bowling alleys and neighborhood eats.
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