Moanalua Valley Trail - Moanalua Valley Trail - Tripadvisor 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. Trailhead Coordinates - Latitude: 21.37409 | Longitude: -157.880509. Be advised that if you need emergency services you will be billed for the rescue equipment usage and personnel time. Moanalua Valley Trail the legal back way for the Stairway To Heaven. This is quite the work out and worth the view. Looking to hike this any day in next week .if anybody's down, msg me in insta @allispichkooo:), Anyone want to do this on 11/24 or 11/25? Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. 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. If you are confused follow the AllTrails map. Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. Can see the water on both sides of the islands the further up you hike. Ill add a note about that in the article. Editors Note: We love hiking! 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 hike is four miles each way, making it just 0.15 miles shorter than the Great Aloha Run. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. The Best of Hawai'i's Great Outdoors: 20 Great O'ahu Hikes On my hike up the Moanalua Valley Trail, I went halfway down the stairs and back up just to explore and then returned via the Moanalua Valley Trail although I met some people who were going to try and exit via the stairs. There is no legal way to the stairs. Aloha, for those that think this trail is legal and open to the public with no repercussions, you are wrong. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. To remember: You came this far. He was a freelance writer and journalism teacher in China from 2006-2009. Don't hike with this Mike guy on here , he reaches out and tries to rip you off and doesn't even hike it with you . Once at the summit of the Moanalua Valley Trail you will essentially enjoy the view and then turn back around and head down the way you came. I was lucky enough to have climbed on a windless morning, but any wind will add to the complexity and risk to the hike. The trail starts as a road barred by a green gate. Fair enough. Know your physical abilities and limitations; select trails that can be enjoyed safely. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. ", Hikerstold KHONthe trail was muddy from rain this past weekend. Be careful. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. I think even not super experienced hikers can complete as long as they take at their own pace. Unfortunately, in September 2021, the city administration randomly reversed this decision and decided they would rather spend $1.3 million to remove the stairs, which could happen as soon as 2023. Hawaii, like any other state, has property laws. Love this hike! Hunters frequent the surrounding area, so, when in doubt, follow the stream! Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This is a review for hiking the Moanalua Valley to Middle Ridge to Tripler Ridge (AKA the legal back way to the Stairway to Heaven) and then down the stairs. You definitely want good weather for this hike. 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). 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. per adult. This blog post will explain some of the details and history of the Hawaii Stairway To Heaven hike, and then Ill discuss some of the politics behind the stairs and plans for their future. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. Beyond the legality of this hike, whether you are a local or just visiting Hawaii, doing this hike shows great disrespect to Hawaii, its people, its natural resources, and our culture. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Part of being outside and in nature is the lack of rules and the BS! Its possible to walk up without the rope but I suggest having some gloves as most people will be holding onto the rope the whole time. and news flash, every part of Hawaii is sacred! The weather today is just as my friend hoped for; hes been monitoring it daily since a week out to ensure the trail will be dry and moderately windless, opportune conditions for a hike that has us teetering across razor-thin sections with steep drops on either side. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! Please be prepared! Ghosts and Night Marchers in Moanalua Mysteries of Hawai'i Friends also took to social media Thursday to share their memories of Polizzi. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. That isnt to say people arent, or should not be super respectful, ie, no trash, tread lightly, be quiet, etc, all that goes with just being a responsible and respectful human being. Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail | Map, Guide - AllTrails Dinner and Show Tickets. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. It has been a long perpetuated myth that simply being on the stairs is what gets you fined. Spikes and gloves definitely help but arent 100% necessary. Legal Statement. Eventually, a sliver of the Pacific Ocean peeks out from the other side of the mountain and, before I know it, were at our destination, rewarded with a panoramic view of the Windward Side. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so youre not heading back in the dark. This trail is a national and state treasure, with amazing scenery and a cool bit of history behind it. Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason its one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth! Once up on the ridge, the view is absolutely incredible! Be careful with the wind and rain on the ridge. Recommended. However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. Easy hike through the lush forest of Kamananui Valley. 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. 12. 0 rides ; 6 Months. (That said, while you may take in the jaw-dropping views it showcases of Oahu at the hikes summit, the stairs themselves are still illegal to go down and trespass on, regardless of how youve reached them.) 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. There are a few more rope sections and some very deep, muddy crevasses you will have to sneak through before you reach the top of this hike. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. No more news yet. How to Get to Seven Bridges in Hawaii | USA Today Every time I turned around to look back towards the city, the view just kept getting better and better. 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 20 Thoughts Every Hiker has had on the Trail Up Koko Head Crater, Shop These 5 Sophisticated Aloha Shirt Brands, The Enduring Nostalgia of Hawaii's Historic Drive-In Restaurants, Find Solitude and Serenity at the Waipio Wayside Bed and Breakfast, How (And Where) To Watch the Massive Waves on Oahu's North Shore. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! If you want to do a guided hike anywhere on State Lands, please ask the guide to see a copy of their commercial use permit, issued by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. Its towering heights along a steep ridge could cause a sudden slip to be fatal. Been there. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. Anthony J. Polizzi. from around the world. The first part of the trail is fairly flat and easy consisting of 17 riverbed crossings. Future Of The Haiku Stairs Open / Closed? Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @mike.karas or email me at mikekarasphotography@gmail.com if youd like to join or like gear for the hike I have plenty of microspikes and gloves. 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. Relax, its not as scary as it looks here. 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. The World Travel Guy 2023 Generally considered a challenging route. 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. About 200 yards from the radio tower, the trail eases up and you begin to see the sweeping panoramic views over Honolulu and southern Oahu. The city of Honolulu spent almost a million dollars repairing the stairs and was considering re-opening the stairs in 2002 but resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening and the stairs have been closed ever since. Be careful on your footing & hand placements not all branches are build to hold your weight. The great part about this trail is that you have incredible views along the way and not just at the summit. Wear proper shoes and bring gloves!Quite muddy Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (Moanalua section). I explored the radio tower, Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven), and a set of abandoned, overgrown stairs. Suddenly youre alone on the mountain. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan. This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding. Moanalua Middle Ridge (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Hoomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility." I'd recommend doing this hike early as possible to avoid the potential crowds. Bring a cell phone, which can be a lifesaver during an emergency. Hike the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs Peak. I hope to do it again someday. Ive done most of the hikes on the island before. You can see everythingKaneohe, Kailua, Mokolii (akaChinamans Hat), Olomana and the H-3 snaking its way through it alland Im basking in the extraordinary sight of how miniature life looks from up above. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. Theres a tree branch that has Middle Ridge carved into it as a reference point. Bring ziplock bag to gather your trash respect the land & beauty of the island. Good luck and enjoy! Overnight parking is not allowed in Moanalua Valley Park - the gate is locked and the park is closed at a certain hour. 804. Once you are inside the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, you will find the trail at the back of the park. Start at the parking lot at the end of Moanalua Valley Road. The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike is epic, dangerous, and illegal. I hope it will be repaired and preserved for people to enjoy forever. Id allow a good 4hrs to hike if with a group and more time if the conditions are windy or muddy. All anyone posts on here is about hiking the "legal" way, its not. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Wyatt Olson is based in the Honolulu bureau, where he has reported on military and security issues in the Indo-Pacific since 2014. Park in the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park parking lot at 1857 Ala Aolani St. As you walk up the dirt road, you will reach a chain link gate leading to the dirt road. Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. The first 2.5ish miles are flat and the next 2 miles are a pretty steep incline. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Oh my! We will be hiking in later June so probably drier. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) 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. Thousands of people hike this trail every year and no one has ever died by falling. Youll cross the streambed immediately and then begin to climb quickly. Have some light. Im not easy to sunburn, but he tosses me the bottle anyway, a suggestion to rub in a little more than I already have. How to Legally Hike to the Haiku Stairs | All Things Kate Even with all the information there is floating around online to help hikers prepare for it, I prefer to have a guide, someone in the flesh whos done this before, to lead the way to the finale peak, Puu Keahi a Kahoe, at the back of Moanalua Valley. Foster Botanical Garden is a loop trail that is used for walking and nature trips located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. You just keep heading straight up and you will eventually reach the satellite dish at the summit. It has about 3 times as much elevation gain and takes at least 3 times as long to climb. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. "Novices have no business being on that hike. Thanks Billie! Cause of death for California family found during Sierra hike - Los IG: @ lis.aloha. Hike the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs Peak . At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the view of the abandoned Radio Tower comes into view. The view from the tower is the most spectacular although there will be lookouts before which are gorgeous as well. Can be very muddy like lots of the ridges out here on island. 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. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. There is parking outside the gate, which we recommend using in case you don't get back before they close the gates in the evening. Had to go the long way from Moanalua Valley (the legal way so not sure why this says its closed ~ unless its speaking of the actual stairs) I wanted to do this hike every since I moved here 17.5 years ago. It's not about the rules and laws I've cited. I hope this clears up YEARS of misconceptions about this trail. HFD suspends search for missing hiker - Hawaii News Now Stay hydrated and prepare for the unexpected. Do NOT take this route. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. This trail in Oahu, also known as the Haiku Stairs, takes you to the top of the Koolau mountains via 3,922 metal stairs of pure adrenaline and doom. Accessing the Trail: The trail starts at Moanalua Valley Park, about 20 minutes away from Waikiki. The other specific laws that come into play here are located in HRS chapters 104 and 130, State Forestry and Na Ala Hele Access. ", "You were one of the most out going [sic], funniest, and happiest people Ive ever had the chance to get to know and call a friend," wrote friend Greg Glawatz in another Facebook post. Additionally, there are several inclines and declines with poor footing. When you make it to the sign saying Kulanaahane continue on for another few meters until you will find the pathway on your left, which leads you across the rocky riverbed. At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, you will catch your first glimpse of the radio tower/satellite. Well kept trail for the island, but still challenging. But is the solution to shut everything down? Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. You can also reach out for info/if you have other questions about the hike or other hikes here. The walk would be a little longer but easy on the flat road. Date of experience: June 2019. With alternate trails and surrounding hunting grounds, its easy for dogs to get lost. 14 guest maximum. The government in Oahu has a habit of closing any hike they consider slightly risky, because it might attract lawsuits. Firefighters hiked up the trail and made contact with the woman at 10:12 p.m., and determined both hikers were uninjured so, it was decided to escort the hikers on foot. There are dozens of other legal trails that give you a similar view that you can hike. I'm also attempting to educate people about how this place is being overrun by people who want to experience nature but are doing so at the cost of nature and for what? Preview trail JT, do think anyone cares about the rules and laws you cite? HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - U.S. Army officials have released new details surrounding the death of an Airman assigned to the 15th Wing. Fortunately,Oahu is full of great hikes. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy. Anthony J. Polizzi, 31. These people are mad and will make increasing trouble for hikers as time goes by. The trail is quite easy to follow for the first few miles with a wide path, winding you through lush forest and warming up your legs. Market data provided by Factset. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. At minimum please wear proper hiking footwear and be prepared. The trail is a legal hike and you should have no issues on the route towards the summit. We put on our microspikes at the riverbed and they were handy all the way to the summit. a view? Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. We did the Uncle Toms Trail in Yellowstone and for me that was one of the best little adventures Ive done. The middle ridge in Moanalua is home to many native species not found anywhere else in the world, and being at the top of the ridge, the effects of illegal hikers and illegal tours ripples down into the valley. In total the hike is 5.2 miles with 2585 ft in elevation gain (basically all of this is condensed into the final 2 miles). Firefighters said that the rivers crossing the trail were at a dangerously high level. Don't. Drone shot of the mountain. Let's stay updated! 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. If the weather goes bad on you, you could get stuck for a while.