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. A guide to those volcanic terms: Pele's hair, caldera, volcanic ash -- learn what they mean, Suspect in deadly Kapiolani hit-and-run crash released from jail, Beware of counterfeit products this holiday shopping season, Homeland Security Investigations warns, Maui County residents asked to report property damage caused by massive weekend ocean swells, Thanksgiving travel should be less chaotic than summer, Sunday Morning Weather - Light Trade Winds Continue. Watch out for roots as this is the largest risk as you climb. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. 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. Don't. After you reach the first platform, the hike flattens out quite a bit and things get much easier. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Fortunately,Oahu is full of great hikes. Been there. 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. There were plans to remove the stairs, but theres also been a lot of pushback from Hawaii locals wanting to keep the stairs. 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. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. ", "You need to have a certain amount of physical conditioning, because you are climbing almost the entire time," Griggs told Hawaii News Now. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. -Dogs and babies not advisable on this trail. How To Get There: Stairway Entrance / Directions, Deaths On The Stairway To Heaven In Hawaii. 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. Wonderful read! no reports have been added for Moanalua Valley Trail yet, add a trail report. Definitely not a short one. the city administration randomly reversed this decision, Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii - Fun, Couples, & Free, Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii - Most Epic & Beautiful Hiking Trails, 16 Great Zion Hikes: Best Hikes In Zion National Park, James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket), Maine Lighthouses Map: The 15 Best Lighthouses In Maine, Breckenridge Troll Hike: Isak Heartstone Location & Directions, Acatenango Volcano Hike: Volcan De Fuego Guatemala, Tikal Guatemala Ruins: Map & How To Visit Tikal National Park, 15 Best Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi Layover), Maya Bay Thailand: The Beach Is Open! I lived for a few years in Kaneohe (graduated James B Castle HS) some 50 years ago and NEVER knew about the Haiku stairway. The victim plunged off Mount Olomana's third peak, near Kailua, around 10:50 a.m.,Hawaii News Now reported, citing the Honolulu Fire Department. Every trail I hike on this island and other islands is overrun, regulate yes, shut down no and certainly dont be a condescending dick about something you have zero authority over. The Haiku Stairs Hawaii trail was officially closed in the 1980s, and its been damaged a little (and repaired) on and off in the years since then. 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. For more information, visit: Moanalua Valley and Tripler Ridge Trail Loop, Kalihi Ice Ponds [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY]. Please tag along! Polizzi was on the hike with a group of friends. Theres the potential for a criminal charge of second degree trespassing (a misdemeanor record), which could be a big problem for some people who have security clearances, sensitive employment, professional licenses, immigration applications, etc. Preview trail Dogs on leash Hiking Walking Bird watching River Views Waterfall Wildflowers Over grown Scramble Description Parking is at the Moanalua Valley Park (open from 7am - 7pm) at the end of Ala Aolani Street. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. UPDATE 02/2023: Theres still hope that the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii trail may be saved after all. Parking: Park at the Moanalua Valley Park. Follow a small path in the grass, or walk to the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. When people refer to it as the legal backway to get to the Stairway to Heaven that refers to the legal route to the top of the Moanalua Valley Trail but you still arent allowed to actually go on the stairs or the satellite area. To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. You can go all the way up and assess the situation and make your decisions from there but even if you dont want to venture onto the illegal area you will have great views so it is still worth the journey either way. While the first peak is the "highest and offers the best views," it's the mountain's third peak where Stowell fell to his death that "offers the greatest climbing challenge. You'll enjoy sweeping views of southern Oahu on this 10.4-mile roundtrip hike. We will be hiking in later June so probably drier. I also didnt get enough sleep dont be like me. Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. We celebrated National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), with a round up of our top picks for the best hikes on the Island. Alone with some of the best views in the world. Both times I did the hike, the security guard yelled at us from a distance but didnt seem to chase after us or call the police. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Also, it's a ridge..which could mean wind. 2023 Stars and Stripes. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Moanalua Valley Trail (backway to Stairway to Heaven) and have good luck and good weather on your journey! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. Loved every minute of it! These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Hawaii, like any other state, has property laws. If someone is offering to take you on a hike for a fee, you should report them to the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement. Family of hikers found dead on remote Sierra trail likely killed by heat, dehydration. Thousands of people hike this trail every year and no one has ever died by falling. Heed no trespassing and other warning signs. Theres also a legal way to reach the top of the mountain by climbing it from the backside via Moanalua Valley trail, which Ill explain in more detail later in this guide. As soon as you veer from top of the middle ridge, roughly 2000ft from the top of the stairs, you are trespassing and can be fined for doing so. Just wished the front way was open, For experienced hikers dont do alone unless youre a pro & even then let someone know where you are. When she willed the entire ahupuaa of Moanalua to Damons father in 1884, the luxurious valley home was built.) 6 rides; 11 miles avg distance; All. We did run into a few people who had gotten lost at the start though. This hike was so challenging and worthwhile, probably one of my favorite hikes I have ever done. 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. Mahalo! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. Dont sue the state. Regular athletic shoes will not do the job. Ill add a note about that in the article. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. For safety. After that, it should be pretty straightforward. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Please explore other trails nearby. Although small and unmarked its an obvious trail. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The stairs were then opened to the public until 1987 when they were deemed unsafe because of disrepair. 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. The path is quite wide and at many points there are forks in the road which come back to the same point after about 20 yards. It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Once you are inside the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, you will find the trail at the back of the park. If the weather goes bad on you, you could get stuck for a while. We put on our microspikes at the riverbed and they were handy all the way to the summit. Bring ziplock bag to gather your trash respect the land & beauty of the island. Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Being inside the boundaries of the TMK parcel that the stairs is built on is a finable offense for having broken property and trespass laws. Make the risks known to people, but dont close all the hikes. Shortly after the 17th crossing, you should see a sign for the Kulana'ahane trail (note: Do NOT take this). Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. Please be respectful to the place we call home and follow the rules. Be careful on your footing & hand placements not all branches are build to hold your weight. Ill also share my full experience and all of my photos including some epic shots from the summit so you can get an idea of why this was one of my favorite hikes on Oahu, Hawaii. He served as the 15th Maintenance Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Operations Officer while at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. It will take you through a creek bed, where the trail is fairly obvious to find. Definitely dont pay a guide for this hike like some people seem to. HONOLULU (KITV4) Honolulu Fire received an emergency 911 call about hikers in distress on the Moanalua Valley Trail on Friday evening. Still interested? Are there hand-holds on the places that were sheer drop off on both sides? Its actually one of the safest parts of the hike IMO. Basically, when you reach the top of the Moanalua Middle Ridge trail you will have great views and are within a stones throw of the satellite at the summit. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Also, more so than the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the peak to the radio station is far muddier and much more slippery. 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. Ethical? Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. He was previously stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy; Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. It all goes back to a history of lawsuits from people getting injured while hiking in Oahu and then suing the state. Anthony J. Polizzi, 31. Give me a break!, its a hike, and a damn good one at that! Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. There were 2 other parties of 2 hiking that day, plus a group at the top who came from the other trail that made them muddy and take much longer. 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. The government in Oahu has a habit of closing any hike they consider slightly risky, because it might attract lawsuits. Also please pack out your trash! We did this trail in about 6.5 hours (both of us experienced hikers) with stoping for many photos and breaks. As someone who grew up in a nearby neighborhood in the 80s and still has a good family friend that lives IN the Haiku stairs neighborhood Ill tell you one thing hiking blogs and social media posts dont seem to mention the history of bad behavior from young, disrespectful hikers who arrive at 4am, dont even try to keep their noise levels down, cut through the backyards of residents, and use residents hoses to rinse off after hiking the stairway. Recommended. When I did the Haiku Stairs Oahu trek for the first time on my birthday in 2016, the weather started out clear but then some clouds came in. These restaurants and cafs hold themselves to a higher eco-standard that make deciding where to eat for ocean-minded people an easy decision. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. You have permission to edit this article. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. Try hike the Lanikai pill box brah. The path is quite wide and at many points there are forks in the road which come back to the same point after about 20 yards. I'm providing information that is factual instead of perpetuating a myth. This trail is a national and state treasure, with amazing scenery and a cool bit of history behind it. 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. The steepest section of stairs is actually near the start of the hike, right before you reach the first platform. Wind and rain can make it much harder and more risky. There is parking in the park parking lot, but it's only open from 7 am to 7 pm. You just keep heading straight up and you will eventually reach the satellite dish at the summit. It is for this reason that it is NOT recommended to hike this trail in heavy rains due to flash flooding. Haiku Stairs Map How might someone prepare to hike Stairway to Heaven? I think its best to begin just after sunrise as it can be quite a hot, exposed trail if you leave it too late in the day for the ascent. -Headlamp. After all, well be inching closer to the sun at an elevation gain of about 2,585 feet from where were currently standing. per adult. The first 4.5 miles are perfectly legal and get you the same views as stairway (and you can walk on the stairway at the top if you want to). Good hike, perfectly legal way. 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. Moanalua Valley Trail is the back route and legal access to the Haiku Stairs, which is illegal to access from the front stairway. 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? Moanalua is still a pretty epic hike in its own right, and the views are amazing, so Id recommend doing it if you enjoy hard hikes! Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. Im chicken little when it comes to doing anything that is deemed illegal. Keep your personal fitness and skill levelin mind, and always take proper precautions when venturing off road. "It was an absolute honor when you asked me to commission you into the Air Force," wrote David Michael Rothzeid in a Facebook post. The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. 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. That hasnt stopped locals, hikers, and tourists sneaking past a guard who is posted at the bottom of the stairs to experience the thrilling 4000ft long climb along an 18-inch wide staircase reaching heights of above 2000ft. 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. Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. 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. Ive done the Hawaii Haiku Stairs hike several times now, and even after traveling in many countries, its still probably my favorite trek in the world. Judd Trail Mountain View is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. What can be earliest time to start this hike? Eat healthy foods bring nuts, fruits like bananas or mandarins to get quick sugar fixes so you can have quick energy (if you can have those things) . 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. Lastly, you could also be billed for emergency services if youre somehow injured and need to be rescued while doing this hike. 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. INDEFINITE CLOSURE: This trail is closed to the public and violators/trespassers are SUBJECT TO $1000 FINES, COMMUNITY SERVICE, BENCH WARRANTS, AND/OR ARREST. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. The key in the first part of the hike is to be cognizant of the distance you are covering as the ridge trail is somewhat hidden and can be easily missed. There's also a ton of street parking near by in the neighborhood. Once up on the ridge, the view is absolutely incredible! 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Aloha, for those that think this trail is legal and open to the public with no repercussions, you are wrong. Additionally, along the trail there are several ropes which people have tied tied to help with the hike. Bummer, this trail is closed. Additionally, there are several inclines and declines with poor footing. 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. The trail starts as a road barred by a green gate. 12. Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. Bring water & food. At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the view of the abandoned Radio Tower comes into view. 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The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. (Damon was the son of Bernice Pauahi Bishops husbands business partner. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. Dont attempt this hike when its raining or for a couple of days after heavy rain. from around the world. Moanalua Valley Trail the legal back way for the Stairway To Heaven. 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. Really bites that we struggled through mud for miles and never found the trail. Highly recommend, it was one of the best hikes I have ever done. Disappointed that I didnt have a chance to make that trek. The Moanalua Valley Trail isnt as popular as the Haiku Stairs themselves but it is growing in popularity and the trail can get quite busy. Did this hike last week started at 6 AM. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. You can also reach out for info/if you have other questions about the hike or other hikes here. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. To put it another way, THIS HIKE IS ILLEGAL. Legal Statement. Parking was easy, street parking next to the park and it was very easy to find the green gate. You may also be wondering how Stairway To Heaven compares to the infamous Koko Crater Trail in Oahu, also known as the Koko Head Stairs of Doom.. After the first three miles, when you start to ascend, it could get really slippery, if youre not an experienced hiker, DO NOT do this hike after rainy days. You need to take the MIDDLE option. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. It may never be surpassed! The views are incredible and worth every minute and mile of this trail. Pass all the crossings and continue to follow the trail. Its been a wild ride. 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. Though the trail is not particularly hilly, it is also not paved and there are muddy spots that should be approached with caution. This is incorrect. Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason its one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth! Part of being outside and in nature is the lack of rules and the BS! These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. Generally considered a challenging route. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan. Nathan Stowell, 25, died on Sunday after falling 400 feet off a hiking trail of Hawaii's Mount Olomana. At some points, the stairs of death are almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain. Continue on the main trail up and up and up. (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. There should be more information about this soon. -Good shoes. It gave the mountains and everything a surreal touch that made us feel like we were walking up into the heavens.

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