Liability is the main reason theyre closed. All rights reserved. Anyone who hikes the 10 miles round trip is obviously going to go to the top of the stairs, or beyond. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. With alternate trails and surrounding hunting grounds, its easy for dogs to get lost. In terms of cardio its definitely a workout. Stick to the main trailfollow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! 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. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. The Olomana Trail is strenuous a 4.5-mile rocky path spread across three different mountainous peaks, according toSummitPost.org. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Blah, blah, blah. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the hiking trail, where he was pronounced dead. We explored a few hundred meters down an abandoned set of stairs, quite sketchy and not recommended before turning back and returning towards the radio tower. Bring water & food. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. We hit the stairs and then disappeared into the jungle before we could find out. Pass the little sign and stream and itll be on your right. If you think about it there is a large number of people on 24/7 neighborhood watch and some are very angry and extreme. Trailhead Coordinates - Latitude: 21.37409 | Longitude: -157.880509. Bring A LOT of water, snacks, sunscreen and gloves really help for the ropes. At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the view of the abandoned Radio Tower comes into view. 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. 29, 2020 while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. . THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. Make sure you have done your research (YouTube) and you should be ready to are some awesome views. The small section damaged by the storm is not steep. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Im not easy to sunburn, but he tosses me the bottle anyway, a suggestion to rub in a little more than I already have. Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. Although small and unmarked its an obvious trail. The only death Im aware of was caused by a heart attack in a middle aged hiker (that steep ascent to platform one can be strenuous). I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! 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. The views are incredible and worth every minute and mile of this trail. 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. In this section, I will explain a little bit about each area and share with you the details for exploring this summit area. Its been a wild ride. olson.wyatt@stripes.com Twitter: @WyattWOlson. I didnt need spikes but some good traction helps. The other specific laws that come into play here are located in HRS chapters 104 and 130, State Forestry and Na Ala Hele Access. We were SO excited to find a legal way to hike the Haiku Stairs. Watch out for roots as this is the largest risk as you climb. For a complete list of LEGAL State Trails, please visit hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails Lastly, guided hikes and other commercial activity being conducted inside Moanalua valley are illegal. He was a freelance writer and journalism teacher in China from 2006-2009. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. We did the Uncle Toms Trail in Yellowstone and for me that was one of the best little adventures Ive done. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. 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. Start at the parking lot at the end of Moanalua Valley Road. The World Travel Guy 2023 Polizzi collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley trail on Oahu. Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). After that, it should be pretty straightforward. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. 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. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. Please tag along! This will lead you to an open grassy valley that gives you spectacular views of the valley. 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. Once you get through the initial flat part, there is a really difficult part - but I promise it gets better after about 20 minutes. 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". Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. How To Get There: Stairway Entrance / Directions, Deaths On The Stairway To Heaven In Hawaii. This is the trailhead for the hike and you will follow this path until you reach the middle ridge. Disappointed that I didnt have a chance to make that trek. If the weather goes bad on you, you could get stuck for a while. Past Week. Polizzi was on the hike with a group of friends. 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. Do NOT take this route. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so youre not heading back in the dark. 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. If you decide to bring Fido, keep him leashed. 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. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs is the only legal trail, and it is recommended for very experienced hikers. (Damon was the son of Bernice Pauahi Bishops husbands business partner. (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.) Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. Whether climbing Stairway to Heaven illegally or legally via Moanalua Valley Trail, know that this hike is not for the faint of heart. 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. Please explore other trails nearby. The Moanalua Valley Trail is mostly flat and ventures through tropical forest but kind of stops in the middle of nothing. If you receive a citation you will be required to appear in court. Loved every minute of it! Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike. The first part of the trail is fairly flat and easy consisting of 17 riverbed crossings. The trailhead is located in the back of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park and crosses seven old cobblestone bridges while making its way up the valley floor. Officials said he collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley trail, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Tripler Army Medical Center Tuesday. 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? The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. Create a password that only you will remember. The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. Lastly, you could also be billed for emergency services if youre somehow injured and need to be rescued while doing this hike. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. absolutely not! BLOG POST: If you are interested in my experience (many years ago) hiking the Stairway to Heaven the regular way you can check out my blog post here: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE ON OAHU, HAWAII: UPDATED 2021, OAHU HIKING GUIDE: Ive written a guide for the top hikes on Oahu that I am sure you will find useful: TOP 10 HIKES ON OAHU, HAWAII. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. He was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was pronounced dead, the Air Force said. All rights reserved. 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. Additionally, along the trail there are several ropes which people have tied tied to help with the hike. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your We celebrated National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), with a round up of our top picks for the best hikes on the Island. ", "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. Generally considered a challenging route. Translation: Its going to be a long day. Continue on the main trail up and up and up. The final major rope section was a steep gravel wall at an aggressive angle that required you to pull yourself up with the rope. Family of hikers found dead on remote Sierra trail likely killed by heat, dehydration. 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. The back way to the ever popular and still somewhat illegal Haiku Stairs, the Moanalua Middle Ridge hike brings plenty of beauty and even more challenges than the path down the Haiku Stairs. I feel surprisingly renewed by this and take a moment to find my center of gravity before retracing the long way back. Did this hike last week started at 6 AM. Know yourself and what you need, and bring more than that. Wyatt Olson is based in the Honolulu bureau, where he has reported on military and security issues in the Indo-Pacific since 2014. Aloha, for those that think this trail is legal and open to the public with no repercussions, you are wrong. Parking was easy, street parking next to the park and it was very easy to find the green gate. I also didnt get enough sleep dont be like me. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. 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. You walk an easy trail for 3 miles before you start ascending to the summit, which is nearly 2 miles up. -Food. It's not about the rules and laws I've cited. 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. "One couldnt help but be in a good mood when you were around.". Dont sue the state. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. Moanalua Valley is a Forest Reserve. from around the world. To remember: You came this far. Aloha! 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. Once finally at the peak youll see the Haiku Stairs Radio Tower comes into view. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of most fitness levels. (iStock). Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Daylenn "Moke" Pua, 17, vanished five days ago while heading to the Haiku Stairs. Tripadvisor performs checks on . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! You'll enjoy sweeping views of southern Oahu on this 10.4-mile roundtrip hike. Instead walk another 15 feet further and youll see a small, unsigned trail on your left hand side. 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. 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. Not the one all the way to the left. Do not attempt this hike. If you don't want to do the illegal way, this way is worth it. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. Every time I turned around to look back towards the city, the view just kept getting better and better. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. Whoever JT is he needs to lighten the hell up. 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. 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. 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. 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. Overall, AMAZING trail with the BEST views of the island!!! -2L water MINIMUM. 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. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. I hope this clears up YEARS of misconceptions about this trail. There are dozens of other legal trails that give you a similar view that you can hike. Winds were rough as gusts reached up to 40 mph but not once did we feel our lives were threatened. These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. The hike is four miles each way, making it just 0.15 miles shorter than the Great Aloha Run. 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! We made a false start up a precarious slope and had to go back down and restart closer to the stairs. The walk would be a little longer but easy on the flat road. from. 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. Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (Moanalua section). Many residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the Stairway to Heaven years ago (legally). Mahalo for reading this. Drone shot of the mountain. If you have all trails just follow that! Firefighters said that the rivers crossing the trail were at a dangerously high level. My issue is with the multiple bags of rubbish and litter in the valley that I've personally removed. Too many litterbugs on the island sadly. age 94, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the St. John of God Retirement Center in Los Angeles, CA. No such facilities are available within the valley itself. Im chicken little when it comes to doing anything that is deemed illegal. Our group did good timing but it was Still LONGGGG I believe I did it in 7 Hrs 45 mins (started about 5:30am - about 4 hrs or less to Get to top 9:15am, 30mins enjoying view / pics / eating 9:45am descend , arrived at my car by 1:20pm to get back took 3hr 35mins) I was beyond exhausted tho, my body was in survival mode at that point & just want to not be hiking anymore lol! 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. The trailhead begins at Moanalua Valley Park. Mahalo! One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. it's not. 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. Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason its one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth! 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. Been there. Start hiking along the road/trail just past the bathrooms. 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. There was also a hiker named Daylenn Pua who disappeared on the Moanalua Valley trail (the backside route that intersects with the Stairway To Heaven) and was never seen again. 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. I didnt end up using mine even with the amount of rain and mud present. Foster Botanical Garden is a loop trail that is used for walking and nature trips located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. 2023 Stars and Stripes. There are many more to check out! The left goes to the valley. Ill keep this blog post updated. 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. 804. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of mostfitness levels. The trail becomes quite adventurous with many sections becoming quite narrow and requiring a rope to pull yourself up the slippery, gravel surface. They have already put up high fences on access points reported online and we were only able to get in through one of the drainage ditches, and that was challenging. Fortunately,Oahu is full of great hikes. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. This is incorrect. The cause of the airmans death is under investigation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It's not easy to find. The hike follows the Moanalua Valley Trail before connecting up the Moanalua Middle Ridge, which is the legal 'backway' to reach the Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) satellite summit. Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. Here are my hiking essentials. There is no legal way to the stairs. The group is part of the 15th Wing. Its 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 youre done.