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. Though the trail is not particularly hilly, it is also not paved and there are muddy spots that should be approached with caution. Werner Karl, you're right. 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. A coworker identified the victim as Nathan Stowell, 24. Definitely not a short one. It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. 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! Im chicken little when it comes to doing anything that is deemed illegal. Copyright 2020 Hawaii News Now. 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. Test first before committing your weight on it. We dont know for sure what happened, but its more likely his death happened on the steep and muddy Moanalua trail, not the stairway. Thanks Billie! Wyatt Olson is based in the Honolulu bureau, where he has reported on military and security issues in the Indo-Pacific since 2014. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! 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. Thanks for looking! Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs is the only legal trail, and it is recommended for very experienced hikers. Such an exhilarating trail that really puts your body and mind to the ultimate test. Stick to the main trailfollow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley. 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. Theres a nature trail by the Botanic Library that takes you to a lake. Yes, technically it is illegal to climb the Oahu Haiku Stairs since theyre closed to the public. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Wonderful read! Fair enough. 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. Bring A LOT of water, snacks, sunscreen and gloves really help for the ropes. it's not. Generally considered a challenging route. Lol ALOHAAAAA. 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. Distress hikers rescued off Moanalua Valley Trail Friday evening. Translation: Its going to be a long day. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. Continue on the main trail up and up and up. In terms of cardio its definitely a workout. The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. The trail starts as a road barred by a green gate. The view is wonderful worth the hike. An off-duty firefighter died in 2014 and a social worker died in 2011, both from falling off the trail. (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) More advanced hike along the ridge line. 6 rides; 11 miles avg distance; All. Once you get through the initial flat part, there is a really difficult part - but I promise it gets better after about 20 minutes. All rights reserved. Moanalua Valley Trail is the back route and legal access to the Haiku Stairs, which is illegal to access from the front stairway. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. This is my Journey Era. 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. Some of the pages on my travel blog contain affiliate links. It was beautiful! 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. 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. Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. Anthony Polizzi, said Col. Dan Dobbels, 15th Wing commander. 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. Wow, the Haiku Stairs, although strenuous, it looks fun with great views and a sense of accomplishment at the end. Ethical? Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. If you are inside a Forest reserve outside of those times and without a camping permit, you are in violation of the HRS chapter 104 rules and can be cited. age 94, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the St. John of God Retirement Center in Los Angeles, CA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Loved every minute of it! This will lead you to an open grassy valley that gives you spectacular views of the valley. One of the main challenges of climbing the Hawaii Stairway To Heaven trail is just finding where it starts. If you receive a citation you will be required to appear in court. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so youre not heading back in the dark. I wouldnt recommend this trek if you have a big fear of heights, but most people who do the hike will agree its not nearly as bad as they expected. I'm providing information that is factual instead of perpetuating a myth. Be careful. 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ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Id allow a good 4hrs to hike if with a group and more time if the conditions are windy or muddy. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. No skate shoes.) There is a bathroom and water at the park only. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Instagram @dblock55. Wear proper shoes and bring gloves!Quite muddy Are there hand-holds on the places that were sheer drop off on both sides? Hunters frequent the surrounding area, so, when in doubt, follow the stream! Create a password that only you will remember. Please explore other trails nearby. He was previously stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy; Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. No more news yet. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Hiking sandals are ok IF you're experienced hiking in muddy slippery conditions in them. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. Anthony J. Polizzi. 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). Highly recommend, it was one of the best hikes I have ever done. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! An absolutely amazing experience. per adult. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. If you don't want to do the illegal way, this way is worth it. The Kullana'ahane is a better marker. To remember: You came this far. August 10, 1928 - February 22, 2023 Sister Mary Ellen Sprouffske, C.S.J. I was wondering what hike is the one you took the first picture in!! Pass all the crossings and continue to follow the trail. 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. All water should be . This is the end of the Middle Ridge Trail. The small section damaged by the storm is not steep. Please be prepared! Overall, AMAZING trail with the BEST views of the island!!! ; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. 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. 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. There are shorter hikes on this island with better views and less risk. It's not about the rules and laws I've cited. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of mostfitness levels. We hit the stairs and then disappeared into the jungle before we could find out. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Let's stay updated! FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. A guy yelled and cussed at us and sprayed us with water with blue dye. Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Also, more so than the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the peak to the radio station is far muddier and much more slippery. 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 look closely, you can see the winding stairway. 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. 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. This trail is a national and state treasure, with amazing scenery and a cool bit of history behind it. 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). Legal Statement. Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. The first 2.9 miles are fairly straightforward with only 100ft of elevation each mile. I feel surprisingly renewed by this and take a moment to find my center of gravity before retracing the long way back. The stairs are priceless to many of us, and we all hope the staircase hike can be saved. Relax, its not as scary as it looks here. Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. Did this hike last week started at 6 AM. 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At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, you will catch your first glimpse of the radio tower/satellite. 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. 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. The Stairway To Heaven trail is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The last crossing is allll the way at the end, and immediately after that last crossing, it's dense 12ft tall grass and the trail disappears. DIRECTIONS Traveling west on the H-1, take Exit 10 (Pearl city/Waimalu) onto Moanalua Road. Be advised that if you need emergency services you will be billed for the rescue equipment usage and personnel time. 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. Firefighters had to comb through a wooded area and ask a hiker to shake a tree before they found the body just after noon, Fire Captain KevinMokulehua said. Easy hike through the lush forest of Kamananui Valley. Nowadays, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply owns the Hawaii Haiku Stairs, and theyve repeatedly talked about the idea of tearing them down for political (liability) reasons. Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. Trailhead Coordinates - Latitude: 21.37409 | Longitude: -157.880509. Keep in mind, to stay 100 percent legal on this hike you will have to go back the same way you came. HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - U.S. Army officials have released new details surrounding the death of an Airman assigned to the 15th Wing. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. Im not easy to sunburn, but he tosses me the bottle anyway, a suggestion to rub in a little more than I already have. The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. To watch your footing. Good luck and enjoy! 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. Ive done most of the hikes on the island before. Additionally, along the trail there are several ropes which people have tied tied to help with the hike. If you have all trails just follow that! Thanks for your support. The Moanalua trail can be muddy after rain, so check the conditions before you go. Theres a lot to do here, you can even camp and fish. Be careful on your footing & hand placements not all branches are build to hold your weight. Liability is the main reason theyre closed. The Olomana Trail is strenuous a 4.5-mile rocky path spread across three different mountainous peaks, according toSummitPost.org. Once you are inside the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, you will find the trail at the back of the park. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. UPDATE 02/2023: Theres still hope that the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii trail may be saved after all. Can see the water on both sides of the islands the further up you hike. Be prepared for lots of mud! listen to flash flood warnings. 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. Bummer, this trail is closed. The terrain can be quite crumbly, with steep drop-offs so you do need to keep your focus throughout this hike. At some points, the stairs of death are almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain. While holding back any visions of being on the verge of setting foot on an old Dharma station (LOST fans, you'll understand once you're there), the 20-30 minute hike to the radio tower is full of its own challenges. Give me a break!, its a hike, and a damn good one at that! I lived for a few years in Kaneohe (graduated James B Castle HS) some 50 years ago and NEVER knew about the Haiku stairway. Market data provided by Factset. The 2nd mile of this trail brings 1100 ft of elevation, is far more exposed and the trail teeters in the middle of sharp angled drop offs on either side. I first discovered the Stairway To Heaven Oahu hike on the internet in 2015 and knew I had to try it. I really hope they dont do that. All anyone posts on here is about hiking the "legal" way, its not. Nathan Stowell, 25, died on Sunday after falling 400 feet off a hiking trail of Hawaii's Mount Olomana. Instead, retrace the Moanalua Ridge route to get back to your original destination. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii hike. 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. 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. To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Instead walk another 15 feet further and youll see a small, unsigned trail on your left hand side. As of 2023, there have never been any falling deaths on the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike. . Please explore responsibly! Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). It may sound dramatic but at times that is the situation. The view from the tower is the most spectacular although there will be lookouts before which are gorgeous as well. Don't listen to the naysayers who hate tourists. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. Moanalua Valley. She was . (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). Hoomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility." We won't share it with anyone else. 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.