The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Shortly after the 17th crossing, you should see a sign for the Kulana'ahane trail (note: Do NOT take this). 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. 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. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. It will take you through a creek bed, where the trail is fairly obvious to find. It's not about the rules and laws I've cited. There are a few rope sections and some very intense drop offs on the sides for lots of the trail, so this is not for the faint of heart. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. 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. Even the Kalalau Trail is open in Kauai despite being much more risky than the Stairway To Heaven. Furthermore, Hawaii State Forest Reserves have other rules, such as what time they open and close, yes you read that correctly, Forest Reserves are only legal to hike in 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. Please find another hike. 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. A day after announcing his death, officials identified him as New York native and U.S. Air Force Capt. 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 final major rope section was a steep gravel wall at an aggressive angle that required you to pull yourself up with the rope. 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. Did this exact hike. Nathan Stowell, 25, died on Sunday after falling 400 feet off a hiking trail of Hawaii's Mount Olomana. Translation: Its going to be a long day. 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! As of 2023, there have never been any falling deaths on the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike. 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. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please be prepared! You can also reach out for info/if you have other questions about the hike or other hikes here. Im not easy to sunburn, but he tosses me the bottle anyway, a suggestion to rub in a little more than I already have. Be advised that if you need emergency services you will be billed for the rescue equipment usage and personnel time. The small section damaged by the storm is not steep. 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. 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. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. -Good shoes. Editors Note: We love hiking! 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. (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.) 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.. Id allow a good 4hrs to hike if with a group and more time if the conditions are windy or muddy. Significantly more roots are exposed as well. He served as the 15th Maintenance Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Operations Officer while at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. We hit the stairs and then disappeared into the jungle before we could find out. The trail becomes quite adventurous with many sections becoming quite narrow and requiring a rope to pull yourself up the slippery, gravel surface. Watch out for roots as this is the largest risk as you climb. If the weather goes bad on you, you could get stuck for a while. 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). Yes the steepest parts have metal railings to hold. 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. Overall, I think the risk of death on the Stairway To Heaven in Hawaii is greatly overstated, and as long as youre careful you should be fine. Not runners, not tennis, etc. 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. I'd recommend doing this hike early as possible to avoid the potential crowds. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Three units, staffed with nine personnel arrived on scene at 7:58 p.m. You have permission to edit this article. This was one of my favorite sections of the hike and the backdrop over the shoulder gave great views of the ridge we had just hiked up. These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. Easy hike through the lush forest of Kamananui Valley. In any case, just be aware that fines of up to $1,000 have occasionally been given out to people caught climbing the staircase. Its towering heights along a steep ridge could cause a sudden slip to be fatal. Its been a wild ride. 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. The trail is a little over 9 miles roundtrip and took us about 7 hours (we hung out at the top for 30 minutes or so). Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Really bites that we struggled through mud for miles and never found the trail. If its handled right, this solution could resolve many of the issues associated with the Stairway To Heaven. The Stairway To Heaven hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. 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 . I didnt need spikes but some good traction helps. Once finally at the peak youll see the Haiku Stairs Radio Tower comes into view. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. 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. The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. The trail quietly opens up and were greeted with an elevated view of the valleys treetops sprawling out beneath us. Although small and unmarked its an obvious trail. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The Stairway To Heaven trail is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Wyatt Olson is based in the Honolulu bureau, where he has reported on military and security issues in the Indo-Pacific since 2014. It has some sections of nearly vertical, rope and muddy sections. 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. The Olomana Trail is strenuous a 4.5-mile rocky path spread across three different mountainous peaks, according toSummitPost.org. Pass the little sign and stream and itll be on your right. If you decide to bring Fido, keep him leashed. I was wondering 10.4 miles is it a round trip? Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. The valley itself is historical, with the earliest human inhabitants dating back to the 1500s. Mahalo! The great part about this trail is that you have incredible views along the way and not just at the summit. My issue is with the multiple bags of rubbish and litter in the valley that I've personally removed. (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. The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. Start at the parking lot at the end of Moanalua Valley Road. One of my favorite trails, with tons of side trails, pools, and ruins to explore. Overall, AMAZING trail with the BEST views of the island!!! The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. At minimum please wear proper hiking footwear and be prepared. The trail was washing away. Ironically, the general consensus is that the stairs are actually a safer and easier route to the top of the mountain. 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. However, dont be confused by people who tell you this is the legal way to visit the Haiku Stairs. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. 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. So windy with no microspikes, gloces. Someone needs to find a better means of access that bypasses the neighborhood totally. Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. It may never be surpassed! To put it another way, THIS HIKE IS ILLEGAL. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. 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. (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) Whether climbing Stairway to Heaven illegally or legally via Moanalua Valley Trail, know that this hike is not for the faint of heart. 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. -Dogs and babies not advisable on this trail. We did not have spikes or gloves and it was 100% fine, but it would have been a help especially if there has been recent rain. Step 4 Park at the Moanalua Valley Park parking lot at 1849 Ala. Not muddy today. Keep in mind, to stay 100 percent legal on this hike you will have to go back the same way you came. and news flash, every part of Hawaii is sacred! If you have further questions about the legality of this hike, you can contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. or redistributed. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. No such facilities are available within the valley itself. Still interested? The Moanalua Valley Trail begins at the end of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. 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. 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 cause of the airmans death is under investigation. 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. Disappointed that I didnt have a chance to make that trek. 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. Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. Stick to the main trailfollow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley. 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. Once up on the ridge, the view is absolutely incredible! This is the end of the Middle Ridge Trail. There are notable repeat offenders that continue to make 4 or 5-digit profits in a single week, none of which benefits the environment which they are degrading. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. Being inside the Forest Reserve is completely legal, as is being on Kamananui Trail. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. 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. 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. Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. Otherwise, as with many other Hawaiian hikes, closed means be prepared, respectful, and most of all, not stupid, Is anyone interested in doing the hike Tues 11/13 or Wed 11/14? Its Definitely challenging get rest water food. All water should be . In this web series,we bring you our favorite Oahu trails once a month. Loved every minute of it! At some points, the stairs of death are almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain. If you hike up the Moanalua trail and then down the stairs, youre still risking a fine, because the stairway is not legal. There is a security guard at the beginning. 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. Youll cross the streambed immediately and then begin to climb quickly. You just keep heading straight up and you will eventually reach the satellite dish at the summit. Legal? IG: @ lis.aloha. DIRECTIONS Traveling west on the H-1, take Exit 10 (Pearl city/Waimalu) onto Moanalua Road. 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? 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The Stairway to Heavenhike on Oahu, Hawaii, also known as the Haiku Stairs, is possibly the greatest attraction on the entire island. All anyone posts on here is about hiking the "legal" way, its not. Thats how it works everywhere else, and its why so many wonderful hiking trails like Angels Landing are still open in the mainland United States after all these years. Anthony J. Polizzi. Parking: Park at the Moanalua Valley Park. 2 Thank bognarofsydney . 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. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! I was lucky enough to have climbed on a windless morning, but any wind will add to the complexity and risk to the hike. Go past it about 20 paces. 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. Thank for your continued support. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world.