Anthony J. Polizzi. (iStock). absolutely not! In this section, I will explain a little bit about each area and share with you the details for exploring this summit area. Once you get through the initial flat part, there is a really difficult part - but I promise it gets better after about 20 minutes. A helpful tool I used was to count the 4 wheel drive road crossings (ie concrete slabs) over the river bed. To begin the Moanalua Valley Trail you will first need to drive to the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park and park in the streets nearby. Please be respectful to the place we call home and follow the rules. 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. To put it another way, THIS HIKE IS ILLEGAL. Winds were rough as gusts reached up to 40 mph but not once did we feel our lives were threatened. The government in Oahu has a habit of closing any hike they consider slightly risky, because it might attract lawsuits. 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. 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. Thanks Billie! Non-potable stream water can be found through out the valley. Also, it's a ridge..which could mean wind. Fun hike. We will be hiking in later June so probably drier. The trail quietly opens up and were greeted with an elevated view of the valleys treetops sprawling out beneath us. adventures and follow local regulations. 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. 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. 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. With alternate trails and surrounding hunting grounds, its easy for dogs to get lost. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Anyone who hikes the 10 miles round trip is obviously going to go to the top of the stairs, or beyond. There is parking in the park parking lot, but it's only open from 7 am to 7 pm. Mahalo! If its your first time on the trail and you lose sight of other hikers, take care to keep to the right once youre about two miles in, as heading left will take you to a different trail. This is incorrect. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. $125.33. Anthony Polizzi, Col. Dan Dobbels, commander of the 15th Wing, said in the statement. Many of the best hikes in Oahu have been closed preemptively to avoid more of these unjustified lawsuits. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Good hike, perfectly legal way. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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. Moanalua Valley Trail is the back route and legal access to the Haiku Stairs, which is illegal to access from the front stairway. 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. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. If you do choose to continue on past the legal boundary and to the illegal area of the radio tower and reach the Haiku Stairs, this is what you can expect. Wonderful read! These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Keep in mind climbing begins over 2 miles from start point. While you cant legally step foot on the stairs or satellite summit area, you can make it all the way up to that area so this route is a great alternative to the controversial and heavily regulated Haiku Stairs (the front way). Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. -2L water MINIMUM. Polizzi was on the hike with a group of friends. We did this trail in about 6.5 hours (both of us experienced hikers) with stoping for many photos and breaks. All rights reserved. These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. The main problem is going through the neighborhood. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. We make our initial ascent. Please see J T s comments below before attempting this. I'm providing information that is factual instead of perpetuating a myth. More advanced hike along the ridge line. This is the trailhead for the hike and you will follow this path until you reach the middle ridge. As we continue on for the next few hours theres something encouraging about being able to zero in on where we started at Moanalua Valley Park and the remote summit before us, to visually track our progress. 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. A day after announcing his death, officials identified him as New York native and U.S. Air Force Capt. Charges usually start at about $10,000 and go up from there. 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. The great part about this trail is that you have incredible views along the way and not just at the summit. 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 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. Went up the stairs last week with wife and baby. I was wondering what hike is the one you took the first picture in!! Spikes and gloves definitely help but arent 100% necessary. Ill keep this blog post updated. Thousands of people hike this trail every year and no one has ever died by falling. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Hiking sandals are ok IF you're experienced hiking in muddy slippery conditions in them. Dont attempt this hike when its raining or for a couple of days after heavy rain. The trail starts as a road barred by a green gate. The first part of the trail is fairly flat and easy consisting of 17 riverbed crossings. The road eventually turns to an unimproved road and later a narrow trail. All Rights Reserved. Test first before committing your weight on it. or redistributed. Definitely dont pay a guide for this hike like some people seem to. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Additionally, there are several inclines and declines with poor footing. No more news yet. 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. Ive done both hikes many times over the years, and I have to say there is really no comparison in terms of difficulty. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. Overall, AMAZING trail with the BEST views of the island!!! Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. If you fall at dusk you might very well spend the night in the jungle. In this web series,we bring you our favorite Oahu trails once a month. Its been a wild ride. Please do not bring your babies, this hike is far too dangerous for young children. Here are my hiking essentials. I didnt need spikes but some good traction helps. Super muddy, have to cross the river to complete. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. A City and County park provides bathrooms, potable water and garbage cans at the trail head. To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. 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). For safety. Werner Karl, you're right. The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. 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. However, if you cross over and set foot on the platform of the satellite or venture onto the stairs you are now in an illegal area. 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. No such facilities are available within the valley itself. I hope this clears up YEARS of misconceptions about this trail. When she willed the entire ahupuaa of Moanalua to Damons father in 1884, the luxurious valley home was built.) I would have liked to investigate an entry from the south if time permitted. Be prepared. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a 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. The World Travel Guy 2023 (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) Highly recommend, it was one of the best hikes I have ever done. Thank for your continued support. Put a damn police officer in the station at the top and fine them and arrest them if you dont want people there. Accessing the Trail: The trail starts at Moanalua Valley Park, about 20 minutes away from Waikiki. 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 hike is four miles each way, making it just 0.15 miles shorter than the Great Aloha Run. Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and thats why there are so many rescues. Ill add a note about that in the article. -Dogs and babies not advisable on this trail. I wont share the location and exact directions to the stairway here publicly, but I understand there are at least three different main ways to reach the stairs from the neighborhood below, and Ive used two of them in the past. 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. Parking was easy, street parking next to the park and it was very easy to find the green gate. However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. It gave the mountains and everything a surreal touch that made us feel like we were walking up into the heavens. 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. 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. A guy yelled and cussed at us and sprayed us with water with blue dye. -Food. 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. 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. Significantly more roots are exposed as well. Moanalua Middle Ridge is a challenging, 11- to 12-mile, out-and-back hike in Central Oahu, a journey that, more or less, takes eight hours to complete. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. What can be earliest time to start this hike? Once you pass the sign and creek crossing go to the right, the trail behind the foliage, not the obvious one on the left. Fortunately,Oahu is full of great hikes. listen to flash flood warnings. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Plan accordingly. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. per adult. The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. Three units, staffed with nine personnel arrived on scene at 7:58 p.m. 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. We were SO excited to find a legal way to hike the Haiku Stairs. olson.wyatt@stripes.com Twitter: @WyattWOlson. I also didnt get enough sleep dont be like me. 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. Make sure you have done your research (YouTube) and you should be ready to are some awesome views. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. Instagram @dblock55. Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). The small section damaged by the storm is not steep. Please explore other trails nearby. That wouldnt be cheap. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. Theres a nature trail by the Botanic Library that takes you to a lake. Someone needs to find a better means of access that bypasses the neighborhood totally. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. The valley itself is historical, with the earliest human inhabitants dating back to the 1500s. Good luck and enjoy! Ironically, the general consensus is that the stairs are actually a safer and easier route to the top of the mountain. These people are mad and will make increasing trouble for hikers as time goes by. Alone with some of the best views in the world. 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. Whoever JT is he needs to lighten the hell up. All rights reserved. Lol ALOHAAAAA. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! The Associated Press contributed to this report. Not the one all the way to the left. If you receive a citation you will be required to appear in court. 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. Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. The final major rope section was a steep gravel wall at an aggressive angle that required you to pull yourself up with the rope. In 2015, a man from Florida man died after falling about 200 feet from the trail. It has some sections of nearly vertical, rope and muddy sections. These restaurants and cafs hold themselves to a higher eco-standard that make deciding where to eat for ocean-minded people an easy decision. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. 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. Don't listen to the naysayers who hate tourists. Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. Bring a cell phone, which can be a lifesaver during an emergency. You definitely want good weather for this hike. It was a beautiful day, not too muddy to complete this hike. Your selfish Instagram post is at the expense of destroying the island's fragile eco-diversity. 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. Anthony Polizzi, said Col. Dan Dobbels, 15th Wing commander. Steep drops on both sides, but the metal Haiku stairs and railings are surprisingly solid. Lastly, you could also be billed for emergency services if youre somehow injured and need to be rescued while doing this hike. For me personally, it was well worth any of the risks involved! The first mile on this trail climbs 900 feet in elevation and is primarily through trees. 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.. Yes the steepest parts have metal railings to hold. He was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was pronounced dead, the Air Force said. 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. I'd recommend doing this hike early as possible to avoid the potential crowds. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. The stairs are priceless to many of us, and we all hope the staircase hike can be saved. 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. (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.) Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use 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. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of most fitness levels. Have some light. Heed no trespassing and other warning signs. The walk would be a little longer but easy on the flat road. Wyatt Olson is based in the Honolulu bureau, where he has reported on military and security issues in the Indo-Pacific since 2014. 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 . Its 328 steps to a raging waterfall. The Olomana Trail is strenuous a 4.5-mile rocky path spread across three different mountainous peaks, according toSummitPost.org. Instead, retrace the Moanalua Ridge route to get back to your original destination. Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (Moanalua section). There were plans to remove the stairs, but theres also been a lot of pushback from Hawaii locals wanting to keep the stairs. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan. The trailhead area below the stairs is patrolled by a security guard around the clock, and sometimes the Honolulu police are called. HONOLULU (KITV4) Honolulu Fire received an emergency 911 call about hikers in distress on the Moanalua Valley Trail on Friday evening. Legal Statement. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. Also please pack out your trash! Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. 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. Overnight parking is not allowed in Moanalua Valley Park - the gate is locked and the park is closed at a certain hour. The trail will cross the stream 28 more times before the last 1/4 mile of trail. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the hiking trail, where he was pronounced dead. It is for this reason that it is NOT recommended to hike this trail in heavy rains due to flash flooding. Relax, its not as scary as it looks here. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. 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. 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.