There is an entry along the fence that will go through. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. 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! Can be very muddy like lots of the ridges out here on island. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. I feel surprisingly renewed by this and take a moment to find my center of gravity before retracing the long way back. -Headlamp. In this web series,we bring you our favorite Oahu trails once a month. Dont attempt this hike when its raining or for a couple of days after heavy rain. Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. Bring water & food. 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. 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 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. Daylenn "Moke" Pua, 17, vanished five days ago while heading to the Haiku Stairs. The World Travel Guy 2023 The trail takes you to the same lookout as the Haiku Stairs. So windy with no microspikes, gloces. Whoever JT is he needs to lighten the hell up. The trailhead begins at Moanalua Valley Park. 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 hike is much longer, steeper, harder, and scarier than the Koko Stairs. DM me on IG: @OutFullSending. That wouldnt be cheap. The first 2.5ish miles are flat and the next 2 miles are a pretty steep incline. The Moanalua Valley Trail begins at the end of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! This is the trailhead for the hike and you will follow this path until you reach the middle ridge. Highly recommend, it was one of the best hikes I have ever done. Theres a nature trail by the Botanic Library that takes you to a lake. I did this hike solo about a month ago. Make sure you bring snacks and lots of water. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Well worth that investment of time sweat & tears! 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. The trail to the top of the Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) is prohibited. 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. 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. Liability is the main reason theyre closed. Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of mostfitness levels. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Moanalua Valley is a Forest Reserve. Anthony Polizzi, Col. Dan Dobbels, commander of the 15th Wing, said in the statement. 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. Toa Luau at Waimea Valley. Ill add a note about that in the article. Have some light. 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? Really bites that we struggled through mud for miles and never found the trail. 14 guest maximum. 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. 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) . 6 rides; 11 miles avg distance; All. Amazing! Winds were rough as gusts reached up to 40 mph but not once did we feel our lives were threatened. Drone shot of the mountain. If you don't want to do the illegal way, this way is worth it. Legal Statement. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Lol ALOHAAAAA. For more information, visit: Moanalua Valley and Tripler Ridge Trail Loop, Kalihi Ice Ponds [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY]. 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. Also, more so than the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, the peak to the radio station is far muddier and much more slippery. Even the Kalalau Trail is open in Kauai despite being much more risky than the Stairway To Heaven. Part of being outside and in nature is the lack of rules and the BS! Generally considered a challenging route. (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) It may sound dramatic but at times that is the situation. In this blog post, I will share with you all of the details about the Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku Stairs including distance, elevation, legalities, what to bring, and how to avoid trouble on this route. Steep drops on both sides, but the metal Haiku stairs and railings are surprisingly solid. Moanalua Valley Trail the legal back way for the Stairway To Heaven. Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and thats why there are so many rescues. August 10, 1928 - February 22, 2023 Sister Mary Ellen Sprouffske, C.S.J. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. Thank you. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. 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). Someone needs to find a better means of access that bypasses the neighborhood totally. Market data provided by Factset. Went up the stairs last week with wife and baby. 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 Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. I first discovered the Stairway To Heaven Oahu hike on the internet in 2015 and knew I had to try it. "I am so proud of the leader you became and the passion with which you tackled your maintenance profession. The Stairway to Heavenhike on Oahu, Hawaii, also known as the Haiku Stairs, is possibly the greatest attraction on the entire island. 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. 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. I didnt end up using mine even with the amount of rain and mud present. To watch your footing. 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. Begin walking the trail and after about 2.5 miles you'll see the sign on the left for "Kulana'ahane Trail". There's also a ton of street parking near by in the neighborhood. Mahalo! The terrain can be quite crumbly, with steep drop-offs so you do need to keep your focus throughout this hike. 0 rides ; 6 Months. So if you're going to be later than that park outside on the street so as not to get towed. All water should be . The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. The Kamananui Valley Road is a perfect hike for all ages and offers access to many other hiking trails in the Moanalua Valley. Regular athletic shoes will not do the job. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Ive done most of the hikes on the island before. Anthony J. Polizzi. At another, I cut up my knuckles clawing for exposed roots to keep from tumbling down the rugged spine. ", "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. It may never be surpassed! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. 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. TEEN GIRL DIES IN FALL FROM CLIFF HIKE AT ZION NATIONAL PARK. 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. Personally I think hikers should decide for themselves what kind of risks theyre comfortable with, but bear the responsibility themselves if they have an accident. Be careful with the wind and rain on the ridge. You can read more here: https://www.haikustairs.org/. Bring a cell phone, which can be a lifesaver during an emergency. The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. Too many litterbugs on the island sadly. The Moanalua Valley Trail is mostly flat and ventures through tropical forest but kind of stops in the middle of nothing. At the peak of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail, you will catch your first glimpse of the radio tower/satellite. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Editors Note: We love hiking! Still interested? A short walk . This is incorrect. Charges usually start at about $10,000 and go up from there. Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. We were SO excited to find a legal way to hike the Haiku Stairs. UPDATE 02/2023: Theres still hope that the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii trail may be saved after all. In terms of cardio its definitely a workout. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so youre not heading back in the dark. Dont forget to check out my other Oahu hiking guides and my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii! What can be earliest time to start this hike? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Let's stay updated! 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. (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.) If you hike up the Moanalua trail and then down the stairs, youre still risking a fine, because the stairway is not legal. Though the trail is not particularly hilly, it is also not paved and there are muddy spots that should be approached with caution. 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. Instagram @dblock55. Once finally at the peak youll see the Haiku Stairs Radio Tower comes into view. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. Please explore other trails nearby. Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike. I noticed families on the trail, along with babies being carried by their parents. I think even not super experienced hikers can complete as long as they take at their own pace. Your selfish Instagram post is at the expense of destroying the island's fragile eco-diversity. Hike the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs Peak. However, it is infrequent and often there is no one up there and you can explore if you choose to. The road eventually turns to an unimproved road and later a narrow trail. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. I would have liked to investigate an entry from the south if time permitted. Youll cross the streambed immediately and then begin to climb quickly. Blah, blah, blah. Anthony Polizzi, said Col. Dan Dobbels, 15th Wing commander. All Rights Reserved. Please do not bring your babies, this hike is far too dangerous for young children. The trailhead area below the stairs is patrolled by a security guard around the clock, and sometimes the Honolulu police are called. 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. 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. How To Get There: Stairway Entrance / Directions, Deaths On The Stairway To Heaven In Hawaii. The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike is epic, dangerous, and illegal. Judd Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. 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. I really hope they dont do that. 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. Wonderful read! All rights reserved. It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven) [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY], https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=11354. Im 100% in favor of keeping the stairway and letting hikers continue to hike it, but, David, you might want to add another item to bring with you on this hike a respectful & considerate disposition. It will take you through a creek bed, where the trail is fairly obvious to find. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. Once you are inside the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, you will find the trail at the back of the park. 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. Now that you have made it onto the Moanalua Middle Ridge, the trail is quite easy to follow as it basically follows the ridgeline all the way up to the summit. Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. Accessing the Trail: The trail starts at Moanalua Valley Park, about 20 minutes away from Waikiki. I'll save you some time and note that it goes nowhere :). To begin the Moanalua Valley Trail you will first need to drive to the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park and park in the streets nearby. 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". I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Please be prepared! There are dozens of other legal trails that give you a similar view that you can hike. For safety. Firefighters said that the rivers crossing the trail were at a dangerously high level. There is danger involved with traversing a mountains ridgeback, an absurdly obvious fact thats slightly deceiving during the first leg of this trek, which begins at Moanalua Valley Park, a flat, straightforward 3-mile walk into Kamananui Valley. 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. The sounds of the cars on the H3 highway below you gradually disappear, and everything starts to get quiet. 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. 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. Dinner and Show Tickets. My husband and I are planning on doing this hike. Oahu Small Group Circle Island Sightseeing Tour. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. 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. 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. If the weather goes bad on you, you could get stuck for a while. 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 Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. This is classic government stupidity for you tax people to build them, tax more to fix them, then tax to take them out because they are dangerous when actually they are much safer than no stairs. After that, it should be pretty straightforward. A City and County park provides bathrooms, potable water and garbage cans at the trail head. It gave the mountains and everything a surreal touch that made us feel like we were walking up into the heavens. Get an early start, because parking fills up fast. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. No experience and with a 8 year old. 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. Create a password that only you will remember. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. Fair enough. Don't listen to the naysayers who hate tourists. 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. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. Wear spikes if you have them, makes most of the trail up the ridge line easier. If you are interested in climbing the back (legal) way up to the summit you can contact @mike.karas on Instagram and chat with him about when his next tour is running as he hikes the trail most weeks. Despite the drop-offs, the trail is quite well protected and unless it is a very windy day you should be fine unless you have little experience on ridges or with heights. Its been a wild ride. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. Be careful. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. 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. One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour. (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. An absolutely amazing experience. 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! You can see the windward side of Oahu island with Kaneohe Bays sandbars, and an amphitheater of mountains surrounding you on all sides. Can see the water on both sides of the islands the further up you hike. Officials said he collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Theres a tree branch that has Middle Ridge carved into it as a reference point. Being inside the Forest Reserve is completely legal, as is being on Kamananui Trail. Legal climbing of the stairs would mean providing a non-intrusive access route through the neighborhood below, but that could easily be accomplished with the millions of taxpayer dollars that have been spent on security over the years. 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. Additionally, along the trail there are several ropes which people have tied tied to help with the hike. ", Hikerstold KHONthe trail was muddy from rain this past weekend. 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. From a timing perspective it took me 3hrs and 5 minutes but that was solo. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. If you want to do a guided hike anywhere on State Lands, please ask the guide to see a copy of their commercial use permit, issued by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. I'm providing information that is factual instead of perpetuating a myth. Hoomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility." "Novices have no business being on that hike. 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