The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. No more news yet. Oh my! Friends also took to social media Thursday to share their memories of Polizzi. The final major rope section was a steep gravel wall at an aggressive angle that required you to pull yourself up with the rope. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Moanalua Valley Trail is the back route and legal access to the Haiku Stairs, which is illegal to access from the front stairway. Thank for your continued support. There are dozens of other legal trails that give you a similar view that you can hike. It is for this reason that it is NOT recommended to hike this trail in heavy rains due to flash flooding. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. This is the trailhead for the hike and you will follow this path until you reach the middle ridge. At another, I cut up my knuckles clawing for exposed roots to keep from tumbling down the rugged spine. Not the one all the way to the left. As of 2023, there have never been any falling deaths on the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike. IG: @ lis.aloha. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Start hiking along the road/trail just past the bathrooms. 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. 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! If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. One hiker, Dale Yoshuizu, told the station that while he'd done the hike "a lot of times it makes you aware that no matter how many times you've done the hike you need to be careful. shoes meant for hiking. 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. You can read more here: https://www.haikustairs.org/. 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. More advanced hike along the ridge line. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. Don't. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. 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. August 10, 1928 - February 22, 2023 Sister Mary Ellen Sprouffske, C.S.J. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stair ( Stairway to Heaven) Do NOT take this route. There are shorter hikes on this island with better views and less risk. 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? Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. It may never be surpassed! 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. 0 rides ; 6 Months. All rights reserved. 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. This is my Journey Era. Alone with some of the best views in the world. We made a false start up a precarious slope and had to go back down and restart closer to the stairs. The Kamananui Valley Road is a perfect hike for all ages and offers access to many other hiking trails in the Moanalua Valley. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. 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. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. I noticed families on the trail, along with babies being carried by their parents. no reports have been added for Moanalua Valley Trail yet, add a trail report. Firefighters said that the rivers crossing the trail were at a dangerously high level. We rest here for a while, towering above the island. Ive done most of the hikes on the island before. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. Whoever JT is he needs to lighten the hell up. Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. My issue is with the multiple bags of rubbish and litter in the valley that I've personally removed. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. 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! Firefighters hiked up the trail and made contact with the woman at 10:12 p.m., and determined both hikers were uninjured so, it was decided to escort the hikers on foot. Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. Keep in mind, to stay 100 percent legal on this hike you will have to go back the same way you came. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven) [CLOSED Go past it about 20 paces. Love this hike! 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. Mahalo for reading this. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. It was beautiful! Family of hikers found dead on remote Sierra trail likely killed by heat, dehydration. Non-potable stream water can be found through out the valley. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. There is a little sign right before accession, go to the left and instead of keeping left, take the middle right path up. 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. 2 Thank bognarofsydney . Legal Statement. If you receive a citation you will be required to appear in court. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. "One couldnt help but be in a good mood when you were around.". You'll enjoy sweeping views of southern Oahu on this 10.4-mile roundtrip hike. The small section damaged by the storm is not steep. 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. Best time for Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku Stairs in Hawaii 2022 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. DM me on IG: @OutFullSending. . Moanalua Valley. Instead, retrace the Moanalua Ridge route to get back to your original destination. Anthony Polizzi, said Col. Dan Dobbels, 15th Wing commander. It may sound dramatic but at times that is the situation. Its towering heights along a steep ridge could cause a sudden slip to be fatal. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. It definitely is not legal to set foot on the Haiku Stairs or the satellite area at the summit. You can see the windward side of Oahu island with Kaneohe Bays sandbars, and an amphitheater of mountains surrounding you on all sides. However, we wouldnt recommend running. Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. Fun hike. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. Lastly, you could also be billed for emergency services if youre somehow injured and need to be rescued while doing this hike. I think even not super experienced hikers can complete as long as they take at their own pace. If you want to go hike, I'm not stopping you. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. 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. Get an early start, because parking fills up fast. Anthony J. Polizzi. Too many litterbugs on the island sadly. We celebrated National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), with a round up of our top picks for the best hikes on the Island. I was wondering 10.4 miles is it a round trip? Additionally, along the trail there are several ropes which people have tied tied to help with the hike. However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. The hike is four miles each way . Every time I turned around to look back towards the city, the view just kept getting better and better. "I am so proud of the leader you became and the passion with which you tackled your maintenance profession. Dont sue the state. Recommended. In terms of cardio its definitely a workout. it's not. 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. A City and County park provides bathrooms, potable water and garbage cans at the trail head. All water should be . Oahu Small Group Circle Island Sightseeing Tour. 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! Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The first 2.9 miles are fairly straightforward with only 100ft of elevation each mile. Not only are the views out of this world, but the whole experience is just beyond awesome and unique. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. 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. 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. A day after announcing his death, officials identified him as New York native and U.S. Air Force Capt. Please see J T s comments below before attempting this. (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). Its here, you should remind yourself, as you make your initial descent, not to rush. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. I hope this clears up YEARS of misconceptions about this trail. ! The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy. Air Force captain who died during Hawaii hike remembered as 'leader All rights reserved. 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) . Additionally, there are several inclines and declines with poor footing. The views are incredible and worth every minute and mile of this trail. 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. 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. Although extremely tempting, the hike down the Haiku Stairs is highly illegal and subject to fine, etc. 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. -Good shoes. At a few points I need to brace myself against the bark of an ohia tree to keep from losing my balance. In this web series,we bring you our favorite Oahu trails once a month. Suddenly youre alone on the mountain. Although small and unmarked its an obvious trail. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This is quite the work out and worth the view. For more information, visit: Moanalua Valley and Tripler Ridge Trail Loop, Kalihi Ice Ponds [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY]. The trail is a legal hike and you should have no issues on the route towards the summit. This is incorrect. To begin the Moanalua Valley Trail you will first need to drive to the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park and park in the streets nearby. Just because you don't see or understand the damage you are causing doesn't make it right. It's not easy to find. No such facilities are available within the valley itself. 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. 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. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! Thanks for your support. Though theres no ocean view at the end,this trail is a journey through a bunch of natural beauty and history. Army: Airman assigned to 15th wing died after collapsing while hiking The first 2.9 miles are fairly straightforward with only 100ft of elevation each mile. Usually trail run in the valley or hike up the ridge a couple times a week. 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. Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Polizzi graduated from Miami University, Ohio, from which he was commissioned through ROTC and entered the Air Force June 7, 2011. Bring a cell phone, which can be a lifesaver during an emergency. Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail | Map, Guide - Oahu, Hawaii | AllTrails From plantation towns to planned communities, Central Oahu has its share of secret spots, a bumper crop of bowling alleys and neighborhood eats. Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. The sounds of the cars on the H3 highway below you gradually disappear, and everything starts to get quiet. Anyone who hikes the 10 miles round trip is obviously going to go to the top of the stairs, or beyond. The Best of Hawai'i's Great Outdoors: 20 Great O'ahu Hikes $125.33. Parking was easy, street parking next to the park and it was very easy to find the green gate. This is the trail that leads you up the Moanalua Ridge, also known as the Moanalua Middle Ridge. This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! 6 rides; 11 miles avg distance; All. I'll save you some time and note that it goes nowhere :). Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. Some of the original cobblestone road remains intact, and leads to a large, petroglyph-covered boulder. UPDATE 02/2023: Theres still hope that the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii trail may be saved after all. So long as you make the right turn in The Valley you can easily find your way up, assuming youre up to the effort. That wouldnt be cheap. Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. An off-duty firefighter died in 2014 and a social worker died in 2011, both from falling off the trail. absolutely not! (Google Maps calls it Moanalua Valley Trail Start.) He was Stars and Stripes roving Pacific reporter from 2011-2013 while based in Tokyo. 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. 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. You can see everythingKaneohe, Kailua, Mokolii (akaChinamans Hat), Olomana and the H-3 snaking its way through it alland Im basking in the extraordinary sight of how miniature life looks from up above.