Such an exhilarating trail that really puts your body and mind to the ultimate test. A coworker identified the victim as Nathan Stowell, 24. Thanks for your support. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven. The trail to the top of the Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) is prohibited. ", Barney Griggs, a spokesperson for the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, said anyone who wants to hike the Olomana Trail "should be an experienced hiker. 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. Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. The stairs were then opened to the public until 1987 when they were deemed unsafe because of disrepair. 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). The main reason to take the back way is just to stay legal and rule out any possible fines. 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. Try hike the Lanikai pill box brah. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. My husband and I are planning on doing this hike. ", "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. Super muddy, have to cross the river to complete. At some points, the stairs of death are almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain. Begin walking the trail and after about 2.5 miles you'll see the sign on the left for "Kulana'ahane Trail". If you think about it there is a large number of people on 24/7 neighborhood watch and some are very angry and extreme. All Rights Reserved. Although extremely tempting, the hike down the Haiku Stairs is highly illegal and subject to fine, etc. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. As of 2023, there have never been any falling deaths on the Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike. Not willing to change her identity to be part of the industry, Mahina Florence is at the height of her career because of her flawless Hawaiian complexion, strong athletic build, and friendly aloha spirit. 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). Moanalua Valley has a rich cultural history that is important to the people of Hawaii. Moanalua Valley is a Forest Reserve. About 200 yards from the radio tower, the trail eases up and you begin to see the sweeping panoramic views over Honolulu and southern Oahu. Hike the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs Peak. A City and County park provides bathrooms, potable water and garbage cans at the trail head. Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. ; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The trail begins at the end of Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. 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. Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and thats why there are so many rescues. Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason its one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth! After Kahahana's death, a plot was laid to kill all the chiefs of Maui on the same . Overnight parking is not allowed in Moanalua Valley Park - the gate is locked and the park is closed at a certain hour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Copyright 2020 Hawaii News Now. $125.33. Be careful. The Moanalua trail can be muddy after rain, so check the conditions before you go. It was a beautiful day, not too muddy to complete this hike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Access to the public is restricted. Moanalua Valley. Polizzi was on the hike with a group of friends. Make sure you have done your research (YouTube) and you should be ready to are some awesome views. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so youre not heading back in the dark. I think even not super experienced hikers can complete as long as they take at their own pace. Step 4 Park at the Moanalua Valley Park parking lot at 1849 Ala. The Moanalua Valley Trail begins at the end of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. ", James Keener, of Hawaii Fresh Farms where Stowell worked, according to his Facebook page, wrote that the 24-year-oldwas like a son to himand "died the way he lived, taking chances, and living everyday to its fullest.". Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2022. Puu Keahi a Kahoe is the end of this trail, but symbolically it serves as a beginningit marks the start of the ahupuaa(land division) of Kaneohe. This will lead you to an open grassy valley that gives you spectacular views of the valley. Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). 29, 2020 while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Bummer, this trail is closed. Family of hikers found dead on remote Sierra trail likely killed by heat, dehydration. Bring a cell phone, which can be a lifesaver during an emergency. The trail was washing away. In this section, I will explain a little bit about each area and share with you the details for exploring this summit area. -2L water MINIMUM. The hike is four miles each way . The view is wonderful worth the hike. I'd recommend doing this hike early as possible to avoid the potential crowds. You have permission to edit this article. Haiku Stairs Map How might someone prepare to hike Stairway to Heaven? Not the one all the way to the left. Wear proper foot ware, including hiking boots, spikes, and gloves. If you have further questions about the legality of this hike, you can contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Judd Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Foster Botanical Garden is a loop trail that is used for walking and nature trips located near Honolulu, 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. Youll encounter a couple more ropes (as you did during the Moanalua hike) which will be instrumental in getting down some of the slopes. After that, it should be pretty straightforward. Anyone who hikes the 10 miles round trip is obviously going to go to the top of the stairs, or beyond. 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. He was a freelance writer and journalism teacher in China from 2006-2009. 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. Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. 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. It was actually easier to me than Mount Olympus , just a LOTTTTTT longer. 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. 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. These restaurants and cafs hold themselves to a higher eco-standard that make deciding where to eat for ocean-minded people an easy decision. Every time I turned around to look back towards the city, the view just kept getting better and better. While the first peak is the "highest and offers the best views," it's the mountain's third peak where Stowell fell to his death that "offers the greatest climbing challenge. From plantation towns to planned communities, Central Oahu has its share of secret spots, a bumper crop of bowling alleys and neighborhood eats. 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. 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. 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. Are there hand-holds on the places that were sheer drop off on both sides? An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 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. In total the hike is 5.2 miles with 2585 ft in elevation gain (basically all of this is condensed into the final 2 miles). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Being inside the boundaries of the TMK parcel that the stairs is built on is a finable offense for having broken property and trespass laws. 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. Keep in mind, the adventurers MUST be respectful to neighbourhood residents living in this area. Mahalo! Thanks Billie! If you receive a citation you will be required to appear in court. I explored the radio tower, Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven), and a set of abandoned, overgrown stairs. I would have liked to investigate an entry from the south if time permitted. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The weather today is just as my friend hoped for; hes been monitoring it daily since a week out to ensure the trail will be dry and moderately windless, opportune conditions for a hike that has us teetering across razor-thin sections with steep drops on either side. Start hiking along the road/trail just past the bathrooms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. If you are confused follow the AllTrails map. There's also a ton of street parking near by in the neighborhood. One way to reach the off-limits Stairway to Heaven is to start on a different trail from Moanalua Valley. This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! Mahalo for reading this. Distress hikers rescued off Moanalua Valley Trail Friday evening. The first 2.9 miles are fairly straightforward with only 100ft of elevation each mile. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. Please do not bring your babies, this hike is far too dangerous for young children. My issue is with the degradation of the endangered Elepaio habitat that exists in that valley. 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. For safety. Market data provided by Factset. You can read more here: https://www.haikustairs.org/. The seemingly level elevation from point A to point B can be misleading and the giddy nature of being so close can come with a lack of focus. INDEFINITE CLOSURE: This trail is closed to the public and violators/trespassers are SUBJECT TO $1000 FINES, COMMUNITY SERVICE, BENCH WARRANTS, AND/OR ARREST. Its been a wild ride. Be prepared. Assuming you are doing the middle ridge hike, very enjoyable. My wife Intan and I are usually in our second home Bali, but our journeys take us to destinations all over the world. Check out their website and consider donating if youre a fan. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. or redistributed. 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. The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. Hawaii, like any other state, has property laws. You need to take the MIDDLE option. The terrain can be quite crumbly, with steep drop-offs so you do need to keep your focus throughout this hike. The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. I first discovered the Stairway To Heaven Oahu hike on the internet in 2015 and knew I had to try it. The road eventually turns to an unimproved road and later a narrow trail. 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. Instead walk another 15 feet further and youll see a small, unsigned trail on your left hand side. If you want to go hike, I'm not stopping you. Still interested? A short walk . The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. No more news yet. . Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Also, it's a ridge..which could mean wind. An off-duty firefighter died in 2014 and a social worker died in 2011, both from falling off the trail. The stairs are priceless to many of us, and we all hope the staircase hike can be saved. The first mile on this trail climbs 900 feet in elevation and is primarily through trees. Fair enough. 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". Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your I hope to do it again someday. We did run into a few people who had gotten lost at the start though. This is a beast of a hike, my friend says, as he slathers his face with sunscreen, the tinted kind that leaves streaks on your skin like war paint. adventures and follow local regulations. It was intense & very rewarding. Id allow a good 4hrs to hike if with a group and more time if the conditions are windy or muddy. The steepest section of stairs is actually near the start of the hike, right before you reach the first platform. 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. All rights reserved. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. per adult. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! We rest here for a while, towering above the island. Well kept trail for the island, but still challenging. Basically, politics and money got in the way of this epic hike. 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. I hope it will be repaired and preserved for people to enjoy forever. Continue on the main trail up and up and up. One of my favorite trails, with tons of side trails, pools, and ruins to explore. Heed no trespassing and other warning signs. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday,Dec. Lol ALOHAAAAA. no reports have been added for Moanalua Valley Trail yet, add a trail report. She was . olson.wyatt@stripes.com Twitter: @WyattWOlson. 0 rides ; 6 Months. That wouldnt be cheap. 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! Legal Statement. 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. From a timing perspective it took me 3hrs and 5 minutes but that was solo. Anthony J. Polizzi. I lived for a few years in Kaneohe (graduated James B Castle HS) some 50 years ago and NEVER knew about the Haiku stairway. Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Finiahed in 10 hours. (iStock). 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. I didnt end up using mine even with the amount of rain and mud present. It is for this reason that it is NOT recommended to hike this trail in heavy rains due to flash flooding. If you knew anything about natural resources, you'd understand that this isn't just about respecting something that's sacred but rather protecting a watershed that provides benefits that you clearly take for granted. Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail Hard 4.7 (4054) Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Photos (5,132) Directions Print/PDF map Length 9.2 miElevation gain 2,998 ftRoute type Out & back Enjoy this 9.2-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. Thank you for sharing your experience and pics. Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. We recommend packing an external back-up battery. I also didnt get enough sleep dont be like me. You definitely want good weather for this hike. Theres a tree branch that has Middle Ridge carved into it as a reference point. 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. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. 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 . 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). The trailhead begins at Moanalua Valley Park. Oahu Small Group Circle Island Sightseeing Tour. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. Suddenly youre alone on the mountain. 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. It all goes back to a history of lawsuits from people getting injured while hiking in Oahu and then suing the state. Not muddy today. Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. 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. Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (Moanalua section). (Phi Phi Leh), Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island, Navagio Beach Greece: Shipwreck Bay In Zakynthos Island, Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide: How To Visit Zakynthos Island, Phi Phi Island Thailand Travel Guide (Koh Phi Phi Islands), Huayna Picchu Hike: The Machu Picchu Stairs Of Death, Utah Hiking Guide: 17 Best Utah Hikes & Trails, 35 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free), 25 Best Hikes In Indonesia: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Jungles, Koko Head Hike: Koko Crater Trail & Stairs In Oahu Hawaii, Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah, Komodo Island Indonesia: National Park & Dragon Tour. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Bring A LOT of water, snacks, sunscreen and gloves really help for the ropes. The cause of the airmans death is under investigation. There is no legal way to the stairs. It gave the mountains and everything a surreal touch that made us feel like we were walking up into the heavens. 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. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. 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. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. 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. The other specific laws that come into play here are located in HRS chapters 104 and 130, State Forestry and Na Ala Hele Access. HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - U.S. Army officials have released new details surrounding the death of an Airman assigned to the 15th Wing. Ironically, the general consensus is that the stairs are actually a safer and easier route to the top of the mountain. The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. However, dont be confused by people who tell you this is the legal way to visit the Haiku Stairs. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. There is one short section of stairs that was mangled in a storm, but the damage is pretty minimal and you can pass that part without any trouble. 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. 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. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. Its actually one of the safest parts of the hike IMO. Relish in the moment and enjoy the views. 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 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. There are shorter hikes on this island with better views and less risk. He was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was pronounced dead, the Air Force said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy. 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? Please be prepared! The sounds of the cars on the H3 highway below you gradually disappear, and everything starts to get quiet. Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike. 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. Not a must, but its often raining, and windy. There is a security guard at the beginning. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. 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. Hunters frequent the surrounding area, so, when in doubt, follow the stream!
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