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. Nathan Stowell, 25, died on Sunday after falling 400 feet off a hiking trail of Hawaii's Mount Olomana. Dont sue the state. Ask bognarofsydney about Moanalua Valley Trail. Anthony Polizzi, Col. Dan Dobbels, commander of the 15th Wing, said in the statement. Word to the wise: count the crossings, but don't take them as gospel. All anyone posts on here is about hiking the "legal" way, its not. Cool ridge hike, 4hrs at 28 mins moving time. (A proper trail runner or hiking shoe. Though the trail is not particularly hilly, it is also not paved and there are muddy spots that should be approached with caution. 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. However, dont be confused by people who tell you this is the legal way to visit the Haiku Stairs. 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. We make our initial ascent. 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. Instagram @dblock55. 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. Make sure you have done your research (YouTube) and you should be ready to are some awesome views. You can also reach out for info/if you have other questions about the hike or other hikes here. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Its actually one of the safest parts of the hike IMO. Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku Stairs (Legal 'Backway' to Stairway to Hunters frequent the surrounding area, so, when in doubt, follow the stream! Please be respectful to the place we call home and follow the rules. Once you pass the sign and creek crossing go to the right, the trail behind the foliage, not the obvious one on the left. Bring ziplock bag to gather your trash respect the land & beauty of the island. 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. Hold tight and watch your footing. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. The views are incredible and worth every minute and mile of this trail. 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. 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. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. (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. Please explore other trails nearby. ! Whether climbing Stairway to Heaven illegally or legally via Moanalua Valley Trail, know that this hike is not for the faint of heart. To remember: You came this far. Werner Karl, you're right. Blah, blah, blah. The great part about this trail is that you have incredible views along the way and not just at the summit. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Begin walking the trail and after about 2.5 miles you'll see the sign on the left for "Kulana'ahane Trail". There is a security guard at the beginning. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve (Moanalua section). Hawaii, like any other state, has property laws. A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. 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. ", 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.". A guy yelled and cussed at us and sprayed us with water with blue dye. adventures and follow local regulations. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Be careful on your footing & hand placements not all branches are build to hold your weight. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. The trail quietly opens up and were greeted with an elevated view of the valleys treetops sprawling out beneath us. This is the trail that leads you up the Moanalua Ridge, also known as the Moanalua Middle Ridge. All rights reserved. Hiker, 24, plunges to his death from dangerous Hawaii trail Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. Officials said he collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Stick to the main trailfollow a tributary path, and you may wind up in Waimano Valley. 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. Can see the water on both sides of the islands the further up you hike. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. Our biggest priority is taking care of his family and supporting his fellow Wingmen. I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! I'll save you some time and note that it goes nowhere :). Non-potable stream water can be found through out the valley. Its here, you should remind yourself, as you make your initial descent, not to rush. The group is part of the 15th Wing. You can see the windward side of Oahu island with Kaneohe Bays sandbars, and an amphitheater of mountains surrounding you on all sides. Moanalua Valley has a rich cultural history that is important to the people of Hawaii. per adult. Keep in mind, to stay 100 percent legal on this hike you will have to go back the same way you came. If you decide to bring Fido, keep him leashed. . Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. Pass the little sign and stream and itll be on your right. a pic? The cause of the airmans death is under investigation. More recently, Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi has publicly stated he may be willing to consider new options to save the Haiku Stairs, and Hawaii Senator Schatz has pitched the idea of handing it over to the federal government to renovate and operate, with a different entrance so all parties are happy. Kamananui Valley Road | Outdoor Project 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. There should be more information about this soon. Relish in the moment and enjoy the views. 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. it's not. ", "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. -2L water MINIMUM. It was intense & very rewarding. Watch out for roots as this is the largest risk as you climb. Moanalua Valley Trail (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Fair enough. When she willed the entire ahupuaa of Moanalua to Damons father in 1884, the luxurious valley home was built.) Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven) [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY], https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=11354. The road eventually turns to an unimproved road and later a narrow trail. Stay hydrated and prepare for the unexpected. Not muddy today. There are a few more rope sections and some very deep, muddy crevasses you will have to sneak through before you reach the top of this hike. The walk would be a little longer but easy on the flat road. Moanalua (Kamananui) Valley Trail - YouTube There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. 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. I would have liked to investigate an entry from the south if time permitted. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Thank you for sharing your experience and pics. 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. Be prepared for lots of mud! Its been a wild ride. Pack a long sleeve tee for the top (its chilly). HFD suspends search for missing hiker - Hawaii News Now Drone shot of the mountain. You can read more here: https://www.haikustairs.org/. We did the Uncle Toms Trail in Yellowstone and for me that was one of the best little adventures Ive done. However, we wouldnt recommend running. Don't. Polizzi collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley trail on Oahu. 12. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. It definitely is not legal to set foot on the Haiku Stairs or the satellite area at the summit. All rights reserved. Similar to the Angles Landing Hike in Zion National Park. Wear proper shoes and bring gloves!Quite muddy Make sure you at least have the basics and you will be prepared for bad weather or any mishaps on the trail. Don't listen to the naysayers who hate tourists. 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We made a false start up a precarious slope and had to go back down and restart closer to the stairs. Suddenly youre alone on the mountain. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven. If people cared more about the "nature" that they so desperately enjoy in this valley, then I wouldn't even be on here. It may sound dramatic but at times that is the situation. The trail is a legal hike and you should have no issues on the route towards the summit. Stowell's body was found roughly 400 feet below the third peak of Mount Olomana's hiking trail, officials said. Well worth that investment of time sweat & tears! An off-duty firefighter died in 2014 and a social worker died in 2011, both from falling off the trail. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. Create a password that only you will remember. Let's stay updated! 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of getting injured or lost. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii hike. 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! Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. 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. Know your physical abilities and limitations; select trails that can be enjoyed safely. Additionally, there are several inclines and declines with poor footing. I appreciate the outpouring of support from our ohana.. Translation: Its going to be a long day. Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and thats why there are so many rescues. Looking to hike this this week if anybody wants to go .msg insta @allispichkooo :), Aloha! There is a bathroom and water at the park only. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. Monalua Ridge offers legal access to the top of the Haiku Stairs (note: they are illegal to go down). I was lucky enough to have climbed on a windless morning, but any wind will add to the complexity and risk to the hike. 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 small section damaged by the storm is not steep. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. Once you are inside the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, you will find the trail at the back of the park. August 10, 1928 - February 22, 2023 Sister Mary Ellen Sprouffske, C.S.J. In any case, just be aware that fines of up to $1,000 have occasionally been given out to people caught climbing the staircase. 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 didnt end up using mine even with the amount of rain and mud present. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! 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. If you want to go hike, I'm not stopping you. Pass all the crossings and continue to follow the trail. 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. 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. 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. Try hike the Lanikai pill box brah. These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip! Make the risks known to people, but dont close all the hikes. Legal Statement. Moanalua Valley is a Forest Reserve. The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii hike is epic, dangerous, and illegal. Views are worth it. 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. Your selfish Instagram post is at the expense of destroying the island's fragile eco-diversity. Step 4 Park at the Moanalua Valley Park parking lot at 1849 Ala. The trailhead begins at Moanalua Valley Park. 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. 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. Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail | Map, Guide - Oahu, Hawaii | AllTrails Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. Legal? You have permission to edit this article. Been there. 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. 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!
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