Enter #stairwaytoheavehawaii on Instagram and you`ll see epic images of smiling adventurers on 3,922 steps on the crest of Oahu`s Ko`olau mountain range. The town of Kaneohe and the H-3 highway can be seen in the background as clouds hit mountain tops and hikers appear to be in the sky. It is a drop of pure water on both sides. It was difficult and exhausting to get to the top, but the effort was worth it. We were relieved when we finally saw the radio antennas. It took us 4 hours, 8.4km/5.2miles, and 890m/2,920ft elevation to reach the summit. The summit was shrouded in clouds when we arrived. We met two guys from Miami and an older hiker from the haiku district. Everyone went up and down the stairs. In September 2021, after years of debate, Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi decided to demolish haiku stairs in favor of the Honolulu City Council. The resolution, filed on September 8, 2021, states that it will stop entry, reduce disruption to the neighbourhood, increase public safety, eliminate the city`s potential liability and protect the environment.
It was also mentioned that the municipal government has 60 days to submit a stair removal plan. Singer and comedian Fritz Hasenpusch also suffered a heart attack while climbing stairs in 2012. However, this unprecedented accident can be attributed to his precarious physical health, rather than the danger surrounding him on the stairs. You can`t help but be muddy-red-brown on this adventurous path. Don`t underestimate the difficulty of the trail. For steep ascent and descent through muddy, slippery ground, „mini” crampons are urgently needed. If you wish to use the ropes provided, gloves may be required. A breathtaking view of the stairs like a „dragon`s back” and Kaneohe Bay The haiku staircase has 3,922 steps! But you will of course climb the stairs to paradise legally. The first 3 miles of this hike are quite flat. You will hike through a very popular nature reserve. There are a number of concrete bridges that you will cross before the end of the trail (we counted 17).
Once you reach the end of the path, there is a small path on the left. Take this trail and turn right, following the stream. There will be a sign for the Kulana`ahane trail by the streams, here you cross the stream and start your ascent! The most important thing for hiking is the weather. Choose the day with the most stable weather, and if it was dry the day before, so much the better. Although Honolulu is dry, it can rain in the valley and on the ridge. The weather is all the more changeable as you go up. The muddiest – most breathtaking – most exciting hike ever. Hello! I`m trying to do the hike soon, I`ve heard a lot about the police being legally present at the top of the hike and imposing costly fines on hikers, do you know if that`s true? We also thought it was a difficult point on the track. It is not always easy to see a way to get there. I don`t know what the name of the path you took is! You will arrive at the same place as the hikers who walk the illegal trail to the top of the mountain and the haiku stairs. You will see hikers resting on the radio station, as well as hikers who decide to go down the stairs.
No, unfortunately, we don`t know anyone who is leading this hike. I can understand that you do not want to walk the Moanalua Valley trail alone. Maybe you could find more in Facebook groups? I know there are so many other people who want to hike with a group, because we`ve received quite a few emails from people who want to hike with someone else. Hope this helps! We started the hike already at 7 am. We parked the car in the neighborhood in front of the parking gate. There is parking in the neighborhood park; Google Maps link. The park gate closes at 7pm. There are toilets. Start early and hike safely; Take the time you need! The beginning of the Moanalua Trail. The legal road is known as the Moanalau Valley Road Trail. This 10.4-mile (round trip) trail is slightly longer than the illegal trail, but the hike has beautiful views that are worth it.
The exposed ridge is not for people who are afraid of heights and is also not suitable for children. You should be an experienced hiker, especially in strong winds.