• If you have the paid version of the AllTrails app, you can download the “Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) map to your phone. With your phone’s GPS it can track where you are on the trail, which is handy if this is your first time. It also records your pace, distance, elevation, etc. 

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• You need to be fit for this hike. It’s over 10 miles roundtrip and it’s beautiful but there are some risky and steep parts. 

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• Don’t attempt this hike if it’s expected to rain or if there’s been heavy rain in the few days leading up to your hike. Some parts of the hike are steep and narrow. When it’s muddy, it can get slippery and dangerous.

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• Oahu’s dry season runs from about June to October. September is one of the best months for this hike because it tends to be dry but not as hot and humid as during the middle of the summer. 

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• Start early. The earlier you start, the less you’ll be hiking in direct sunlight. And if it’s your first time on this hike, it’ll give you plenty of time to stop and take in the views along the way, without worrying about getting back before the sun goes down or the parking lot gate closes. 

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• If you want to start hiking before 7am when the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park parking lot opens, park in the neighborhood right before the entrance. 

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• And if you plan to be on the trail before sunrise, pack a headlamp.

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• Keep track of time. Make sure you’re on track to make it back to your car 1) before the sun goes down and 2) before the parking lot closes at 7pm if that’s where you parked. 

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Parking

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• Where to park. Park in the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park parking lot (at 1857 Ala Aolani St.), next to the basketball courts. There’s a playground and bathrooms here. If you get there before they open the gate at 7am, park in the neighborhood right outside the entrance. 

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• The parking lot is only open 7am - 7pm and they lock the gate outside of those hours.

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• Parking is limited but you can usually find a spot on the road outside of the parking lot along Ala Aolani Street.

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• Remember that you’re in a residential neighborhood, so be respectful, don’t get too loud, and clean up after yourself.

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Finding the trailhead

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• Head to the back of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park. There’s a paved trail at the back of the grassy area. This is the trailhead. 

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Part 1: It starts off mostly flat.

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• The first 2.5 miles are mostly flat and easy to follow through the valley. The path is wide and goes through lush forest. 

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• Heads up that all the forks in the road here will come back to the same main trail, so don’t worry about getting lost in this section. 

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• You’ll cross a few paved sections and some river beds which may or may not be dry, depending on the time of year. Keep your feet dry or you’ll regret having wet shoes with so much of the hike still ahead. 

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• For the first mile or so, you’ll be hiking mostly through trees which do a nice job of sheltering you from the wind.

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Part 2: Find the start of the Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge Trail (not the Kulanahane Trail).

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• When the valley road ends, take a left at the trees. This is the part where it gets a little less straightforward. 

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• After a while, the path becomes a little overgrown with tall grass, but you should still be able to make out the trail. Follow this for a bit until it returns to the main trail. 

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• As you continue, keep your eyes peeled for signs and arrows carved into trees. They’re not obvious, but they are helpful. 

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• When you reach the orange sign that says “Kulanahane Trail,” don’t continue straight. You don’t want take this trail. 

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• Keep walking another 15 feet and you’ll find a small, unmarked trail on your left. There may be a pink ribbon on a tree to let you know you’re in the right place, but even without that it’s an obvious trail. This is the trailhead for Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge Trail. 

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• You’ll cross a stream bed right away and then see a branch with “Middle Ridge” carved into it that curves over the trail. It’s not obvious, but it’s there. This is where the elevation gains start.

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Part 3: Hiking the Ridgeline.

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• This section of the hike is more straightforward and easy to follow. Just keep heading straight up the ridgeline until you get to the summit. 

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• The  first mile climbs through trees. Be careful not to trip over the roots. 

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• The 2nd mile has steep drop offs on each side, which will be riskier on a windy day. The ridge gets steeper and more narrow. It’s not a bad idea to crouch down and bear crawl if the wind is getting to be too much. 

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• You’ll be climbing over tree roots and boulders in parts of this section. 

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• There are some ropes to help you with the really steep parts. They’re definitely a lifesaver, but it’s hard to say how secure they are so be cautious and consider using them one person at a time. This is also the point where you’ll be really happy that you brought gloves. If you brought MICROspikes, they’ll be really helpful 

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• The steepest climb is the last part just before the summit. It’s a steep rope climb with crumbly gravel underfoot.  You’ll definitely need the ropes to get yourself up. You may want to go one at a time on this rope, just to play it safe. Get to the top and you’ve made it to the peak. 

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Part 4: Make your way to the Haiku Stairs Radio Tower.

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• From the peak of Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge Trail, you will see the Haiku Stairs radio tower just off to your left. 

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• It’s about a ½ mile to the radio tower. 

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• What to expect? The ridge narrows a lot, with drop offs on both sides. The wind picks up here too which adds to the intensity. Don’t feel bad crawling for portions if the wind is strong. There are more exposed roots and several inclines (more ropes) with loose gravel. This section can also be muddier and more slippery than the previous one, so even though you’re close… stay cautious and focused. The silver lining is that the views are incredible.

 

Part 5: The Haiku Stairs.

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• The trail eases up some as you get close to the radio tower.

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• Hello panoramic views of Honolulu and southern Oahu. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful view than the one of the winding stairs through the lush greenery. 

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• Keep in mind that it’s still illegal to step onto the stairs, even coming from this direction. If caught, you’ll end up with a $1000 fine. 

 

Part 6: Head back the way you came.

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• It’s illegal to hike down the Haiku Stairs, so it’s time to turn around and go back the way you came. 

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• The ropes are extra helpful heading down those steep inclines. 

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• Keep in mind that the return trip may feel a little more exhausting just because your legs are already tired from the trip up.