Moanalua Saddle to Haiku Stairs – Stairway to Heaven (July 3, 2011)

Moanalua Saddle (below left) to Haiku Stairs (below center) has been a hike that’s been on my radar for sometime now. However, inclement weather conditions had yielded my attempts to do the trail in the past. In addition, excellent cardio-conditioning, climbing skills and calm nerves are required for a hiker to do this trail.

Honored to receive a group invite from advanced hiker, Marcus Griego, the Lost Trailblazers (Troy Takara, David Chatsuthiphan, Seth Eason, Reanne Solomon, Jennifer Liu, Jenelyn Castillio and myself) were anxious to test their nerves and hiking credentials. In addition to the LT crew, we were also lucky to be joined by other experienced hikers, Rosie Ho, Brandon Grant, Randy Glidden, Sophia Simone, Francis Jimenez and Baron Yamamoto.

After we staged a set of cars in the residential area near Stairway to Heaven trailhead, we drove to Moanalua Valley Park, arriving ~ 830am. We followed Kamananui Valley Road and made several shallow stream crossings until we reached the Kulanaahane trailhead (see following photos).

Again, we crossed the stream several times in what seemed to be deeper water. Please be cautious as the rocks here are extremely slippery. Be prepared to either use felt-bottomed footwear or spiked shoes, or be prepared to fall (right). Note, the orange ribbons are for Moanalua Middle Ridge (left)… we did not go this way, but I’ve heard it may be less difficult hike this ridge.

A dense canopy of Hau made the mild-graded hike a little more difficult,

…though we soon found ourselves climbing a steep uluhe-covered ridge (left). Lost Trailblazers stopping for a break, Moanalua Valley in background (right). We followed the ridge trail until we reached the Moanalua Saddle summit…

Once there, the group quickly brought out their cameras as the photo-ops were priceless (Moanalua Valley on left and H-3 / Kaneohe on right).

After having a few snacks, we started east along the ridgeline towards the summit of Stairway to Heaven. David snapping a few shots before heading down the ridgeline.

Part of ridge trail were extremely narrow and eroded, and mostly composed of very loose soil / gravel.

Other areas were overgrown by lantana and a few different fern species.

We soon came to a severely eroded part of the ridge, and had to contour around the “right” side (see below).

This part is difficult to get up and may require a lead person to tie rope or webbing higher up on the rock face (near where marcus is in below photo).

This was literally Marcus’ reaction (lol) when Randy slipped while coming up the rock face and cut his forehead (NO lol). Randy was okay though.

Me, Seth and Baron climbing up one of the steep parts of the trail (left). The group all smiles after climbing the most difficult series of rock faces on this trail (right).

Within 10 minutes of the difficult rock faces, we came to a landing and “hidden stairs” on the west side of Stairway to Heaven summit. Similar in structure to the main stairway, but much more aged / deteriorated.

The steps were actually a nice treat after having such loose, unstable substrate to hike on for the majority of the trail. You can tell how happy troy was by his facial expression. lol.

Jenelyn and Baron (left) and me (right) finishing the last bit of stairs before reaching the summit.

Chee hoo, we made it!!! The LT crew having a Boddingtons Pub Ale victory dance! Please exercise caution while consuming alcohol on hikes or any other physical activity. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making.

Na Pali Coast / Kalalau Crew in training (left)! Baron doing his part to commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives to provide us with the opportunity to have a better life (right).

After spending a some time appreciating such an unusually clear view from the summit of Stairway to Heaven, we headed down to greet the security guard who was eagerly anticipating our arrival at the bottom. Good times with a GREAT crew!!!

WARNING: This trail is a definitely an advanced trail. For the typical hiker, it should be difficult and I would not recommend them do it unless serious. For instance, if you have a wife and/or kids, don’t do it… really. However if attempted, technical climbing skills, good cardio and top-tier hiking experience are necessary to complete. Do not attempt in rainy or windy conditions, or at night. Make sure to bring good footwear, both for stream crossings, muddy trails, and loose/eroded trails. You should also bring at least 80 ft of rope/webbing to be used in areas of difficulty. We took 6 hours to complete the trail, but make sure to bring gear/supplies for longer than that in case you run into problems. If you want an easier trail, just hiking to Moanalua Saddle and back down via the Kulanaahane Trail may be a moderate trail… and you can still see the great view of H3 and Kaneohe.

To view more information about Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) or to see more photos (particularly night photography in this area), Click Here. To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery, or David’s website “UnrealHawaii.com“.