Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail

10.5 miles 5,029ft elevation Out/Back Trail Hard

The Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail is an intense, advanced ridge hike that leads to one of the most breathtaking views on Oahu, the stairway-to-heaven (Haʻikū Stairs) summit, legally accessed without using the closed stairway. This is one of Oahu’s most challenging hikes, requiring steep ridge climbing, rope-assisted sections, and full exposure to high winds and drop-offs. This is an extreme ridge hike with steep drop-offs. Very muddy & overgrown sections. Expect thick vegetation and slippery footing. Do NOT hike in rainy or windy conditions. The ridge becomes dangerously slippery, and clouds can obscure visibility. Takes 6–9 hours round trip. Summit leads to Haʻikū Stairs top platform, but you cannot go down the stairs to the bottom. The trail begins at Moanalua Valley Park and follows a wide dirt road for the first 2.5 miles. This section is mostly flat, crossing small streams and lush greenery. Look for a sign or pink ribbons marking the turnoff for Moanalua Middle Ridge, this is where the real climb begins. Mid-Hike: The ridge quickly becomes narrow and steep, with muddy inclines and exposed drop-offs. Several sections require ropes, so good grip strength and balance are necessary. Expect strong winds as you get higher along the ridgeline. After about 6 miles, you’ll reach the summit of the Haʻikū Stairs (Stairway to Heaven). The platform provides a stunning 360° view of Kaneohe, the Koʻolau Mountains, and Pearl Harbor. Descent & Return: Descending is just as difficult as the climb—the mud and ropes make it slippery. Expect the full hike to take 6 to 9 hours round trip, depending on conditions.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time: Early Morning (Before 7 AM).
Sunrise Start: Cooler temps, more time to complete the hike.
Midday: Extremely hot & exposed.
Late Afternoon: Risky, returning in the dark is dangerous.
Parking: Park at Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park (limited spaces, arrive early). Do NOT park in residential areas or block driveways.
Wear proper hiking boots: Slippery, muddy terrain with steep drops.
Bring gloves: Helpful for rope sections.
Pack 3-4 liters of water: No water sources on the ridge.
Use trekking poles: Useful for descents and balance on the ridge.
Download offline maps: The turnoff is easy to miss, use GPS navigation.
Check the weather – Avoid rain and heavy winds for safety.

Thoughts from my Hike

This trail was definitely long, hot and challenging in many spots. It was well worn and not hard to follow. A lot of very steep climbs in many places, so as always, my spikes came in very handy. There were quite a few steep inclines, and they were not short stints, so it was difficult, but not undo-able. It was one of those hikes, where you know what's at the end, and you push yourself mentally and physically to get there. Its a thousand dollar fine, if you get caught trying to go up them from the bottom, so going the back way, albeit a lot longer, is definitely easier on your wallet. The stairs were closed back in 1987 for safety reasons, so they are like the forbidden fruit for a lot of visitors to the Island. Once you get to the top, there is a nice little area to rest, eat and drink. Then you can traverse down the stairs as far as you want, to get some great pictures. It took me 4 hours to get to the top, and then 3 hours to get back down. Do bring plenty of water. I froze a few bottles also, which works out nicely, cause by the time they thaw, you are ready for a cold drink. I took my time both ways, stopping for pictures and water, so you could probably do it a little faster. It was well worth it to me to do this hike!