Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail to the Haiku Stairs

[@AmberIshtar]

Nandor, thank you for this video. I was tearing up. The physical pain I feel in my body at random points throughout the day when I allow myself to think too much about what is about to happen….its like I am about to watch a dear friend undergo such pain and suffering and I just have to sit back and watch as the delicate windward ridge is ripped to shreds. Keahiakahoe has given me so much…a beautiful dog, a wonderful man, and so so many memories that shaped me into the person I am today. My heart hurts for Keahiakahoe and that, as hard as we tried, it feels like we failed the mountain. My only comfort comes in knowing that, though there will be senseless damage done, he will still stand, and long outlive the hateful politicians and residents who did this to him.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Amber thank you for expressing your feelings. Reading your comment tells me how much you care about not just the stairs but the actual mountain and environment too. We are at the same page on this. I see you caring more and more throughout the last couple years and that’s a beautiful thing 😊 Keep up stewarding these beautiful mountains🤙🏻

[@AmberIshtar]

@@HungaroExplorer thank you. I’ve been somewhat indifferent to the stairs themselves as a piece of history, though that is important. To me what has always mattered was from the moment I first went down middle ridge after doing the saddle I was in shock. Utter disbelief that people who claim to hate the stairs because of the “blight” they are to the land, would turn around and willingly take middle ridge. I never understood the massive disconnect. Yes the stairs are not natural. But they provide a shield for the mountain that nothing else can come close to doing. So while ripping out the stairs themselves is going to cause damage, what these people are basically saying is “go back to eroding other trails if you want to summit Keahiakahoe”. And that’s truly what is making me lose my mind. We are losing a resource to help PROTECT this mountain. You have always been a big inspiration to me, ever since I saw your video about the Nu’uanu saddle and making sure to respect the mountains and have them respect you back. This is definitely the utmost disrespect to Keahiakahoe and we have to sit back and watch it happen.

[@ranradd]

Thanks for the video. This is the hike I went to Oahu for 2 years ago. Good to see it again. Very sad that the Haiku Stairs are coming down. At least I got to see them. The erosion is extreme for sure. It was pouring rain on the rope section on the way down, which made it a bit challenging. Shared your video on my FB page.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo for the feedback and for sharing! Oh yeah, when it rains the eroded part gets very slippery. It is another level of adventure :D I am glad you could experience it before it will go down.

[@koenigkronicles]

Really beautiful cinematography! Glad you made this video, sad that it came to this. Blessed to have many memories up there, grateful for that! Erosion is horrible and will only get worse

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo! I know you would appreciate the videography 🤙🏻 Yes, the trail could use a break…

[@koenigkronicles]

@@HungaroExplorer I’ve never filmed like that but I seriously appreciate the effort, probably why I haven’t 😅 beautifully done!

[@dufferinseng7188]

hawaii's ridge line is awesome and beautiful. explore and protect is an open topic, like conservation and preservation, it will continue to evolve. i haven't been to oahu yet. i keep hearing people talking about stairs to heaven. it's a truly pity, don't have chance to see it before it has been gone.

[@concussionrehab]

So sad :( such a beautiful and magical place with such history.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, it is very sad…

[@esgush]

Mahalo Nandor for taking us with you on this sentimental journey.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Earl for tuning in🤙🏻

[@808mauidad]

Great videography Nandor! Love the way you captured the entire hike culminating to that breathtaking view down the stairs! Will miss it and wish I could hike it one more time but can’t because I’m in Maui -Alex

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Alex for the feedback! 🤙🏻

[@adriancrowther]

Great video! I completely agree that these stairs are a national treasure and deserve preservation. It's incredibly sad. Many people care deeply about them and were actively fighting to protect them. The Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Corp (HTMC) does fantastic work maintaining the trails around Oahu. I often see them volunteering on weekends - they're true stewards of these incredible resources. While it's a sensitive area, I never wear spikes on the trails, they do so much damage.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, HTMC is great volunteer group. I can thank a lot for them, I learned a lot from them and I worked with them on the trails too for couple years. I did not mention spikes in the video because a lot of people feel safer with them and I do understand that safety is first. But some just use spikes all the time which is not okay. It has it’s place and time.

[@peterhoang1424]

It so sad the best experience of my life going both stairs and back way! The experience is so beautiful i love this hike so much it tair me inside out cause it so historic and so beautiful! Thanku for post this ! I pray the rebuild and make it better for mor generations to come! This is truley oahu and it pure beauty!❤❤❤

[@HungaroExplorer]

Well said Peter! At least you experienced it while it was accessible. I heard rumours that Kualoa Ranch wants to but the stairs and rebuild it in their land. Not sure, if it will happen or not but it is a good business call for sure😜

[@youtubeguy99]

Curious what date you did this hike. I did the same hike on April 8th, then hiked all the way down the stairs. I recorded my entire hike down with my GoPRo. It's a shame this is being dismantled. This Haiku Stairs were one of the most beautiful and unique hikes anywhere in the world. I am pretty sure the helicopter landed off to the side of the communications building in an area where there is a short section of stairs that many don't know about. I believe they are removing that section first then starting at the top of the main path.

[@HungaroExplorer]

I hiked it on April 22nd, couple days ago. Yes, it is a shame what’s happening with the stairs…

[@matthewowen1360]

Another super video!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Matthew!🤙🏻

[@KatyT_FMB]

Great video! Amazing shots and narration of the entire hike! Thank you!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Katy!😊🤙🏻

[@GPLEXUS]

When was this video taken? You stated it was supposed to be start being taken down on April 22nd so is it not achievable to hike this in the next few days?

[@HungaroExplorer]

This was filmed on April 22nd. You might be able to still do it from Moanalua Valley in the next days maybe weeks

[@islandaloha]

Beautiful drone shots! Thank you for documenting the epic journey. I climbed it twice, once with my 6-year-old son. He is turning 26 year old now.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo!🤙🏻

[@BenHinders]

A magnificent engineering marvel is being removed because a few people with money and power are annoyed. Incredibly disappointing.

[@HungaroExplorer]

That is a beautiful definition of Haiku Stairs “a magnificent engineering marvel”. Love it!

[@mikelopez5865]

No it’s because of the shitty tourist we get on the island that ruin gems like this.

[@DCSourceRecords]

@@mikelopez5865 Tourists didn't close Haiku Stairs. Tourists don't trash Hawai'i as much as locals do. Tourists don't break into cars. Tourists don't vandalize Hawaiian relics like Kamehameha's palace. Stop blaming tourists for everything.

[@BenHinders]

@@mikelopez5865 Okay, if you say so...

[@normanbaron8408]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@DCSourceRecords- da tourist not trespassing and vandalizing your property when they cut holes in your fence and walk through your yard without reguards to your privacy and your property. Most people don’t have issues with people climbing the stairs, it’s da disrespect.

[@skyebatalona8499]

Wow amazing! Did you ever find out why they were dropping people? Are they dropping cops?

[@HungaroExplorer]

They were dropping some workers and materials to the saddle side of the stairs. Most likely getting ready for the work.

[@FortisMan]

Very fortunate enough to have been able to complete the Haiku Stairs a few years ago! I’m interested in completing the Pu’u Ohulehule trail to the top. Any advice or thoughts on the trail? I have completed Three Peaks/Pu’u Manamana/Mount Ka’ala as a reference. Also, would it be possible to hire you as a guide to go up? Thanks for the great videos!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, you were lucky enough to be able to climb to the top of the stairs. I am hapoy to see that you actually did some other fun outings on the island. Oh yes, Ohulehule is one of the iconic Windward peaks. It is a tough climb! It has verything from jungle, some overgrowth, water crossing, scrambling and amazing views. Yes, I am available as a guide and I will be happy to guide you to the top of this beautiful peak. You can contact me through my website, email or instagram, everything is listedon my KZbin profile. Mahalo

[@christinemeranda7399]

This is such a lovely memorialization of stairway; drone shots at the end are incredible!!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thank You Christine!😀🤙🏻

[@MarieManning-ef6rc]

How long did it take you to get to the top of the stairs? And did you go back the same way? I have done this. It is a LONG day, 8 to 9 hours.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, I came back the same way and It took me with filming 6.5 hours roundtrip. Usually takes people 8-9 hours.

[@MarieManning-ef6rc]

Awesome, you are quick🥾❣️

[@HungaroExplorer]

@MarieManning-ef6rc haha, thanks

[@djrusyapogo]

where did you park to get to trail start? There's only community parking, but it's not available to public..

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, they don’t want you to park in the parking just if you use the facilities over there. You can park on the street, just make sure you be mindful of the neighborhood if you arrive early morning.

[@djrusyapogo]

@@HungaroExplorer got it! thank you for the reply! Hope will see stairs before they removed 🙏

[@marcusgriego]

Great video, and narration, one of your best!! OMGGG the erosion!! Moanalua Middle will be even more eroded, when the stairs are gone!!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Marcus! I think Moanalua will get some rest when the stairs are gone, but the stairs area will suffer some erosion

[@LightStreams_]

Great work with the video: beautiful captures, informative and very well structured.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thank You my friend! I appreciate your feedback🤙🏻

[@60schld99]

I so wish I had started hiking when I was younger. Love this video! Many thanks🤙

[@HungaroExplorer]

It is never too late. Just enjoy it while you can😀🤙🏻

[@GPLEXUS]

Have they started construction yet? Been looking at flying in sometime this upcoming week to hike it before it truly taken down

[@HungaroExplorer]

The construction is halted ultil May 11th so there is no construction until that time.

[@GPLEXUS]

@@HungaroExplorer What would you say would be the best time to go super early like 2am?What route to take for the less amount of chance to get caught the back side of course? Also were you worried about cops on the way down and if so how did you avoid them?

[@HungaroExplorer]

If you decide to go just start in Moanalua Valley not at the bottom of the stiars in the neighborhood. You can start early 6am to avoid the heat going up. There will be cops in the neighborhood most likely but not in Moanalua. At least as of noe

[@user-gd1ch8nb2b]

​@@GPLEXUS46-42 Kuneki Pl is the safest "illegal" entrance

[@GPLEXUS]

@@user-gd1ch8nb2b how recent have you did this hike?

[@EPGamiao]

Bravo! Thanks for making this video Nandor. Will be an excellent video to show the next generation what we had and lost. Aloha 🤙

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Edgar! I hope the same🤙🏻

[@AmberIshtar]

Also to add- thank you for saying his name 🙏 may the fires of Kahoe still burn bright in spite of it all

[@HungaroExplorer]

Always!

[@Taylorgang420k]

Unfortunately I will never get to hike this, they have shut it down to remove the stairs.. second time coming to Hawaii and both times were a no go, first to rainy now closed. Literally so upset and sad

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, right now the whole area is shut down, all the trails leading to the stairs…unfortunately.

[@maikealohaonaelua]

Unreal.. KAPU. KEEP OUT!!

[@HungaroExplorer]

Understood!

[@jayden3959]

Great video 💪💪

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thanks Jayden🤙🏻

[@dylancotton1385]

The nostalgia hit hard with this one. It's a shame what's happening over there. Hope there's still some hope for the stairs

[@HungaroExplorer]

I remember our “Moanaluathlon” and laughing at the “Back to the future” segment on Strava or our Red Hill sunrise over Moanalua Saddle to the stairs. So many memories!

[@normanbaron8408]

Dismantling of the stair has already begun. The stairs will be donated and erected at Kualoa Ranch (where they made movies like King Kong, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Mighty Joe Young ect.). 10 miles away going northbound. They’ll probably charge a fee so they can maintain the trail/stairs.

[@HungaroExplorer]

At the moment the dismantling is stopped at least until May 11th. I am not sure if the stairs actually gets “donated” to Kualoa, but they will definitely gonna make money out of that. Sad that in 10 years no ody will remember the original staircase…

[@mightymite7711]

Such a shame since the stairs have less erosion and impact than the legal trail.

[@HungaroExplorer]

For now yes, but if they will remove the stairs they are expecting land slides on that side of the mountains that has to be controlled in some way.

[@BenHinders]

Feels like an old friend to many is being kicked out of their house and forced to move away for an unimportant reason. Very sad to see this happen.

[@HungaroExplorer]

It does feel very personnel! For 8 years I could look outside my kitchen windows and see Keahiakahoe with the stairs. It was part of the morning ritual drinking my coffee and just enjoy the views.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing. subd & 👍126

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thank You very much! #126 is a good number 😀

[@alamonasale5285]

this coming Saturday 08/17/2024 some Hikers will be working on this trail

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, I know about it. There will be some Na Ale Hale and HTMC people out there too plus volunteer hikers. I was gonna join them but I can’t unfortunately. We’ll see what they will work on

[@user-gd1ch8nb2b]

I suppose they will ease the police presence, too 🤔 It may be easier to hike there then. True hikers don't go there for the stairs.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Exactly! True hikers go for the nature and love the trails😀

[@cheavideography781]

At the end, they are not taking them out :)

[@HungaroExplorer]

Hopefully!

[@waianaecrider]

I hiked Moanalua Middle ridge 15 to 20 years ago. Not going to the Stairs, just hiking. Wow this ridge leading to the stairs because legal access is blocked in Ha`iku sure had destroyed that ridge. Hard to believe the erosion caused by thousands of feet over the past 10 or less years. I curse the State, the City and HHC for not being able to workout how the save the stairs. I hiked the stairs a number of times w/Friends of the Stairs doing clearing. Wonderful time. Wish the bozo's (governments) didn't mess it up.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Mahalo Steve four your feedback! You are a local legend in the hiking community and your voice is important. Thank you for all your trail blazing and clearing!🤙🏻

[@darringabriel7873]

Thanks for the vid- like you, I had to go this weekend with Sandra in the rain - needed to get the Stairs in my video collection

[@HungaroExplorer]

You were ambitious going in the rain💪🏼 I hope you got your footage!

[@melbournechugging2999]

Been up there many times left alot of dna up there too 💩👍 There's another access point without going thru someone yard

[@HungaroExplorer]

I guess you made the soil more nutrition rich 😂

[@freshseeker]

it's all about asumed liability fears from attorneys and land mangers who chose to close areas down instead if looking for solutions. this seems to be all of hawaii and even the shates too. no easements or mangement just close anything for any reason.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Exactly that is whats happening. Hawaii should recognize that these hiking trail are world class trails with one of a kind views, so they should start thinking of how to make them available and safe for people and not ignore and close them…

[@adriancrowther]

I find many of the arguments for removing the stairs somewhat lacking. One report mentions windy conditions as a reason for removal, which is a ridiculous justification. And then there is this argument about liability concerns. If liability is a genuine worry for the state, then shouldn't we apply the same logic to surfing, where the risk of injury or death is arguably higher than hiking? Imagine a Hawaii where surfing was no longer allowed. I've often believed that when a decision lacks logic, it's usually driven by politics.

[@adriancrowther]

​ @HungaroExplorer I completely agree. The views from most peaks on the island are inaccessible to most, due to fitness and skill, the best they can hope for is the view from Nuʻuanu Pali. Well-maintained stairs would open up the experience to so many more people and they could all experience something that we all find truly magical. My dad is 75 and last year he came over and we climbed Diamond Head. This is his fondest memory of Oahu and he often talks about the sense of achievement he got from completing it.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thank you for sharing that! Hawaii experiences can be a lifetime memory!

[@tonyt.5316]

That’s a beautiful place. Too bad they want to destroy it. Praying 🙏

[@HungaroExplorer]

Unfortunate…

[@scottzimmerman6485]

Thanks for the tour of this , it is a shame when government helps us , the BLM in AZ does the same thing , ignore the trails until an issue arises then just close it for good

[@HungaroExplorer]

Yes, it is unfortunate…

[@chrisignacio1791]

They Should’ve Rebuild The Stairs & Made it A Visitors Attraction 💔

[@HungaroExplorer]

That would of made money for the state, would of made the stairs safe and would of kept a historic site for Hawaii. Agreed!

[@howzitboy]

@@HungaroExplorer they did repair the stairs years ago. sad to just knock it down.

[@HungaroExplorer]

@ There is still a fight going on about it, but not sure how it will end. 🤞

Thank you so much for sharing your hike. It is very sad that something so majestic and historical is scheduled to be torn down. It seems the Hawaiians and their cultures are always under attack. Very sad and yes incredibly disappointing.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Thank You for the comment! Yes, I agree!

[@ashridhar]

Illegal to trek as these are protected areas.

[@HungaroExplorer]

If it would be protected, they would not considering tearing down a WW2 historic construction…

[@ashridhar]

@@HungaroExplorerSelf centered and disrespectful is what the person in charge of protecting these reserves is referring to the people who trek illegally. You are breaking the law when you enter these areas. Removing the stairs is more a deterrent.

[@HungaroExplorer]

@ashridhar I agree and disagree with this statement. I leave it at that.

[@LawrenceWeber-z5o]

all the wannabees with their look at me attitudes and disregard for others is what got it shut down

[@HungaroExplorer]

That’s part of it, but there is way more to it than it looks from the outside.

[@tim6247]

Go hike it when it doesn’t have stairs. Why do you need stairs if you’re such a great hiker. Just don’t trespass through people’s yards to satisfy your own needs and if you fall, pay for the rescue helicopter yourself. “This is the Hawaii way” is pretty insulting to Hawaiians.

[@HungaroExplorer]

Well, I don’t go through peoples yard, I don’t mind taking the hard way either. I agree tresspassing is not the way, but there must be other options then removing the stairs. I didn’t mean to insult the Hawaiians at all. I meant the “Hawaii way” how the state handles these problems, I thought that was spretty clear….

[@DCSourceRecords]

Nandor cares more for Hawai'i than most native Hawaiians do. Go into Kahana, Kahalu'u, etc and see how they treat their own land. Hawai'i is full of corrupt politicians and rich oligarchs that screw the common citizen and Native Hawaiian.

[@tim6247]

@@HungaroExplorer well if you can raise the money to repair them that’s one option, but you also need to raise money for a fund that is going to pay for the rescues of the hikers that go up there. Over a hundred have been rescued in the last 20 year. Then there’s insurance, liability, legal, lawsuits, etc.

[@HungaroExplorer]

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the rescues. For example that “over 100 people got rescued” it is totally not true. They were some rescues around Moanalua Saddle where people got lost trying to reach the Stairs from the wrong way. There was another guy who again got lost in the bamboo forest area while trying to find the Stairs. No documented rescues on the actual Haiku Stairs. Blame the media for all the misinformation…The Stairs are really not in bad shape, but of course they can be still dangerous for novice hikers. If the stairs would get fixed and taken over by an organization, it would be safer for everyone to climb it. They could make it in Vis Ferrata style with safety equipment. Tourist would pay a fee and locals could hike it for free or for a low price. That could really work in my opinion.

[@youtubeguy99]

@@HungaroExplorer Tourists from other countries would have paid good money to hike these with no worries. It's a shame they didn't realize what a gem they have. All of the nuisance problems could have been avoided with a proper plan.