This could very well be the best hike on Oahu! Very diverse with the first few miles being flat, middle ascending along a very thin ridge through the trees, and the end bit scaling the mountain on ropes as you work your way up to that 3000ft mark. Views are spectacular the whole way, eventually being able to see both the north and south shore of the island at the same time! End point is stunning, up in the clouds at the top of the “stairway to heaven”. Where as this is an incredible hike, if you do not consider yourself to be “in shape” please steer clear at all costs!! The hike is 10+ miles, mostly up very steep inclines. I am a very active person and my whole body is still aching the morning after. If you do attempt this hike, come prepared with lots of snacks and water. If it’s a rainy day spikes are recommended, a rain jacket and some additional layers as well to keep you warm towards the top.

Aloha my hiking friends! I am going to review the LEGAL STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 🤙🏼 First of all, it is definitly one of the best hikes in Hawaii. So definitly check it out if you have enough time on the island. Many people need around 4 hours getting up to the actual stairs which are the end of the legal hike. So plan with enough time, food and very important enough water. My friend and I did the whole hike up and down from start to end in less then 6 hours, but we hike very frequently. We needed 5-6 liter of water in total together. The hike starts at the parking spot, you walk around 1 hour through flat jungle area, the path is still solid and easy to walk. After that 45min or 60min you can spot a sign. Dont continue with the obvious way!!! You need to take a left at that sign, cross the little river and then head to the right. I am not gonna lie, from here on it will go only up up up 😁 Its a beautiful way to the top, view is amazing, you need to climb some parts (also with a rope) and prepare to get dirty. Once up, you can enjoy the beautiful views and then go the same way back. You could also go the stairway to heaven down, but be aware that its illegal and fines go up to $1000. But "some people" are taking a picture on the first steps on top - I mean maybe thats worth a photo 😉 In total you will hike 17-19km, over 1000 highmeters and you should plan around 6-8 hours. Enjoy my friends 🤟🏻😎

Really gorgeous, fun hike! A lot harder than I anticipated. We are seasoned hikers and it still took us 3 hours. The first lookout you come across that feels like the top of the mountain ISSSS the top. It almost seems like it isn't but it is. Beautiful view. Gorgeous greenery everywhere. WEAR BUG SPRAY!!! Got bit like crazy and it felt like the worst mosquito bites ever. Still worth it. Be prepared to climb steep climbs and go down some steep paths. Also recommend downloading the route on All Trails before you do this. We got off the trail a few times, making it much harder. But really fun gorgeous hike I'd do again and again if I lived in the area.

This trail is definitely worth it- a highlight of my trip to O‘ahu. Finding the legal route is easy as long as you know where to turn. After the 45-50 minute walk through the jungle part in the beginning, you will come across a sign (pictured below). At the sign, instead of turning right towards the normal path, go straight through the small river (may be dried up in the summer time). Once you make this turn, you are officially on the route to the haiku stairs. The top is where the big satellite and the illegal stairways are located. Everywhere you turn, the view is stunning. None of the other hikes that I did on this island compared to this one. There are also lots of local plants and flowers along the route. Stay on trail, don’t pull at the roots of the tree, and treat the nature with respect. It's possible to do the hike in 7 hours, with stops, and a rest at the top. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights as most of the trail is open. Note: Bring good hiking boots, gloves, water, snacks, and wear clothes that you don't mind getting muddy in. Parts of the trail can be a bit wet.

Fantastic hike. Took us 8 hours for the entire trip including stops, rest, lots of photos and waiting out the very windy weather. Not too many people but enough to not feel isolated. We almost didn't do it because we thought it might be too difficult with the mud and climbing so I'll give you a rundown. Fitness: My partner gyms every day but not cardio and I have been out of the gym for about 6 months (and quite the couch potato - it's winter at home) but have always had a good base level of fitness. We found it tough but worth every moment. Things to take: We wore appropriate shoes for the slippery mud (many didn't) and packed in far more water than we thought we would need. We ended up drinking all 6L of it between the two of us. Weather: We started the hike at 6am to take advantage of the shadowed area and we are SO glad we did because the sun on the way down was brutal (25 July 2023). There was a portion of the hike near the top where the clouds rolled in and there was some rain and a lot of wind. We were extra careful on the ridge as parts were slippery and narrow. Overall: we loved it and would rate it up there with one of the best hikes we've done. The entire journey is simply stunning, not just the peak. Be careful, look after each other and enjoy!

This hike was everything I imagined and more. First few miles are flat and then you will start your ascent. It took us about 8 hours round trip. Bring more water then you think pack light and only take what you need. Take spikes if it's raining and make sure to go at your own pace. Download ALL TRAILS and follow it closely if not you will miss the trailhead for the top of the ridge. The hike is worth it hands down one of the most amazing views I've ever got to see in person. 10 out of 10 will do again.

One of my favorite things I've done on Oahu. Definitely an advanced hike. I wouldn't do it if you aren't very able-bodied and have pretty good endurance and strength. A decent amount of rope climbing, lots of steep areas that could require climbing on all fours if your shoes have back traction. Took about 8 hours from start to finish (including a few short breaks). Views are incredible! Do not miss!!!

I enjoy running on this trail a few miles in. It is a bit rocky and muddy in some spots but has a nice wide path most of the way. There are a few small side paths along the trail that venture out to catch some nice views along the way if you don't want to go the full trail to the end. It is beautiful during sunset hours.

Long and challenging, and so worth it. Beautiful views. The hardest part is a mostly vertical rise, but there are ropes. The trail is well traveled. I was surprised to encounter about 15 people along the way. There was spitting rain and wind for about 30 minutes which made for slower going, but still managed to complete up and back in under 8 hours. I'm not an experienced hiker. Bring some shoes with good grip.

One of the best hikes I've ever been on. Not for beginners, there are quite a few scrambles and technical roped sections that add to the thrill, but still can be done in half a day.

The trail is really beautiful so it is worth experiencing it at least once. The first few miles are flat and after that the experienced hiking starts. Be prepared with at least 2 litter water. The views are breathtaking. Try to hike as early in the morning as possible as on the top the clouds build up in the afternoon. The ropes are maintained by hikers, they are really helpful, but just make sure they are properly secured before you use them. Make sure you bring gloves which will help with using the ropes. Make sure you have good hiking shoes and bring some snacks to get your energy back as you hike.

Best hike I've ever done. We were pretty lucky to have a great weather the day we hiked, no rain, no mud at all. There are quite a lot of people hiking with you so sometimes it's necessary to wait in a queue at some parts. Whole hike took us (moderately fit, chill pace) 8 hours with 30 mins at the top. The views are unbelievable, You can see whole island of Oahu from up there, although it is a very strenuous exercise, my legs were literally burning during the descend. Take a lot of water with you and some snacks.

Best hike and experience of my life. Breathtaking view of most of the island from the top. I saw chinamans hat from the top. This is the backside legal way of hiking the stairway to heaven. Microspikes are a must once you get to the slippery top. Get to the top round 11 am as the clouds clear up for you to see the view. It’s a 10 mile hike there and back, bout 7 hours.

Hiking up Moanalua Valley is the lawful way to get to the summit or the Stairway to Heaven, though it shouldn't be the only way. Because of a mostly vertical climb toward the end of the hike that was actually quite dangerous, we decided to go down the Stairway and we discovered that the Stairway to Heaven is still in great condition. Minor repairs are needed on at least two sections of the Stairway, but luckily those portions are on a flat part of the ridge. The safety issue is a farce! Spectacular views are what we went for and the valley and steep green cliffs delivered. The winds were strong! I almost got pushed over by the wind twice and got a lot of dust and debris blown in my eyes, but the views were second to none! The hike is challenging but every of part of the journey is enjoyable. We started at 6am and it took us a total of 10 hours to go up the Valley and down the Stairway. I would recommend taking your time when going back down the Valley on the descent down the False Peak. That is the only point at which you could die, so take caution. Also bring at least two quarts of water per person. Enjoy.

One of the best hikes we did on Oahu. Make sure to follow the right trail after the gravel road ends. This is a challenging hike that takes 6-8 hours in total. The first part of the hike is around 5km without elevation through the forest. After that it is 3km and 700m of elevation. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. Sneakers are not appropriate.

Do not underestimate this hike. It is a massive elevation gain and is tough if there is recent rain. If you are scared of heights, do not go. The views on the other side of the ridge are insanely beautiful. It is a wonderful hike on Oahu and is a bucket list item. Pack at least 3L of water and a snack for the top. Will take over 6 hours.

Trail starts at a small park. Begins with some paved wide road about a mile before the steep climb. It is a loop but going down is harder. Few ropes to help and weather was nice so pretty dry. Lots of yellow hawaiian guava to snack. Good hiking shoes and lots of water.

This is a very scenic trail that leads up to the haiku stairs from the back legal way. It's really long to get there and the majority of the trail is in the valley and only gets hard from the ridge. It's about 9 miles or so total.

Awesome and amazing trail with beautiful views. It starts just flat on a nice wide dirt road. Once the climb starts it gets pretty steep. Weather can change from minute to minute too. CAREFUL: On the last climb there is no rope at the moment ( 11.11.2023). This is the steepest part and gets very slippery and dangerous. Walk as far as you're comfortable, but definitely do this hike!

Absolutely amazing! Breathtaking views! Hard trail/climb! Be prepared. 8-10 hours, 6 bottles of water minimum, hiking boots, gloves and a good hat! Go change your life!

Stairway to heaven walk was an amazing experience. Tough going, but we just had shoes and no gloves. If you think you are reasonably fit or happy to just chug along you can certainly do this climb. Recommended starting early though. We started at 9am and this made the ground a little slippery on the way back down as it was drying out and getting dusty and slippery. Despite what the other comments say, the damp dirt is actually better for grip. I think I have above average fitness and made the climb in 2.5hrs and about the same down, maybe longer. Realistically though allow for 3 to 4 hours. Everyone is talking about directions, download strava, find the stairway to heaven segment when you search maps, save it, and then go to start route. That way you can follow it on your phone. Straight at the sign,. Over the creek bed and turn right. :) Have a great time

Great walk with beautiful green scenery, several bridge crossings and ancient ruins. Street parking only unless using the park. This hike can lead to the back side ridge to stairway to heaven. Hike can be partially shaded but muddy if it has been raining. There is a rock called the old woman that has petroglyphs on it.