Comments on: Halawa Ridge to Haiku Hidden Stairs

By: kenji SAITO

kenji SAITO — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:49:16 +0000

Aloha Josh,
Nope, sorry we did the trail over a decade ago and even back then I swore that I wouldn’t step foot on that trail again due to the extreme overgrowth. I have run across other trails with even more overgrowth, but this was for some reason really taxing and not worth it for a repeat. As far as other clubs or groups, I haven’t heard of anybody really clearing or maintaining it. IMO, going down Red Hill or Kulana’ahane would be a more worthy endeavor. Good luck. If you guys end up doing it, lmk how it is.
Mahalo

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 06:26:48 +0000

Hi Kenji — Hoping to do a big U-shaped hike going up Aiea ridge and and coming down Halawa ridge via KST, pretty much encircling the H3. All the info I can find on Halawa is circa 2011-12. Any idea on whether the trail is in decent shape all these years later? Not sure if HTMC or Sierra maintain it and I suspect you have your finger on the pulse. Many thanks – J

By: Arnaud

Arnaud — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:13:11 +0000

Thanks for your answer, I never knew the stairs were never completed, that explains their state. If you say it’s impassable, it must really be impassable!

Mahalo

Arnaud

By: kenji SAITO

kenji SAITO — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 21:18:47 +0000

Aloha Arnaud,
I have gone to the bottom of the stairs from the top. I don’t believe it’s possible to come up from the bottom as the cliff becomes steep and nearly impassable at certain parts. That is why the navy never finished constructing the stairs due to the steep cliffs.
Mahalo

By: Arnaud

Arnaud — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 15:32:09 +0000

Aloha!
Did you ever go to the bottom of the hidden stairs? Could you retrace its path from the bottom?

Arnaud

By: kenji SAITO

kenji SAITO — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 04:05:12 +0000

Aloha Brandon,
Thanks for asking, however I’m not available during your short stay in the islands. I would not recommend going up the Halawa route as it’s extremely overgrown, if this is your first time the routes are many to get there but one can easily get lead astray especially if the ridges are socked in, as they usually are this time of the year. Also any way you cut it, this is a long hike depending on your pace and all, but looking at 8-12 hours. I would highly recommend you seek the company of one(s) that have already been there, they can be found in several Hawaii hiking groups on facebook, perhaps post there and see if anybody would be willing to keep you company. Hope this helps somewhat. Stay safe and have fun.
Mahalo

By: Brandon

Brandon — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 03:43:13 +0000

Hi I will be in Honolulu December 18 to the 22nd. I want to do the Haiku Hidden Stairs hike. Was wondering if you are available to join me and my friends for this hike or if you have someone you recommend. If not any tips and any hazardous areas I should be mindful of? Please let me know when you get the chance.

Mahalo

By: kenji SAITO

kenji SAITO — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 09:22:00 +0000

Aloha Heather,
Glad you enjoyed the pics and thanks for visiting. If our schedules work, then we can certainly hike together. Just remind me as the date approaches. I wouldn’t recommend this hike as it’s a grinder and basically goes from sunup to sundown. The Makapu’u hike might be a better match.
Mahalo

By: Heather Lee

Heather Lee — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:37:07 +0000

Happy Aloha Friday!

My daughter and I will be visiting in June and I was wondering if you ever host a hike? It would be extra awesome to hike with a local who has experience. We are both in great shape so we can keep up jus fine She is 20 and I am 39 from L.A. Is this hike as long as the Makapu’u kine?

Your pics and comments are epic so mahalo for sharing online.

Any tips/and or guidance would be nice.

Heather