Hiking the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
This article is not indexed on any search engine because of the sensitive issues surrounding this trail.
Distance: 10.0 miles / 16.1 km
The Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail in central Oʻahu is certainly a trail and a topic with many different stories, depending on who you talk to. By this, I mean one might say they either love it or hate it, but if you’ve come across this unindexed post, I’d say it’s no secret that the Moanalua Middle Ridge is the preferred back way to the Stairway to Heaven (Haʻikū Stairs).
That said, I’m personally not going to make any suggestions or recommendations about hiking the trail one way or the other, but know that your decisions are just that—they’re yours! Furthermore, I think the degradation of the landscape is a shame—especially when you begin to understand the vital importance that Moanalua Valley plays as an ecosystem, providing refuge to a number of federally listed endangered species.
This is all to say that the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail certainly isn’t easy due to the severity of the erosion, and I ask that if you are considering the hike, please avoid wearing micro-spikes to prevent the erosion from getting worse. To put it honestly and harshly, you should not be hiking this or any trail in Hawaiʻi if you need micro-spikes, and if you disagree, you don’t own proper footwear for hiking in the islands.
Moanalua Middle Ridge Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail is located in the very back of Moanalua Valley, just prior to the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park.
Yes, if you’re only there to access to the trail, parking is not allowed within Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, and you may receive a citation on your vehicle for doing so upon returning.
Google Maps Directions: Moanalua Valley Trailhead
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail
At the back of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, the hike to the Moanalua Middle Ridge begins on the Moanalua Valley Trail for the first 2.9 miles (4.7 km).
That being said, all of the elevation gain is at the end, at just under 2,000 ft. (610 m) in only 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to the summit.
Don’t forget to pack a headlamp for such a long hike.
Kamananui Valley Road
As the Moanalua Valley Trail follows the Moanalua Stream, know that it’s generally easiest to stay on the high path whenever the trail splits to avoid unnecessary ups and downs.
The photo below is one of the first bridges that you will encounter in Moanalua Valley, which is easiest to stay on the left-hand side.
When the trail opens up to this big clearing in the photo below, go right to continue on Kamananui Valley Road toward the start of the Middle Ridge.
This section of the Kamananui Valley Road is notorious for being very muddy, and that’s why there are a number of side trails through the trees that people have made, as this section never seems to dry out.
Moanalua Valley-Kulanaʻahane Junction
After about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) on the Moanalua Valley Trail, the Kulanaʻahane Trail splits from Kamananui Valley Road on the left-hand side.
Here, go left to cross over the Moanalua Stream, and the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail will branch off immediately following.
Moanalua Middle Ridge-Kulanaʻahane Junction
Immediately after the trail crosses the Moanalua Stream, the Moanalua Middle Ridge begins.
At this split, go right to begin the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail up to the Koʻolau Summit. If you are interested in reading about the full Kulanaʻahane Trail to the Moanalua Saddle, check out my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Kulanaʻahane Trail
Almost immediately after leaving the Moanalua Stream, the Middle Ridge begins climbing, which remains nearly constant all the way to the top!
Once the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail climbs above the Strawberry Guava forest that blankets the lower elevations, the views get better and better the further you hike!
However, this is also when the challenges associated with erosion become increasingly difficult as the trail climbs higher.
Since shade is so few and far between, even when there are trees, I highly recommend hiking the Moanalua Middle Ridge with a hooded sun shirt to stay safe.
The steep section in the next few photos below is arguably the most eroded section on the entire Middle Ridge. For perspective, the erosion on this section is so severe that it can easily be seen from as far away as the airport on a clear day!
That being said, please stay on the trail, and don’t make it any wider than it already is.
This is the view, looking back down the worst of it.
Moanalua Summit
On a clear day from the summit, views across much of Kailua and Kāneʻohe can be seen, including notable places like Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli, the Lanikai Pillboxes, and Mokoliʻi, to truly name only a few.
In addition, the Moanalua Summit is also the start of the Koʻolau Summit Trail (KST), but know that the next major section to the south, past Tripler Ridge, is the Kalihi Saddle, which is the hardest and most difficult section on the entire summit trail.
I only mention this to say that hiking on the summit is not meant for all hikers, of all abilities—especially if you decide to hike south.
Read My Separate Post: Koʻolau Summit Trail (KST)
Native Plants on the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail
It’s honestly a shame that the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail is so heavily trafficked because of what it has meant to such a beautiful valley filled with endemic Hawaiian plants.
That said, there are a ton of different native species to look out for, including various Naupaka species, all three Oʻahu-endemic ʻŌhiʻa species, Kāmakahala, Lapalapa, Kāpana, Kanawao, and countless more!
If you would like to learn more about these and many other native Hawaiian plants from across the islands, I encourage you to check out my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Oʻahu Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oʻahu adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Restaurants in Waikīkī
If you’re trying to decided where to stay on Oʻahu, check out my top 10 list for the best resorts and restaurants in Waikīkī.
I break down what makes one hotel a better choice over another, so that you can find the best fit for your stay on the island.
Read My Separate Post: Best Waikīkī Hotels & Restaurants
Waikīkī
HNL Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel shuttle prior to arrival. I say this because there are additional fees for ride-share airport pick-ups at Honolulu Airport (HNL), which is why I recommend booking your transportation in advance using the options below.
Additionally, the last option below will go as far as the Ko ʻOlina Resorts on the West Side and Turtle Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Oʻahu
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Oʻahu or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
10 Best Tours & Excursions on Oʻahu
There are a lot of different tour options to choose from on Oʻahu, but to make it easier to decide, I made a list of my favorite tours because some things simply are better with a local guide!
Read My Separate Post: Best Tours on Oʻahu
Oʻahu
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
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