Moanalua Middle to Stairway to Heaven - December 18, 2017 

E mentioned that he wanted to take his friends to the Haiku Stairs. I kinda was on the fence, but knew I wanted to hike. Also Shell didn't really want to go, but she needed it for the exercise. Darren was going to go rappelling, but he didn't want to get sick again. Stairway to Heaven by default. 

The week's weather was perfect. It was clear and cool, no doubt that today would be more of the same. I've eaten terribly the last 2 weeks or so. I needed a diet change. Hiking hopefully would trigger a change or at least get my body out of this rut. Joining the hike today would be E, The Judge, Shell and I also E's friends Bree and Dana. We started at 8am to what seemed like a packed house, but there weren't too many groups going. 

The road walk was fast. It took us 1 hour and 10 minutes, along the way we saw the state doing concrete work. Wow, they might be paving the road. I think that would be a great idea. It would make Moanalua Valley a tourist site, but they would have to charge because a lot of tourists would want to go up MM to the Stairway to Heaven. 

Going up  Moanalua Middle was tiring. It is all uphill for 30 minutes and is exhausting. Luckily, I had my strong legs today. Shell was struggling, but doing okay. It was extremely muddy today. We hit the top of Stairway in about 4 hours. The views were world class!, you can't beat it. Top notch the entire time we were up there. 

I went down the stairs a bit to harvest mamake, but the tree looked like it was dying a little. I took whatever was good. We stayed up there for almost one hour enjoying the piss smelled area. It was Bree's first time and she seemed happy, but not excited. 

Going back was going to be long and tough on our knees. Shell’s knee was hurting on the way back. Since I'm fully recovered from the marathon, I was good, a little tight, but good. It took us about 3.5 hours to get back to our cars. We cleaned up in the bathroom. This area has all the amenities ~ running water, clean bathroom, soap, etc. You could do a really good cleaning in this bathroom. 

Post hike meal was at Teddy's Burgers in Mapunapuna at the 99 Ranch Market. I got the Extra Bacon Burger and a Large Bacon and Cheese Fries. It was so bad and killed my diet once again. But that's okay, I'll figure something out next time. Nothing can beat good company. I have to remember it is as cold as ice in that place. 

More Stairway, I guess we have to enjoy it before they tear it down.