The Stairway to Heaven, as most people are aware, is the most thrilling yet controversial hike within the Hawaiian Islands. Haiku Stairs also promise to create a rush while hiking up the Koʻolau Mountains, at the end of which is a wait of 3,922 metal stairs taking you to its peak. The great hike does not fail to show breathtaking views at the top, but it adds some danger, illegalness, and does not include the feeble. However, if you have an adventurous heart, you should probably experience one of the most rewarding walks in your life.
Quick Facts
Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,625 feet (800 m)
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 3 hours up, 1-2 hours down.
The stairway of heaven was originally constructed by the U.S. Navy during 1942. The stairway was built next to a radio station and large antennas for military communication purposes during World War II. The stairs were closed to the public during the 1980s and since then, the trail has been officially shut down, although thousands still hike it every year.
The Haiku Stairs have had a steep history not only with respect to the actual construction but also with respect to the controversy involving its closure. While many residents and government officials are apprehensive about issues of liability, yet injuries, lawsuits, and rescue costs have caused many trails to shut down prematurely, and so with the Haiku Stairs. Despite these views, many hikers argue that the trail could reopen responsibly, with a management plan regarding access, hiker fees, and safety.
Climbing the Haiku Stairs: Is It Illegal?
You can really consider climbing Haiku Stairs an act of trespassing as they closed the stairs for climbing, and now fines could be up to $1000 for hiking those stairs, and in some cases, trespassing charges might be applied for such act. The trailhead area, as they said, was patrolled most of the time with guards warning hikers of possible dangers. A few people have been fined for being found attempting to illegally climb the stairs, but as far as I know, most of the guards tend to give warnings instead of handing out tickets.
On top of the fines, one could face costs running into thousands of dollars in case you need to be rescued because of your injury. It is one such adventure that bears pretty serious consequences, both legally and physically, but for many, the experience is worth it.
Where Is the Stairway to Heaven?
Those stairs of Haiku are situated on the island of Oahu and are close to the town of Kaneohe. This trail begins in Haiku Valley and rises through the mountain called Pu’ukeahiakahoe beneath the H3 Highway (John A. Burns Freeway). The valley area is mostly neighborhood with security only meant to keep hikers off of those stairs.
It can be difficult to find the trailhead, but a few paths exist. Some of these are less obvious than others. The hidden ones involve a little stealth and time avoiding the guard, but they can be better used with consideration for the local neighborhood, and less noise. No one wants a confrontation.
What to anticipate on the hike
One of the tougher climbs one could ever have is the Haiku Stairs-hiking. In fact, the most difficult part of the entire climb is the section that leads to the first platform. After this point, most people would find the hike much easier because it actually becomes more of a ridge walk as the traveler nears the top.
Every strand of it is worth it – the windward coast of Oahu, complete with Kaneohe Bay and the surrounding mountains, opens up to the lofty viewer; a clear day is spectacular-looking beyond anything else, yet even dismal overcasts foster a surreal atmosphere. Hiking in the clouds with the amazing backdrop of the Hawaiian mountains seems somewhat unnatural.
Hiking Hazardous?
The risks of the famous Stairway to Heaven are usually muted if one is careful while attempting them. The single most troublesome part, however, without doubt, is the steep parts – the first third or so of the climb contains most of that challenge. Otherwise, although a little more riddled with damage or perhaps more precarious in some areas, they’re usually not as dangerous as people generally make them out to be.
If you’re not scared of heights and have good hiking shoes, you will be fine. Have excellent grip shoes on – some parts get slippery when it rains. Take your time, keep three points of contact, and you will be great.
What To Bring
You need to prepare before you hike the stairs; here is a quick packing list:
Good hiking shoes: With grip for slippery and steep spots.
Water: You would need a minimum of 2-3 liters to keep hydrated.
Snacks: Throw in some energy snacks to replenish you on the way.
Jacket: Weather causes clouds to come in fast during altitude, so anything warm would be good to carry with you.
Headlamp: Take a headlight if you start early for a sunrise hike or if you are hiking in the afternoon.
Camera: You certainly want to capture such beautiful sights at the top!
Legal Way to Hike the Haiku Stairs
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Haiku Stairs without actually being fined, try hiking the Moanalua Valley Trail. This alternate path takes you up the back side of the same mountain, where you still get a view of the stairway at the top. You get a view, a workout, and no walk on the actual closed trail. Just note that should you head in via the Moanalua, you would have to head back down that way- to be entirely legal.
Haiku Stairs-Shining a Light Ahead
Alas! Rather turbulent is the future of the Haiku Stairs! For the time being, though there have been many attempts to preserve the stairs, the city of Honolulu has saltered towards demolishing them, somewhat due to liability issues. Nevertheless, there is still hope, as the Friends of Haiku Stairs nonprofit perseveres in advocating for the preservation of this historic and scenic treasure, for the walks to be reopened with proper planning for public enjoyment.
For now, it is just a waiting game-whether the Haiku Stairs will remain or will soon be dismantled.
Final Observations
The Stairway to Heaven is surely one of the rarest and most breathtaking hikes on Earth. Whether you choose to be audacious or whether you find some legal access like through Moanalua Valley Trail, the views and experience would really be one to remember. Just make sure to be safe, not to bother the local community, and abide by the law in preserving this gem of Hawaii for the appreciation of future generations.
