The Haʻikū Stairs, “Stairway to Heaven”, or “Haʻikū Ladder” is a steep hiking path with a gorgeous view, on the island of O’ahu. The path was installed during World War II to give access to a radio tower that was capable of transmitting to submarines in the Tokyo Bay. Signals from the tower were picked up as far as 6,600 miles away! After the war the naval station was decommissioned, and the old wooden stairs were replaced with metal ones. In 1987 the trail was closed to the public, but many people continued to hike there despite the no-trespassing signs, with the practice still continuing today (despite a guard). As of 2014, the city & county of Honolulu have no plans to open the trail up to the public, citing liability concerns.
The view as you hike along the stairs is absolutely breathtaking (and the climb is too, har har). Take a look at the gorgeous pictures taken in 2010 from a hike that David Chatsuthiphan took, at this link.
We’re not going to advocate that you illegally hike (even though several people do it every day), but there is still an option open to you. Friends of Haiku Stairs has work days, where you can help them in their mission to preserve and protect the Stairway to Heaven, and possibly hike along the path for photography or repairs. Sign up to join them here.
Sign the petition to reopen the Haiku Stairs to the public.
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