Sage-Tips

Is Stairway to Heaven hike illegal?

The site has been illegal to visit since 1987 — but that hasn’t stopped people. Hawaii’s famous Haiku Stairs, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs.

How do you get to Haiku Stairs?

LEGAL Access Point: The only legal way to hike to (not on) Haiku Stairs starts at the Moanalua Valley Road trail and shoots off the left of this trail for about 2.5 miles. You transgress the Koolau mountain range, parking on the other side of the island and then coming to the top of the stairs.

Who owns Haiku Stairs?

Currently, there is a maximum $1,000 fine for people caught trespassing at the Haiku Stairs. CNN has reached out to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, which owns and manages the site, for comment.

How long does it take to hike Haiku Stairs?

The hike can take anywhere from 4-7 hours depending on your skill level, endurance and the weather/conditions. Make sure to be prepared. This means checking the weather before you go, wearing the correct footwear (no slippahs) and bringing lots of water and snacks .

How hike Haiku Stairs are legal?

To walk the Haiku stairs is illegal and not recommended. The better option is to take the longer route, which takes you to the top of the mountain, and the Haiku stairs. The trail is long and strenuous, but offers amazing views of the Moanalua valley.

Why is the stairway to heaven trail illegal?

The Stairway To Heaven, also known as the Haiku Stairs was built during World War II as a way for soldiers to access the radio antenna that sits at the top. In 2015 a storm damaged some parts of the stairs. Instead of fixing the damage, the stairway was fenced off and deemed highly dangerous and illegal to climb.

Why is Stairway to Heaven Oahu illegal?

What is the hardest hike on Oahu?

If you’re looking for a hard hike on Oahu, look no further than Koko Crater Trail. This steep climb consists of 1,000+ steps along an abandoned railroad track that runs to the top of Koko Crater. It’s a challenging hike that will challenge not only your leg strength but your will as well.

What is the fine for hiking Stairway to Heaven?

The steep hike, which includes 3,922 steps that ascend more than 2,800 feet from Haiku Valley to a ridge of the Koolau Mountains with breathtaking views, has long been a popular destination for tourists and social media influencers despite the fact that it is closed to the public and trespassers face fines of up to …

Has anyone died hiking Stairway to Heaven?

The US navy built the stairs in 1942 to provide access to a radio relay station. Though trespassing is an ongoing issue, there has never been a serious injury or death due to an accident on the stairs, said Vernon Ansdell, the president of Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail.

Are the Haiku Stairs being removed?

Hawaii’s ‘stairway to heaven’ is set to be removed after reports of injuries and illegal trespassing. Haiku Stairs, built into the Ko’olau mountain range, face being permanently removed. After reports of illegal trespassing and injuries, Honolulu City Council voted to remove them.

What is the easiest hike in Oahu?

Easy-Going Oahu Hikes

• WAIMEA VALLEY TRAIL. Roundtrip: 2.4 km / 1.5 mi. Elevation: 240 ft.
• DIAMOND HEAD SUMMIT TRAIL. Roundtrip: 2.5 km / 1.6 mi. Elevation: 560 ft.
• MANOA FALLS TRAIL. Roundtrip: 2.5 km / 1.6 mi. Elevation: 800 ft.
• MAKAPUU POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL. Roundtrip: 3.2 km / 2 mi.
• KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL. Roundtrip: 8 km / 5 mi.

What is the haiku stairs in Hawaii?

The Haiku Stairs, also known as ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in Oahu, make for one of the most popular, exciting, and controversial hikes in all of Hawaii. People travel from all over the world just for this one hike. And, it’s easy to see why!

Is it legal to hike the stairs on the trail?

This hike is not sanctioned by the state and it is illegal to access the stairs. If you decide to attempt this hike you are doing so at YOUR OWN risk. Trail conditions and accessibility can change daily and even by the hour. It is up to YOU to know YOUR hiking ability and level of expertise before attempting any hike.

Do you have to use the stairs to get to Moanalua?

You don’t actually use the stairs to access the viewpoint at the top, however you can still cruise down the stairs for some photos before returning back on the legal trail. The hike starts at the Moanalua Valley Road trail and proceeds to shoot off to the left at about 2.5 miles.

How many steps are in the stairway to Heaven?

We get a TON of questions when it comes to the infamous Haiku Stairs, aka “ The Stairway to Heaven .” The Haiku Stairs are 3,922 steps across the Ko’olau range that leads to easily the best views on Oahu; and climbing steel stairs up into the clouds is something not everyone can claim they have accomplished.