Ha’iku Stairs is most commonly known by the locals as the “Stairway to Heaven” is a popular hiking trail located on the windward side of O’ahu close to 2,800 feet (850 meters) high with 3,922 steps. The trail is set on the highest point on the island along the ridge of the Ko’olau mountain range where it is constantly shrouded in clouds. This nostalgic image gave rise to its nickname as the stairway to heaven. It remains one of O’ahu’s most scenic trails which boast panoramic views of the island, though it is also a “forbidden” one.
Photo Credit: Shawn-Clover at www.shawnclover.com
Photo Credit: www.mountainwreks.org
Originally built for the United State’s Navy during World War II to allow access to the LORAN radio antenna on the top of the mountain. After the war, the Coast Guard gained control and then opened the trail to hikers. Eventually it was passed down to the city and county of Honolulu at around the time when it appeared on a Magnum PI episode, which gave rise to its popularity. But this rise in popularity is also what started the controversy.
Currently, as of the date of this post, legal access to the stairs from the trail head (and now the surrounding nearby areas) – all located in residential neighborhoods – is forbidden. The reason for this stems from a controversy between the city and county and the homeowners near the trail head. As the stairs became more and more popular, hikers have been parking their cars on the residential streets, which already have limited street parking. Noise from slamming doors, loud voices, and car stereos also upsets the residents. In addition, vandalism in the area, which includes leaving trash, occurred constantly. Because of this controversy, access is forbidden, so much so that a security guard has been posted at the trail head to ward and cite people attempting access from that point.
Over time the stairs deteriorated, and because of its popularity the city and county feared liability suits. By 2003, the stairs have been completely renovated and it is said the city and county used approximately $875,000 USD to do so. Despite the lack of access, the stairs are in great shape.
Why? First, the majority of the steps goes above a 45-degree gradient. There are, however, six flat viewing points along the way to its peak at Puʻu Keahiakahoe (at the radio antenna). Also along the trail, the trade winds blowing from the ocean are very strong, which makes it a windy walk up and down. Due to the windward side’s moist weather conditions, the trail often remains wet and slippery. But I still love going up here, for this reason:
Photo Credit: www.Hobbitandshire.blogspot.com
Because of the controversy with the residents, I am not going to post the location of the trail head, but I will say that its no secret and you can find it easily, if you wanted to. There are, however, other ways to get to the stairs, aside from the trail head. Some of the easier ones are points located within a mile of the forbidden and guarded trail head location. There are also points starting off on the other side of the mountain range, for those die hard hikers.
Photo Credit: Johan Vincent at www.JohanVincent.Lidner.se
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Wow – those are incredible pics. I’ve been to Oahu a couple of times but not heard of this.
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It’s an incredible place!
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Awesome view and an awesome climb. It certainly puts Jacob’s Ladder in Perth to shame. All the stuff about problems with local residents however sounds a lot like Jacob’s Ladder. Things are the same all over the world…
And its such a shame, too. All the money and efforts in building these stairs are all but gone to waste. At least there are still some tenacious people making use of them
Hi there Sherry Sherry I liked your great blog post on Colorful Footsteps. I have been looking for this, was not on the same page in search as it was last week when I first saw it. Anyway, thank God for search history!
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Hiking Oahu’s Stairway to Heaven via @sichree23 http://t.co/rijFGCqD #Hawaii #travel
wow… incredible place! Very nice article.
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Indeed – it is an incredible place! Actually, I’m looking forward to my trip to Portugal in a few months. I hope to find beautiful places there as well.
How have I missed this as a kama’aina?>>Hiking Oahu’s Stairway to Heaven via @sichree23 http://t.co/rijFGCqD #Hawaii
I wasn’t able to include this to our trip to Hawaii last December! My sisters would have loved to hike it!
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I hope they’re not afraid of heights – this place is way up high with lots of places that’s a straight drop down. But definitely worth it. You all should go the next time (its something to look forward to for your future Hawaiian vacation).
Certainly appears to be appropriately named
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Agreed! The nickname, “Stairway to Heaven” is most definitely an approprite name. Much better than the offical name of “Haiku Stairs.”
That view from the top must be worth a million dollars. Im wondering how can the city renovate the stairway to heaven for almost a million dollars then close its access point. Surely they can come to an amicable solution or even move the stair head.
There is an “idea” to move the trail head location to a nearby state hospital, which has lots of parking. But for now, it remains an idea. Too much red tape to go through before it can become a reality.
I think the state rennovated because even though they closed off the trail head, people still found other ways up to the stairs (like myself). And because its so popular, its much cheaper for the state to rennovate the stairs rather than allowing the possibility of having someone get injured who could potentially sue the state for millions. The stairs were deteroriating badly before it was rennovated. So its a good thing they did.
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An amazing hike with amazing views http://t.co/A6sxNmns /via @sichree23
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Great photos!
I love Hawaii’s rich nature and the sincere Aloha spirit.
Sounds like you’ve been to Hawaii before. The two things you mentioned are “exactly” why I like going back again and again. Aside from the fact that’s where I grew up
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This is so so amazing … and wow, what a workout. This every day and I will loose all the pounds I gained from all the Sicilian food!
Love the photos!
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I’m getting vertigo big time here right now. Great views though!
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My goodness, I hope you were able to get up and walk
Well, I must’ve been dizzy since I missed your comment a few weeks ago. I’m all balanced now.
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“Hiking Oahu’s Stairway to Heaven” #Hawaii #Hike #Oahu #USA http://t.co/vQgirgjm via @sichree23 @TheTop10Blog *Wow*
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Last time I was back home, I climbed Diamond Head. One year, I’d like to be able to go back and climb this. http://t.co/b1eJs2au
This looks really cool unless you are afraid of heights!
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Totally! But I love the height and the vantage point it gives me.
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Wow! A lot of wonderful steps…
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The steps are in great shape leading to some wonderful views.
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WOW! I’ve never seen this before. Would love to hike this after I get myself psychologically prepared for the steepness. Great shots!
The whole hike is one stairway after another and does require some stamina. Its up way high and the steepness of the stairways along with the wind adds some challenges. Sometimes the biggest challenge is in the mind
What a fascinating story. I’d love to try it…
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I hope you do get to try it one day. Just don’t forget its quite challenging. But you do get rewarded with some great views.
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This looks amazing!!! Wow!! I would totally do this despite hating steps.. alot
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I hope it doesn’t ruin your enthusiasm if I tell you it’s nothing but stairs (up and down the whole way).
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Just Stumbled upon this, Sherry. I want to take that stairway to heaven — it really does look like it will carry you right up into celestial space!
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It’s certainly high enough, so hopefully you aren’t afraid of heights
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Hello! My first visit, will visit you again. Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed your posts (stunning views!). Congrats for your work.
Thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year!
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Thanks for stopping by, Nelson. It’s always great to see so many different people around the world viewing my site. I really appreciate it.
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This sounds great, I loved the north of Oahu but didn’t find out about this walk – next time!
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The north of Oahu is great for its surfable beaches. I think the windward side of Oahu (where this hike is located) is good for their mountains. I think you’d enjoy this hike, if you go.
I agree the surf in Oahu is great, 6m high waves are not for faint hearted, but the brave must really enjoy riding these waves.
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Stunning views! I’d do this hike in a heartbeat. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
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Sometimes you’ll lose a heartbeat, too for being so high – totally worth it though. Have a great holiday, Cheryl!
Beautiful pics! Never been to Oahu, but have hiked Diamond Head and parts of the Big Island, and it’s always a gorgeous hike. With this one, it seems like the residents could band together and create some sort of park-ride service that would shuttle visitors from a nearby parking lot for a nominal fee, which could then be divided amongst them. Less traffic, less noise, more money= win win!
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Totally agree – they should come up with some kind of compromise soon! Hikers go up here so often, its silly to keep the trail head closed for so long. To be fair, they have been trying to come up with a compromise. Even the idea of extending the trail head to the nearby, seldom used state hospital parking lot in which hikers pay a nominal fee to park was put on the table, but sadly bureaucratic red tape keeps prevailing. This would’ve provided a win-win situation for everyone, I thought. Maybe someday soon others will see the this as a viable option again.
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awesome photos! i’m no hiking fan, but this is definitely on my list
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So nice to know we both share a dislike for hiking
I usually make an exception for this place as the feeling of being up there is like no other.
That’s it… I’m doing this someday. It sounds amazing.
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Glad to hear it. And if you need help finding the way, let me know and I’ll happily assist. I don’t think you’d be disappointed here.
I am planning to go this weekend. Where is the best place to park and where is the trailhead?
The trailhead location closed and guarded as mentioned in my post. There is a private security guard posted there from the wee hours of the morning until very late at night. I’m not sure what you are planning to do: if you are planning to “sneak in” past the guard or get there before (s)he do or what. To answer your questions, the trailhead is on the corner of Makena and Kuneki Streets in the residential neighborhood of Ha’iku Village in Kaneohe. If you want to park near the trailhead, you have to do so in the residential neighborhood. But be respectful of the neighborhood and be very quiet. Many residents have been known to snitch on hikers due to the controversy. If you want more advice and real-life people experience with this hike try http://www.yelp.com/biz/haiku-stairs-kaneohe for more information. Hope this gets you somewhere.
these photos are stunning! Reminds me of when I climbed Wayna Picchu in Peru.
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And what a stunning view you must’ve had at Wayna Picchu, too! Can’t wait to hike up there as well. I love being in high places.
A hiking stairway to amaze http://t.co/V0kHJhO8
Stunning views. Such a bizarre situation to use so much money to renovate the stairs and then have them as “forbidden”; hopefully they’ll get the situation sorted in the future, so people don’t have to sneak in for a hike
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I hope for a compromise as well. It is such a waste of money to renovate and keep it “locked up.” But I guess I understand since law suits can cost more. I must admit, I think a lot of people including myself, find hiking here more appealing since it is “forbidden.” We are so bad
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I am a fan of hiking and love this! Nothing like getting the heart rate going with a climb like this and some fantastic views! I would love to do this and had no idea this trail existed. Thanks for sharing! Would love to do this one day – if I can find it!
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Finding an alternative entry to the stairs is a bit tricky unless you know exactly where to go. But once you get on the right path, the stairs are pretty hard to miss. There are several entry points aside from the trail head. And I’d be happy to tell you where these are if you ever decide to go. I’m hoping though, that by that time, the city and county and the residents come up with an agreement to reopen the trail head. Its such a waste of almost a million dollars in renovations otherwise.
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Beautiful view after the hiking, well worth the effort! Happy holidays!
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Totally! Some of the best things in life are those that require the most effort, I think. Hope you enjoy your holiday.
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Ooooh – wonder how I’d go with this one as I’ve developed a bit of vertigo this year. Breathtaking views would make it worth it though =) Merry Christmas!
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Oh, no! Some of my favorite activities and views are way up high. I’d be sad to have vertigo. Hope you two have a great holiday!
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Wow, I have never seen a stair network like that on a hiking trail. At a cost of $875,000 for renovation I think I know why. Cool pictures.
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The renovation cost, as high as it seems, is possibly much less than what a law suit would cost the city and county if a hiker got injured up there with the previously deteriorating stairways. Thankfully they did renovate. It was really shaky, rusty, and just plain bad before the revitalization.
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What an interesting hike. The view alone looks well worth the effort of climbing almost 4000 steps. I’m beginning to see Hawaii is about more than just beaches
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I go to Hawaii every year, sometimes more than once, but I haven’t stepped inside the ocean in years. The beaches are well worth going to the islands, however, when I go, I see it for other things. And there are plenty of things to see and do there other than the beach. If you go and want some advice, I’ll be happy to suggest some.
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amazing, very beautiful. i wish i can go there too.
Maybe some day you can visit O’ahu and now you know where you can get some of the best views on the island.
Wow Sherry, this place looks amazing. What a great hike and such beautiful views! Well worth the effort to get up there I would imagine. I can see where it gets its name from
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Some also call it the “Ha’iku Ladder,” which I don’t think is appropriate. I prefer “Stairway to Heaven” since its so much more mystical sounding; just like how it looks. The views are all wonderful, even if you don’t make it to the top (the last stairway to the radio antenna is the scariest part).
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What a view… Vertigoes here…
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The views are spectacular up there, at the highest point on O’ahu, where you get see the ocean and the mountains!
I agree, the views are spectacular from the top of the mountain. That highway running through the mountain also makes for a great picture
Yes, that highway (called H3) is special since its the newest highway in the state and the only one that runs across the path below the Stairway to Heaven. It really gives you a great perspective of how high you really are hiking on these stairs (since it looks so small from above).
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That hike looks intense!!
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Yeah, it is quite intensive; great for the calves, if you aren’t afraid of heights.
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Great article
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Ah, I’m so glad you liked reading about this wonderful place.
So crazy to do a hike that high. Renovated or not, those stairs look very difficult. But what a great treat you get with that view! Hopefully you didn’t have to scale walls and dodge dogs to get there. Though now having thought about it, that might be fun, too
Well, let’s just say that I was so nervous about my path to the stairs that I decided not to bring my normal camera gear for fear it might break. Ha! No illegal wall climbing or being chased by angry dogs were involved, however.
Looks like a really great hike to take, the view looks awesome
If you can find your way to the stairs, it is an awesome hike – views make the effort all worth it.
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How beautiful the view!
It’s something to keep in mind always – our impact on the areas to which we travel. Great post, Sherry!
BTW, approx how long does it take to go up?
It shouldn’t take more than a half a day to finish the whole thing (up and down). But it would really depend on where you enter from, I suppose. And yes, the view is what makes all the effort worthwhile.
Not a bad hike. I’d definitely do it.
And, its great for the calves, too!
A rare exception indeed! What a sublime location!
Oh, I wish you saw the views in person – truly sublime
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