There was an error with your log in

8. Stairway To Heaven (the Haiku Stairs)

Hiker on Hawaii’s Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs)
The question is: how much are you willing to pay for sights like these?

Stairway to Heaven (AKA the Haiku Stairs), one of the most photographed trails in all of Hawaii, is renowned for its beauty and the air of danger that surrounds it. Originally built in 1942 by the US military for transmitting radio signals to ships in the Pacific, these 3,922 stairs make their way up a steep mountain ridge.

Access has been prohibited since 1987 due to safety concerns, but local hikers and daring tourists continue to bypass the guards, risking heavy fines for trespassing in the residential area where the trailhead’s located.

The back route to the viewpoint via the Moanalua Valley Trail (not hiking up the actual stairs) is a legal and more challenging alternative. Rocky, overgrown in places, and frequently muddy, this 10.5-mile out-and-back trek features multiple sections with rope climbs and very steep ascents. Hiking it will take you to the same viewpoint as the actual stairs would. Note that this route is not really permitted either. At one point close to the stairs, the police can fine you even if you’re not on the steps because you are trespassing on private land.

There have been talks about tearing down the stairs, which could be more costly than simply repairing them. I think the stairs should be restored and opened to the public, possibly for a small fee. If you’re a first time visitor, I suggest taking the legal route to avoid risking a run-in with the cops and a $1,000 fine. Also, please be respectful of the locals—don’t jump over their fences and cause trouble.

About the author
Nandor Szotak
Hawaii hiking guide and founder of Hungaro Explorer

Nandor is an avid hiker on Oahu and owner of Hungaro Explorer. Hawaii has been home for many years and in that time he has volunteered in a Hawaiian trail and mountain club, volunteered as search and rescue, and has helped with local trail maintenance. Whenever he is in nature, Nandor's first priority is respecting the land he is on and the people who lived there long before him.

Saved to bucket list!
View list
Removed from bucket list
View list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona