Ha‘ikū Stairs - Oahu's Breathtaking but Elusive "Stairway to Heaven"
Winding precipitously up Oahu's verdant Ko‘olau mountain range are the Ha‘ikū Stairs, better known as the "Stairway to Heaven." Originally built as a wooden ladder in 1942 to enable antenna access for the U.S. Navy, the stairs were later fully constructed and opened to hikers in the 1950s. At 4,000 steps spanning over 3,900 feet in elevation gain, they provided unparalleled views of Oahu.
However, safety and liability concerns led landowners to ban access to Ha‘ikū Stairs in 1987. While technically closed ever since, the iconic stairs have taken on an allure of adventure for daring hikers who illegally trek them. Strict enforcement is intermittent but carries heavy fines if caught. Views from the peak are said to be exceptional.
Oahu enjoys a tropical climate year-round, marked by ample sunshine and little seasonal variation - though winter's rains can increase the trail's mud and peril. For now, the lore and mystery surrounding the hidden Ha‘ikū Stairs lives on as one of Oahu's most unique and legendary hikes.



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