The Stairway to Heaven, or Haiku Stairs, is a steel structure that leads up the Ko’olau Mountain Range on Oahu, Hawaii. There are nearly 4,000 steps in the 4,000-foot-long hiking trail that ascends 2,000 feet up. The winding staircase is one of the most difficult hikes on the island but has also become a popular tourist site. The steep heights of the stairs take hours to climb. But more importantly, the popularity of the climb has been a point of contention amongst the public.
The stairway has been standing for quite some time and has a history dating back to World War II. It was built so that the military could cross the mountainous terrain more easily. To reach a radio station antennae that was 2,000 feet up, obviously hiking up the steep mountain with stairs was preferable.
With time and storms, the stairs have become weathered. The Board of Land and Natural Resources closed the stairs to the public in 1987. Some tourists respect that it is an illegal Hawaii hike and simply do other outdoor activities. But some tourism has continued there and even become a sort of challenge for the best mountain top photos, much like other questionably safe Oahu locations. To protect the safety of visitors and locals, the illegal Hawaii hike is being removed for good. Learn more about the situation and why the popular tourism spot will no longer be in place.
Stairway to Heaven Removal
Why Is The Stairway Being Removed?
The stairs are being deconstructed due to multiple factors. Residents near the mountain have long reported disturbances to the community and natural environment at the hands of tourists. Hikers have trespassed on private property and even vandalized property in the past. The tourism attraction has caused distress to locals. There are also safety concerns that have led the Hawaiian government to finally decide to dismantle the stairs.
Technically, hiking the Oahu trail has been illegal since 1987. This is because the stairs are rickety and the steep cliffs and occasional turbulent weather conditions can make for dangerous situations. Although tourists still defy the law, climbing the Ko’olau Mountain Range is not allowed. Tourists who continue to climb it put themselves and others in danger. Not to mention that it takes significant taxpayer money to send out search or rescue parties. There have even been bills suggested that would mean trespassers have to pay for their own rescue, which would mean thousands of dollars for helicopter rescues.
Security and The Future of Tourism
While tourists are still encouraged to enjoy the Haiku Valley, they are not welcome to use the stairs. Upon dismantling the steep stairs they will be even more of a safety threat, so it is a bad idea for travelers to try to climb them one last time. The local community hopes to restore the surrounding nature while removing the stairs so that the flora and fauna can flourish.