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Stairway To Heaven Hike On Oahu, Hawaii: Updated 2024

Stairway To Heaven Hike On Oahu, Hawaii: Updated 2024

I have hiked the Stairway to Heaven Trail on Oahu, Hawaii and I have several friends who hike it regularly. This blog post will be updated regularly with information that many people share with me about the topic so that you can be best prepared for your hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven hike on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Know that this route is also known as the Haiku Stairs.

In this blog post, I will cover everything you need to know about the Haiku Stairs hike including its history, alternate routes, current status, security, incline, height, distance, best weather conditions, the gear you’ll need, and how to get there.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE UPDATES

UPDATED January 2024: Fines have been reported as approximately $1000, with people receiving them recently. Security has been upgraded and there is now not only security but also a frequent (but not constant) police presence. Police waiting at the top of the hike to book hikers is very uncommon but has happened on a few occasions. Basically, it is a high-risk hike, illegal and you may get fined, although the risk is significantly lower if you hike the backway on the Moanolua Valley Trail.

*This post was originally written in 2016 and the situation has changed since then regarding security, fines, and the condition of the stairs but I update the post frequently based on reports from locals. The section at the bottom of the post provides updates on the current situation.

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THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS

THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE ON OAHU, HAWAII

The Stairway to Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, also known as the Haiku Stairs, is possibly the greatest attraction on the entire island. A grueling 3,922 stairs lead up the imposing mountain ridge, often at an almost vertical incline, with only a handrail to catch you from falling into the valley below. It may sound dramatic but at times that is the situation. However, it is not the most dangerous of all the hikes on Oahu.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE/HAIKU STAIRS – A SHORT HISTORY

Originally the stairs were built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility for transmitting radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs were then opened to the public until 1987 when they were deemed unsafe because of disrepair. Many residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the Stairway to Heaven years ago (legally).

The city of Honolulu spent almost a million dollars repairing the stairs and was considering re-opening the stairs in 2002 but resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening and the stairs have been closed ever since. Basically, politics and money got in the way of what is one of the most epic hikes on Oahu. That hasn’t stopped locals, hikers, and tourists from sneaking past a guard who is posted at the bottom of the stairs to experience the thrilling 4000-long climb along an 18-inch wide staircase reaching heights of above 2000ft.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE/ HAIKU STAIRS DETAILS

  • Distance: 2 miles or 3 km roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m
  • Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down
Stairway To Heaven Hike view

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE: IS IT WORTH THE RISK?

I had been on Oahu for over a year and despite contemplating the hike many times, the rumor of a $600 possible fine (now increased to $1000) had scared me off. I was a college student trying to pay rent and that kind of fine could incur real financial trouble for me. I listened time after time as my friends would recount their experience of an amazing sunrise hike on the stairs or about how they managed to sneak past the guard through the bamboo forest. I was also enticed by the many photos I had seen highlighting this extraordinary climb and views. I didn’t want to miss the unique opportunity of experiencing the Haiku Stairs and taking my own photos of this unbelievably scenic hike before I left Hawaii, despite knowing it would be breaking the law.

As time passed, the instances of the $600 fines being handed out seemed to have become more commonplace. More and more hikers began meeting the police at the bottom of the hike after they had descended back down the stairs. My nervousness about being caught kept my desire to attempt the hike at bay.

I had two friends visit and had promised them if the opportunity arose we would try and do the craziest hike they could imagine so they were already pumped for the Stairway to Heaven. One fateful night, the weather seemed perfect and we made a last-minute decision to go for it.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

HAWAII HIKING PACKING LIST

Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and that’s why there are so many rescues. Make sure you at least have the basics and you will be prepared for bad weather or any mishaps on the trail. A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. Below are my four Hawaii hiking essentials.

  • Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
  • Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
  • Black Diamond Head Torch: I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
  • Darn Tough Socks: These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.

MY EXPERIENCE HIKING UP THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN ON OAHU

We were dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning on a very clear night, and only a few light clouds hovered over the mountains looming above. As soon as we stepped out of the car a neighbor came rushing out of his front yard yelling at us with his phone pressed angrily to his ear. Startled by the old man walking towards us we quickly shuffled away to the “main entrance” only to find someone jumping out beaming a flashlight at us. This was chaos.

Well, that was an interesting start! We crept off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, well aware that the old man had been on the phone with the guard or quite possibly the police, warning them of our arrival. This heightened our sense of adventure and fear considerably.

Walking through the neighborhood with our crew of six, as quietly as possible, our presence soon became blatantly obvious as a chain reaction of barking dogs blew our cover. With no other choice, we hurried down the street to a small lane that led up a hill. We had to clamber over a barbed-wire fence one by one that was very close to a neighboring home. I can definitely understand why neighbors would be annoyed with people jumping on this fence every night. I did feel some remorse for the neighbor trying to get a good night’s sleep but our mission was going ahead despite the barbed wire fence.

From here we had to sneak our way through knee-high undergrowth as quietly as six, tired and anxious people in the dark can. A silhouetted figure appeared in the foliage twenty yards behind us and began yelling but we quickly scuttled towards the path and out of the shrubbery. We were now approaching the guard and we could make out a car in the distance. Already on private property and having passed multiple no-trespassing signs we were understandably quite nervous.

No one was standing by the car so we walked straight past it and towards the stairs. I felt a huge relief as we began our ascent up the stairs as it is commonly known that the guards and police don’t usually climb the stairs to confront people. It felt like we were safe and could now enjoy our 3 am hike up the Stairway to Heaven.

In 2015 a huge storm damaged several sections of the stairs to the point where they were severely mangled. It isn’t incredibly dangerous but it definitely makes things interesting. A number of the stairs are loose and each step had to be taken with that in mind.

We hiked without headlamps and the full moon guided us up the narrow, damp staircase. I stopped frequently to peer down at the Highway that continually got smaller and smaller as we climbed toward platform one.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

The full moon illuminated the stairs ahead of us and the smell of damp metal covered our hands as we made sure to always have a good grasp on the slippery railing. We continued to make our way carefully up toward platform two, where we found an abandoned cabin with old machinery lying inside. It felt as if we were in a post-apocalyptic movie, the last survivors searching for any other signs of life.

ABONDONED CABIN Stairway To Heaven Hike

After almost two hours we were moments from reaching the summit. The final section of the hike has boards rather than stairs, which create a catwalk 2000 ft in the air on top of a sharp ridge.

THE TOP OF THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE!

At the summit, we found another old cabin with huge antennae on top. We wandered around, investigating our playground in the clouds before we returned to the warmth of the bunker to wait for the sun to rise. Packing a spare change of clothes was a game-changer. Being able to put on a dry shirt and jacket made a huge difference in combating the wind at the summit.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

After a short wait, the sky began to glow a pale blue, then a purple, and all of a sudden the sun attempted to break through the haze. It wasn’t the sunrise of the year but it shone yellow and orange throughout Haiku Valley and lit up the stairway we had just climbed.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS

More than thirty people witnessed the sunrise with us and we watched them begin the descent down the group by group. We began to contemplate when we should head down and which way we should go. The Moanalua Trail is a 6-mile route down that would help you avoid the guards but you would also miss the views of the stairway on the way down and it would take 3-4 times as long.

Stairway To Heaven Hike
DSC08280

THE JOURNEY BACK DOWN THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

We decided to follow the crowd and headed down the stairs, only one old man remained at the summit when we left. The hike down was a photographer’s dream with hundreds of prime photo opportunities. We weren’t in a rush so I decided to hike most of the descent by myself so I could enjoy composing and setting up different shots.

It is amazing to walk up in the dark and then see where you hiked as you descend down in the daylight. It took us less than two hours to make it to the beginning of the stairs. We could see the guard’s red truck parked at the foot of the stairs where it was in the morning but we decided to take the risk.

Stairway To Heaven Hike
Stairway To Heaven Hike

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MEETING THE GUARD ON THE WAY DOWN

In the end, we didn’t clamber through the bamboo forest as many others do, we took a deep breath and walked straight up to the guard. He smiled and exhaled his cigarette smoke as he smirked, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself.

It was his response that made us feel better about the whole situation. Even the guard knows it is a bunch of politics stopping adventurers from hiking this trail. He had probably hiked it a bunch back in the day and kind of just sent us on our way with a ‘hurry up and get out of here’ kind of look. Keep in mind the situation has escalated a lot over the years and I’m sure the guard in 2021 may be a little less casual.

Winding our way in and out of bamboo shoots we emerged from the forest inside an elementary school to the dismay of a worker, who had clearly seen it all before. We apologized put our heads down and followed his orders to take the gate out. We were almost free.

Making our way towards the final gate, we spilled into the neighborhood and saw no signs of any police or angry neighbors. We knew we were literally out of the woods. I couldn’t believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven.

This is truly one of the wonders of the world and makes you feel incredibly small, almost like an ant climbing a hill. The atmosphere of the hike is dreamy, and eerie, and feels like Jurassic Park. It is definitely something you should attempt when visiting Oahu if you are up for the challenge.

I recommend that if you do this hike, try as hard as possible to attempt it with someone who has been before. Show respect for the neighbors as much as possible and know that you are likely trespassing and breaking the law depending on the route you take.

Stairway To Heaven Hike

ALTERNATE ROUTE: THE BACKWAY OF STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

As I mentioned earlier in the blog post, there is an alternate route down and therefore, also an alternate route up. You can completely avoid the guards and security at the start of the trailhead if you follow the Moanalua Trail. The hike begins at the Moanalua Valley road trail and is a 9.3-mile round trip. You will get muddy and it is not one of the easy hikes on Oahu. Click the link above to read my full blog post about that trail.

Although it is legal, it is still a tough hike. There are multiple sections with rope climbs and very steep, muddy ascents. However, it is still technically illegal to be up on the top platform at the satellite even though that is the top of the legal Moanalua Ridge Trail. Classic bureaucracy at play as that makes zero sense.

Once you reach the top you can walk down the stairs and get some cool photos. In fact, you can go quite a far way down the stairs because the guards and police usually only wait at the bottom. I think they are too lazy to chase people up the stairs every morning.

So, for the photographers out there, you can get all of the angles and shots you have dreamed about… without the high risk of an encounter with security or the police. This route also does a good job of not waking up the neighbors as you jump fences and sneak around at 3 a.m. Keep in mind, according to the rules, if you step foot on the summit you are breaking the law. So you just can’t get caught at the summit and you are all good. I’ve only heard a few instances where an undercover cop was at the summit and fined everybody who set foot there. It’s ridiculous but that’s a head’s up on the rules I’m aware of.

I highly advise you guys to hike Stairway to Heaven this way. You will likely avoid a possible fine of up to $1000 and not risk getting involved with the police. You won’t piss off the poor neighbors who have to deal with everyone running around their neighborhood each morning. You will still get the same shots of the stairs as you would going the other way just with a bit more effort. You also get to hike Moanalua Trail, which is an awesome hike too!

If you are interested in climbing the back (legal) way up to the summit you can contact @mike.karas on Instagram and chat with him about when his next tour is running. 

Stairway To Heaven Hike

SHOULD THE STAIRS BE PULLED DOWN?

There have been several possible solutions thrown around about the future of Stairway to Heaven in Oahu, Hawaii. How could it be possible to make the hike open to the public and also respect the neighbor’s right to privacy and safety in their own yard? Here are the options that have been discussed so far in the media, forums, and by the state.

In late 2021, a bill was passed to tear them down despite overwhelming public support from local residents and even the neighbors to find a different solution that works for everyone. But the suits in the city decided to tear it down instead of repairing it despite it being one of the most popular attractions on the island.

  • 1. Charge tourists/out-of-state visitors $50-100 to hike the stairs while the hike remains free for residents of Hawaii. The money can be spent on creating a small parking lot, maintaining the trail, and creating safe entrance and exit points.
  • 2. Require all people to purchase a permit for $10 from the Parks and Recreation Department before hiking the Stairway to Heaven. This paper would need to be shown at the entrance to the stairs or checked at any time during the hike. This would take the liability away from the state and is similar to the rules and regulations for camping grounds.
  • 3. Paid tours with guides could remove the liability from the state and put the responsibility on tour companies who would need to act responsibly and safely with their clients. This isn’t a great option for residents who don’t necessarily want a guide.
  • 4. Close the hike, pull down the stairs and the liability is then gone. Unfortunately, this won’t ever work because people will still hike up to the summit and without the stairs, there may be a higher risk of injuries or fatalities for hikers.
  • 5. Use a lottery system similar to other national parks, which allows only a small number of lucky lottery winners into the park each month.

In September 2023, a company called Nakoa Companies won the bidding as the company to pull down the stairs for a massive $2.5 million. This was just after the metal frame structure at Koko Head Crater cost $500,000 to remove and replace with a weird metal platform. This is the furthest it has progressed to be removed in a long time despite being debated and heavily politicized for a long time. You can be sure someone, somewhere is profiting and there is some money flowing under the tables surrounding this removal project. If you do a poll of all residents, you’ll find that the majority don’t want it torn down and it is part of an agenda. The Friends of the Haiku Stairs group have been doing their best to keep the stairs from being removed for years and are actively fighting it in court.

What do you think the best solution could be? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

A news article about a contract to remove the Haka stairs, also known as the "stairway to heaven.
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HAWAII HIKING PACKING LIST

Many people come unprepared for hiking on Oahu and that’s why there are so many rescues. Make sure you at least have the basics and you will be prepared for bad weather or any mishaps on the trail. A headlamp, rain jacket, and good hiking boots or shoes are the three main pieces of gear you need. Below are my four Hawaii hiking essentials.

  • Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
  • Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
  • Black Diamond Head Torch: I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
  • Darn Tough Socks: These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.

 WHERE IS THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN?

The map below shows the pin location of the satellite at the top of the stairway to heaven on Oahu. From here you will have to decide whether you trespass and jump fences or attempt the Stairway to Heaven trail from the back entrance. I highly encourage the latter.

DEATHS ON THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 

Considering this hike is dangerous enough to pay millions to tear it down, you would assume it has been the center of many deaths. Keep in mind popular hikes in the USA, such as Angels Landing have recorded 20 deaths to date as of 2024. However, if you look at the Haiku Stairs also known as the Stairway to Heaven, its death toll is much lower than you may expect.

The most well-known death on the Haiku Stairs involved singer Fritz Hasenpusch in 2012. However, he didn’t fall but actually had a heart attack. While it is a tragic incident, it is an insignificant data point when considering how dangerous the condition of the trail is.

If you look at another popular hike in the USA, Half Dome in Yosemite, you will see some more remarkable statistics. There have been more than 20 deaths on Half Dome, and if you count the trail leading up to Half Dome, the number is actually closer to 60.

A road on a foggy day in hawaii.

IS THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE SAFE?

There have been countless rescues on the Stairway to Heaven. These rescues are actually quite difficult for the rescue crews due to the lack of a helicopter landing area and the weather conditions around the mountains. There’s no doubt about that. However, when it comes to deaths the statistics just simply don’t reflect this as a dangerous hike.

Even when we look at rescues, it makes sense to compare the percentage of climbers being rescued compared to total visitors. It would be very interesting to see those figures compared to the number of injuries on popular ‘legal’ hikes on Oahu such as Diamond Head, Koko Head, and Lanikai Pillbox. Keep in mind, that Lanikai Pillbox has had more deaths from falling off the trail than the Stairway to Heaven. Koko Head and Diamond Head Hike have more rescues per year than the Stairway to Heaven Hike.

Once you start looking at the actual facts, rather than photos of a ‘scarily steep staircase’, it’s easy to see that this is in fact a campaign of fear to tear down the stairs. If it is based on public safety, we would spend 2.5 million dollars to tear down the stairs to save zero lives due to the fact that none have actually been lost on the stairs due to falling or the trail condition.

If you don’t believe me, just look into how many hikes have been closed over the last 20 years on Oahu due to ‘safety’. Then, go take a trip through the Alps in Europe and see what is open to the public. Once you have, you’ll likely agree that this ‘tear-down’ isn’t about protecting the public but about money and liability. The worst part of the whole saga is that the decisions are being made by people with no interest in hiking.

An aerial view of a mountain with a building on top.

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WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
  • Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
  • Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
  • Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Choice): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
  • Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice): This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

Juliette Lamour

Sunday 10th of March 2024

My birthday was very precious to my family so my grandfather suggested that I buy a lottery ticket to mark it. I knew it was not easy to win the lottery so I did research on google when I saw numerous testimonies where people testified about Lord Bubuza lottery spell and how he gives lottery winning numbers after casting a lottery spell. I spoke to Lord Bubuza for help to win a lottery just to mark my birthday as it was very precious to us, He promised to cast his lottery spell for me and told me what was required so I provided his requirements and after casting the spell he gave me some numbers to play. When I went to the store, I wasn’t sure what to ask for because I had never bought a ticket before, so I called my dad who told me to buy a LOTTO 6-49 Quick Pick. I still can’t believe I hit the Gold Ball jackpot on my very first lottery ticket and won $48 million with the numbers Lord Bubuza gave me. I want to say thank You sir publicly. Join me Thank him via email: Lordbubuzamiraclework At hotmail DOT com

Andy Broer

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

We just flew over the Stairway in a doors off helicopter out of Turtle Bay. Great tour, highly recommend. We saw 1/2 dozen people at the summit. Didn't realize it was illegal until I saw this article. Too bad, seems like a real shame. I think suggestion #1 of $50-100 per hiker for non-Hawaiian residents would generate enough revenue to help keep the stairs in good repair. My wife wanted to climb it when she saw it. Now I have bad news to share with her.

Tuesday 23rd of January 2024

i WISH i COULD GO TO THE STAIR WAY TO HEAVEN

-jULIETTE

Tuesday 23rd of January 2024

i WISH i COULD GO

Rakesh Sawant

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

Nice Blog…. This is really amazing. Great information about journey.

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