“The (illegal!) stairway to heaven”
***WARNING: CLIMBING THE STAIRS IS ILLEGAL. DON'T DO IT!!!*** The Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven or Haʻikū Ladder, is a steep hiking trail on the island of O'ahu. The trail began as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Ha'iku Valley. It was installed in 1942 to enable antenna cables to be strung from one side of the cliffs above Haʻikū Valley to the other. A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawa and Ha'iku Vellay Naval Radio Station was constructed at the peak of Pu'ukeahiakahoe, elevation about 2,800 feet (850 m). The antennae transmitted very low frequency radio signals from a 200,000-watt Alexanderson alternator in the center of Haʻikū valley. The signals could reach US Navy submarines as far away as Tokyo Bay while the submarines were submerged. Testers for RCA picked up signals on Long Island, and the signal also reached India, 6,600 miles (10,600 km) away. When the Naval base was decommissioned in the 1950s, the United States Coast Guard used the site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid 1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps — by one count, 3,922 steps. The station and trail were closed to the public in 1987. Some hikers ignore the No Trespassing signs and continue to climb, contributing to the local community's misgivings about reopening the structure. In 2003, the stairs were repaired, costing the city $875,000. As of early 2012, land usage rights issues have not been resolved. The City and County of Honolulu has stated that there is currently no plan to open the stairs for public use, citing liability concerns. The same staircase that Tom Selleck climbed back in the 80's when he starred in the hit tv series Magnum P.I.!
Seriously.. begin the hike super early! (2-3am) and you will beat the security guards there and can climb in peace but be warned! It is not an easy hike and is very dangerous!
If you're visiting from outer state and plan on doing this hike, please be forewarned. This hike is illegal and dangerous! This is why some of the locals, get mad at you tourist that come here, and have a blatant disregard for the signs that are put up. How about we go to your house and disrespect you? You wouldn't like it would you? So, why come and disrespect the aina? Leave if you're just going to disregard the NO TRESPASSING signs!!
Unfortunately a landslide hit the stairs earlier this year and really has knocked it out of commission. However a local group, the Friends of Haiku Stairs are campaigning to save and reopen the hike, which they will manage themselves. Learn more and support them at the read more link...
The view from Diamond Head is just a awesome and challenging. Go there instead, but also go in the morning.
Spelling correction - Trespassing* :)
But I would love to do this! I would have to get to Hawaii first. lol
I have lived in Hawaii for a little over 2 years and I just completed this hike 2 days ago! It's a very dangerous trail, but the views are amazing and being surrounded by the clouds is the most amazing feeling. It was a once in a lifetime adventure and I have no plans on doing it again.
The same staircase that Tom Selleck climbed back in the 80's when he starred in the hit tv series Magnum P.I.!
Seriously get there at 2am.
Where is the trail head? Where do you park?
Planning on climbing this week!
Note: It's a good idea to begin this hike in the early morning hours before the park rangers get there...If they catch you they'll stop you and ask you to turn around!
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Haiku Stairs
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- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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