The Huiku Stairs or as it is commonly called, the Stairway to Heaven is a series of galvanized-steel ship ladders that lead to the top of Puu Keahiakahoe summit (2,800 feet) on the island of Oahu’s lush Koolau Mountain Range. The Haiku Stairway is 8,050 feet long and has 3,922 steps. Other common names for the Haiku stairs are the Haiku Ladder or Pali Ladder.

 

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Not only do the Haiku Stairs lead to some of the most amazing and gorgeous views on the island but they also can offer an adrenaline filled adventure as you hike over shear drops that could easily lead to injury and/or death.

 

The “once in a lifetime experience” of hiking the Stairway to Heaven can be very challenging at times as the staircase seems to be more like a ladder at times as it climbs the steepest parts of the rocky terrain. Passing other hikers that are going the other direction can be very tricky on the 18″ wide ladder. One hiker must hold on and hang off the side of the stairs while the other carefully passes by.

 

 

Unfortunately, hiking the Haiku Stairs is currently illegal. The Haiku Stairs are closed to the public. Entry from any direction constitutes illegal trespass. While the stairs themselves are government owned, the property leading to them is private property.

 

There is a security guard posted at the entrance to the stairs to stop would-be hikers. The guard arrives before the sun comes up so sneaking in before the guard shows up can be hard to do.  Fortunately, there are many other beautiful and thrilling hawaiian hikes that are open to visitors:

 

 

 

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