There is absolutely no doubt about it: the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the world's greatest hiking trails. And while there are plenty of incredible trails across the islands perfect for beginners, one of the most famous trails is also one of the most dangerous: the Stairway to Heaven. Located on the windward coast of Oahu, the official name of this hike — the one you would see on the trailhead if you dared to visit for yourself — is Haiku Stairs. The grueling climb totals approximately 3,922 steps and is both quite strenuous and dangerous in addition to being completely off-limits.

While many hikers attempt to bypass the guards by beginning their ascent in the wee hours of the morning, or meeting up with the stairs via other, legal, trails in the area, the Haiku stairs are illegal and extremely dangerous.

By writing this article, we are absolutely in no way condoning anyone’s choice to hike the Haiku Stairs. This is an illegal and dangerous trail, and we urge you to enjoy through photographs only.

In 1942, construction began on the Haiku Radio Station, a top-secret facility that was used in order to transmit radio signals to United States Navy ships in operation throughout the Pacific Ocean.

Once the Naval base was decommissioned in the 1950s, the Coast Guard used the site as an Omega Navigation System station. During this time, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps.

The station and trail were closed to the public more than 30 years ago in 1987, though many individuals choose to ignore the “No Trespassing” signs and continue to hike the stairs to this day.

In 2003, the stairs were repaired for a total cost of $875,000. An increase in social media coverage of the hike — and the subsequent influx of hikers — has created many problems for those who live near the trail as well as safety concerns for those who need to be rescued from the trail.

In 2015, over Valentine’s Day weekend, a powerful storm that passed over Oahu caused significant damage to the stairs, reportedly rendering the stairs essentially unusable.

Many hikers still brave the damaged sections of the trail, despite the dangers.

A community group, Friends of the Haiku Stairs, hope that, one day, the stairs will be repaired and rendered legal — perhaps with a permit fee in order to maintain the hike for years to come.

Currently, many are turned away by the guards as they try to ascend the stairs, and others are given citations as they pass the guards on their way back down.

Groups have been operating illegal tours up Moanalua Valley and the Haiku Stairs, charging $200 for each individual.

If the stairs were legal and hikers could be charged to experience the Haiku Stairs, the revenue opportunity would be significant — we're talking $1.7 million annually if there were 100 climbers took on the stairs every day and paid $100 each to do so.

The future of the Haiku Stairs is currently uncertain, though we're hopeful that recent developments will change the stairs' fate. Just recently, in April 2020, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply voted to allow the city of Honolulu to acquire more than 200 acres of land surrounding the Haiku Stairs and have the attraction managed by a responsible contractor.

If you want to experience the incredible hike without all the potential consequences — both legal and safety-related — check out this YouTube video from Thomas Fisker Engbjerg, who was more than determined to complete this hike.

Engbjerg writes that, though he was sent away at the stairs, he spent four hours climbing up the mountain and around the guard to reach the stairs at a higher elevation. With absolutely breathtaking views and steep drop-offs on either side of the ridge, the Haiku Stairs are undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the Aloha State — and maybe even the entire world.

Until the Stairway to Heaven is legalized, though, I wouldn’t be caught dead on this hike. Instead, you might find me tackling the much easier Friendship Gardens trail nearby or perhaps just lounging on the breathtaking Waimanalo Beach.