Stairway to Heaven + Oahu Hiking Trails Travel Map
Stairway to Heaven Hiking Trail
The Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven or Haiku Ladder, is a steep hiking trail on the island of Oahu.
The trail began as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Haiku Valley. It was installed in 1942 to enable the construction of antenna cables that would be strung from one side of the cliffs above Haiku Valley to the other. A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawa and Haiku Valley Naval Radio Station was also constructed at the very peak of Puukeahiakahoe, elevation at about 2,800 feet (850 m). These extraordinary antennae transmitted very low frequency radio signals from a 200,000-watt Alexanderson alternator located in the center of Haiku valley. The signals could reach US Navy submarines as far away as Tokyo Bay even while the submarines remained underwater. 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. Despite the closure, 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 Haiku 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.
Stairway to Heaven Trail |
Local Favorite | |
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The Stairway to Heaven hiking trail has one of the most magnificent views of Oahu, Hawaii. If you are willing to make the trek and are not afraid of getting a fine then this hike is for you. The hiking trail is somewhat traitorous if you decide to walk up the front of the stairs. For the experienced hiker there is a ridge trail that goes up and around the backside of the trail. If you hike up the back you can walk down the fron stairs or vice versa. Stay safe and have fun hiking stair way to heaven! | |
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Location | View on Google Maps |
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Parking | Street |
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Ranger | Wawayanda State Park (973) 853-4462 |
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Distance | 18 miles round trip |
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Elevation | 2,800 feet |
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Difficulty | Expert |
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Hike Time | 5.5 hours |
