Why Is The Stairway To Heaven In Hawaii Illegal?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Stairway To Heaven, also known as the Haiku Stairs was built during World War II as a way for soldiers to access the radio antenna that sits at the top. In 2015 a storm damaged some parts of the stairs. Instead of fixing the damage, the stairway was fenced off and deemed highly dangerous and illegal to climb .

What happens if you get caught hiking Stairway to Heaven?

Sure, it’s illegal. Yeah, there is a $1,000 fine [if you get caught]. It is steep, and has broken sections along the way .

Why is Stairway to Heaven Hawaii closed?

Hawaii’s famous Haiku Stairs, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs . The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, are now known to lead the best views in Hawaii, despite being closed to the public for over 30 years.

Can you still climb the stairway to heaven in Hawaii?

Although it is legal , it is still a tough hike. There are multiple sections with rope climbs and very steep, muddy ascents. 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.

Why are Haiku Stairs illegal?

Why is the stairway to heaven illegal? The current state of the Haiku stairs is not safe as the stairs have not been maintained for years (loose steps and railings, lots of vegetation on the steps). A storm in 2015 has damaged parts of the Haiku stairs as well.

How do I legally hike Stairway to Heaven?

Long answer: The trail you should be hiking is called Kaulana’ahane trail. The trail itself is legal and easy: 4-hours hike . Hike 4km up Kamanaui Valley Road Trail till a sign on the left for the start of the trail.

How long does it take to climb the stairway to heaven?

The most popular Legnabrocky Trail section, which leads to the summit and back is a linear walk of 9 miles/15km which takes around 5 hours .

How much is the fine for Stairway to Heaven?

The trail known as the “Stairway to Heaven” has become popular online and on social media, but HPD warns that those who enter the hike are trespassing. Hikers can face fines up to $1000 .

Is it safe to swim in Hawaii waterfalls?

The good news is that Waimea Falls (also known as Waihi) in Waimea Valley offers a safe place to swim at a waterfall . Friendly lifeguards are on duty . Life vests are available for you use. A changing room and restrooms are also available here.

Who owns Haiku Stairs?

Currently, there is a maximum $1,000 fine for people caught trespassing at the Haiku Stairs. CNN has reached out to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply , which owns and manages the site, for comment.

Is the Stairway to heaven Open in Oahu?

It was built in 1942, then closed in 1987. There is parking in the park parking lot, but it’s only open from 7 am to 7 pm .

Is the Stairway to heaven still open?

Oahu’s Haiku Stairs were first built during World War II to allow for access to a top-secret radio station. Public access has been closed since 1987 .

Can you climb Haiku Stairs?

Can I legally climb Haiku Stairs today? Since the 1987 closure of Stairway to Heaven, it has been illegal to climb the stairs , meaning anyone who now steps on the stairs could be fined $1,000 or face criminal trespassing charges.

Can you go swimming in Manoa Falls?

Swimming is not permitted at Manoa Falls . Please respect this policy, regardless of what others do.

Where do you park for Stairway to Heaven?

Stairway to Heaven Parking

The car park at Legnabrocky is about 1km past the road leading to the Marble Arch Caves. You shouldn’t miss it as there’s a large sign for the caves. Continue straight past that turn off until you see a sign for the car park, which is to your left.

Why were the Haiku Stairs built?

Originally the Haiku Stairs were built during World War II (1942-1943) to provide access to build a new top secret Naval Radio Station strategically placed in the Haiku Valley because of the topography of the surrounding cliffs .

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.