Hawaii’s Stairway to Heaven on Oahu remains officially closed to the public, despite its popularity among adventure enthusiasts and the spread of its images across social media platforms. The mountain trail consists of about 3,922 metal steps leading into the Koolau Mountains, with natural hazards and potential legal consequences for those who enter it.
The US Navy built the stairs for a radio station
In the higher sections, the stairs narrow along the mountain’s edge, while wind, fog and rain can make movement more difficult and leave the metal steps slippery. The stairs were built in 1942 during World War II, when the US Navy constructed them to reach a radio station in the mountains that was used to communicate with ships in the Pacific Ocean.
Over time, the military facility became a landmark known as the Stairway to Heaven because of its elevation and the surrounding views. The trail has been closed to the public since the 1980s, after sections were damaged and safety and legal liability concerns emerged. Nevertheless, people have continued trying to reach it, leaving officials to address issues involving site protection and the impact of visitors on local residents.
Fines and risks face trespassers entering the closed area
People who enter the closed area may face fines of up to $1,000 in some cases, and police may intervene when individuals are found inside. An injured person may also have to cover costs associated with rescue or evacuation if an emergency response is required. The risks are not limited to legal matters, as the area experiences frequent rain and rapid weather changes.
Clear visibility can turn into dense fog within a short time, while slippery surfaces and steep slopes make the trail more difficult. Legal options exist for exploring Oahu’s mountainous landscape, including a trail that begins in Muanalua Valley and reaches the highlands behind the stairs.
That route follows steep dirt terrain and includes sections equipped with ropes, but it does not allow use of the closed stairs. The Koko Head trail is another option open to the public, offering a demanding climb and broad views of the island, though its character differs from the Stairway to Heaven. Using the closed stairs, including descending by them, remains a legal violation.
The dispute over the stairs’ future continues between those calling for their removal because of maintenance costs and risks and those urging their reopening as part of an organized tourist destination. The Friends of Haiku Stairs organization advocates opening them for a fee and regulating visits, while plans have been proposed to spend millions of dollars on their removal.
