A Guide to Hiking Oahu’s Stairway to Heaven

You may have heard of the “Stairway to Heaven” or the “Haiku Stairs” on Oahu. Stairway to Heaven Hawaii is a hike up a staircase (yes, really) that towers over the island’s Ko’olau Mountains and provides some of the most stunning views you can imagine.

The Stairway to Heaven, previously private property, is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. It’s not for the faint of heart, though – the heaven hike is long and steep, and there are no handrails to help you make your way up.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the island’s North Shore, and the sunsets are absolutely amazing.

So if you’re looking for an adventure, the Haiku Stairs are definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a workout!

Stairway to Heaven

When most people think of Hawaii, they picture sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees. While these are certainly all things that can be found on the island of Oahu, there is so much more to this beautiful place.

Located on the island of Oahu, in the state of Hawaii, the Haiku Stairs is a steep and challenging hiking heaven trail that leads to a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

The tough hike to the top is strenuous and takes about two hours, but the views are well worth it. The trailhead is located in the Haiku Stairs Park, and the heaven Hawaii hike begins with a steep climb up a set of stairs.

The first part of the heaven hike is relatively easy, but it gets more difficult as you climb higher. There are several rest stops along the way where you can take a break and catch your breath.

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How to get there Oahu’s Haiku Stairs

To hike Stairway to Heaven, you’ll need to do the Haiku Stairs hike. The Haiku Stairs is located at the end of Waimea Valley Road and requires a little climbing. If your goal is to get lost, then do not go near this place.

To hike starts from the Rainbow Falls entrance gate of Kalawao State Park and heads towards (away from) the ocean until you come to an intersection with a large sign that says ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ This is where the adventure begins.

Diving into the Stairway to Heaven is an experience like no other. It’s a strenuous hike, but the views from the top are worth it. The summit of the heaven trail provides a stunning panorama of the island and the Pacific Ocean.

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Stairway to Heaven Travel Tips

If you’re looking to visit Oahu’s Haiku Stairs hike be sure to follow these travel tips:

• The stairs are closed to the public, so you’ll need to find a way to get up there. One option is to heaven-hike the steep mountain trail and then find your way up the stairs.
• When hiking the Haiku stairs, it is important to dress appropriately. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes with good traction, and use google maps, hiking gear, pants, or a skirt that won’t get caught on the railing. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring water and snacks.
• Bring a map, and know your route ahead of time. There are a lot of twists and turns on this hike, so it’s important to be familiar with the path.
• The heaven Hawaii hike is relatively difficult, so be prepared for a challenging climb.
• Be aware of the dangers involved in hiking the stairs. There are no guard rails, and it’s easy to lose your footing.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no stores or restaurants along the way.
• Once you reach the top, take in the breathtaking views of Oahu’s coastline. Then, carefully make your way back down the stairs.

By following these tips, you can safely visit Oahu’s Haiku Stairs and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

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Climbing the Stairway to Heaven

It’s not the height of this remarkable climb that’s frightening, although it ascends 2100 feet into the clouds. It’s not the grueling nature of the journey, either — even though the 3900 stairsteps of the heaven hike will cause even the strongest calf muscles to ache and burn.

What’s really intimidating about climbing the attraction is that it’s completely illegal, and it’s been forbidden since 1987. Some people will tell you that’s also part of what makes to start climbing the Haiku Stairs such a rush.

The main access points in the Haiku Stairs are located on the North Shore of Oahu. Three points are commonly used to access the trail: Waimea Bay, Haena State Park, and Olomana.

Waimea Bay is a beach located on the North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. It is considered one of the most beautiful and dangerous beaches in the world. The beach has a steep cliff rising sharply from the water.

Haena State Park is a beautiful place on the north shore of Oahu. It’s known for its stunning scenery and hiking trails, including the famous Stairway to Heaven. The park is also home to many rare and endangered plants and animals, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

The Olomana is a trio of peaks located in the Koolau mountain range on the island of Oahu. The name Olomana means “divided heaven” in Hawaiian and is appropriate given the three steep peaks that make up the formation. The most popular route to the summit is up the stairway-like ridge.

It’s not an easy climb and hiking, taking several hours to reach the top. In many sections, the stairs are extremely narrow — more like a ladder, and there are only a few platforms scattered along the way for rests.

The sheer drop-off can be a bit terrifying, and visibility is often hindered by morning mist at lower elevations and by clouds closer to the top.

But oh, those views! There’s no better way to experience the power and beauty of Oahu than from this vantage point on top of the world. Especially if you can get away with it.

History of Haiku Stairs

The stairway was closed in 1987 when the communications system was discontinued, and it was soon overgrown with plants and dangerously decayed.

But the stairway was already well-known as a great scenic heaven hike, and the “No Trespassing” signs around the area made it more exciting to thrill-seekers.

In 2002, the entire stairway was repaired by the City of Honolulu, with plans to turn it into a public heaven trail. Sadly, the plans fell through, and the Stairway to Heaven has remained officially closed — with a guard posted at its base each morning to keep trespassers away.

This proved to be only a small obstacle for daring hikers willing to brave the stairway in the early hours before dawn. Hundreds of people are said to climb the Haiku Stairs hike every week to relish the stunning panoramic views from the top.

The Secret Naval Radio Station

During World War II, the United States Navy constructed a radio station at the top of the Stairway to Heaven in order to communicate with ships at sea and provide early warning of enemy attacks.

The station and radio tower were operated by a small team of sailors and were hidden from view in order to protect them from enemy detection. The radio station played a critical role in the defense of Hawaii and the Pacific Theater, and its existence was kept a closely guarded secret for many years. The secret station was used to transmit radio signals to submarines.

Today, the remnants of the top secret facility that housed the radio station can still be seen at the top of the Stairway to Heaven, about 4,000 steps up the haiku stairs hike, providing a glimpse into the history of this iconic location.

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Nearby Attractions to the Haiku Stairs in Oahu

North Shore Beach Walk

The North Shore Beach Walk is a must-do activity for visitors to the island of Oahu. The walk begins in Waimea Bay and ends in Sunset Beach. The walk is about 2.5 miles long, and it’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park

The walk takes you through Waonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a great place to visit on the island of Hawaii. The park is located on the Big Island and is home to numerous archaeological sites and cultural exhibits. Puuhonua o Honaunau anini Heiau, and the Ahupua’a of Honaunau are all located in the park.

The Waonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a great place to visit on the island of Hawaii. The park is located on the Big Island, and it’s home to numerous archaeological sites, and cultural exhibits. Pond is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and take in the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Halona Blowhole

The Halona Blowhole is a natural phenomenon that is located on the windward coast of Oahu. It is a lava tube that has been eroded by ocean waves. The hole creates a geyser-like effect when the waves rush into it.

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head State Monument is a volcanic tuff cone located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

It was designated as a National Natural Monument on December 7, 1920. The monument is managed by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Moanalua Valley Trail

If you’re looking for an adventure, the Moanalua trail is definitely worth a visit. This challenging heaven hike takes you up a series of steep staircases, with amazing views of Honolulu and the surrounding mountains along the way.

Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get pretty hot and exposed out there. You will also need some good hiking shoes.

Lanikai Pillboxes

Lanikai Pillboxes offer one of the most breathtaking views on Oahu.

The hike to the pillboxes is steep, but the view from the top is worth the climb. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Diamond Head and Waikiki.

Koko Head Stairs

The Koko Head stairs are a series of steep, narrow steps on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The stairs are about a mile long and climb 1,034 feet. They’re popular among hikers and runners, but they’re also known for being dangerous.

In fact, the stairs have claimed the lives of several people over the years. Falls is a popular hiking destination on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The falls are about 80 feet tall and located in a rainforest. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles round trip and can be slippery and dangerous.

Waimanalo Beach Park & Lokoea Beach Park

Waimanalo Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. It’s known for its soft white sand and crystal clear water. The park is also great for surfing, body boarding, or relaxing in the sun.

Lokoea Beach Park is another great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach park is one of the most popular beaches on Oahu.

This beach is known for its clear turquoise water and white sand beaches. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating in this area.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

One of the most popular destinations on Oahu is the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The bay is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The nature preserve is home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

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Best Place to Stay Near Stairway to Heaven

Luxury Hotels

Hale Koa Hotel

The Hale Koa Hotel is a military hotel on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The hotel was built in 1976 to provide vacation accommodations for active and retired members of the United States military and their families.

The hotel is located on the beachfront property of Fort DeRussy, which is part of the Waikiki}y Resort.

Disney Aulani Resort

The Disney Aulani Resort hotel is a beautiful place to stay in Oahu. It’s located on the Ko Olina coast and features breathtaking ocean views.

The resort has everything you could want, from pools and lazy rivers to a fitness center and spa. There’s also a kids’ club, which is perfect for families.

Mid-Range Hotels

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Oahu. It’s located in the heart of Waikiki, making walking to all of the best shops and restaurants easy.

The hotel has an outdoor pool and a hot tub, and guests can enjoy the beach just a few steps away. The rooms at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger are another great hotel option in Waikiki.

This hotel is right on the beach, so you can enjoy stunning ocean views from your room.

The hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet each morning.

The Hilton Hawaiian

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a beachfront resort in Waikiki, Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is the largest hotel in Waikiki and has been one of its most popular resorts for over four decades.

The Hilton Hawaiian has a variety of rooms that guests can choose from, including the Island View room, the Garden View room, and the Oceanfront room.

The tower is a 22-story building that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The tower is home to 565 guest rooms, including 78 suites and 12 penthouse suites. It’s also one of the tallest buildings on Oahu.

Budget Hotels

Rainbow Inn Aiea

The Aiea Inn is a historic building located in the town of Aiea on the island of Oahu. The inn was built in 1922 by the prominent Japanese-American businessman and civil rights activist Sanjiro Murakami.

The inn was used as a gathering place for the Japanese-American community and played an important role in the area. Stairway to Heaven is a popular hiking trail on the island of Oahu.

Vacation Rentals

Eden at Stairway to Heaven

The Eden at Stairway to Heaven is a nature reserve located in Oahu, Hawaii. The reserve spans 4,000 acres of land and includes a variety of ecosystems, ranging from rainforest to coastline. The reserve is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several endangered and threatened species.

The Eden at Haiku Stairs is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Visitors are encouraged to explore the reserve on their own, though guided tours are available for an additional fee.

A variety of amenities are available at the reserve, including restrooms, a visitor center, and a gift shop.

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