Stairway to Heaven Hike in Hawaii: The Haiku Stairs in 2024

TRAVEL GUIDE: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE, HAWAII

The Stairway to Heaven hike in Hawaii (a.k.a. Haiku Stairs) is one of the most famous hikes in the United States. It’s also one of the most controversial!

First, it’s off-limits and illegal.

Second, plans are moving forward to dismantle the World War II-era staircase, despite a well-organized effort to save this unique piece of history in Hawaii.

Hiking the Haiku Stairs used to involve a three mile climb, almost 4,000 feet above sea level to one of the best views on Oahu. In addition to the breathtaking landscape, hikers also came for the unique experience of climbing up more than 3,800 steps on an old military ladder!

You can Still do the stairway to heaven hike legally, on a different route!

This post will tell you all about the current status of the Stairway to Heaven, and the fascinating history of the Haiku Stairs. Most importantly, it includes a guide to hiking the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii legally! 

Key Takeaways & Updates:

• It is currently illegal (and has been for some time) to hike the Stairway to Heaven on Oahu.
• The City of Honolulu is still trying to remove the Haiku Stairs. A dispute over the cost, and general lack of funding initially delayed the project.
• In 2023, the City approved plans and $2 million to dismantle the Haiku Stairs.
• The cost rose to $4.8 million dollars, with crews set to begin work in early 2024 and remain on site for two years.
• The nonprofit group “Friends of Haiku Stairs” filed a lawsuit, demanding more environmental studies be done. We’ll update the court process here.
• There is a legal way to reach the top of the Stairway to Heaven, via the longer Moanalua Valley Trail.

The Haiku Stairs have been a popular hiking destination for years, despite government officials making a serious effort to restrict access to the stairs.

Honolulu’s City Council voted to remove the stairs. They cite liability issues, and the ongoing problem of trespassing through the neighborhood at the trailhead. Advocates refute those concerns, saying no one has ever died from a fall, and no lawsuits have been filed as a result of an injury on the Stairway to Heaven.

Since voting to remove the stairs in September of 2021, the actual work has been held up. City officials and community members have voiced concerns over safety issues and legal considerations. Many raised questions about how to remove the stairs without harming the natural beauty of Haiku Valley.

The biggest roadblock to removing the Haiku Stairs seems to be a lack of funding.

While the City of Honolulu passed a budget with more than $3 billion in spending, the council only approved $1.3 million in 2022 to remove the Haiku Stairs.

By late 2023, the cost estimate ballooned to $4.8 million to remove the stairs.

By the way, the council has long allocated around $250,000 annually for security guards and other measures to keep hikers off the Haiku Stairs.

The loop around the school is considered private property. Locals walk the road all the time, but you’ll quickly be stopped if you get near the start of the stairs.

The staff at the school say they found a few people each week trespassing, attempting to climb the steps.

There are other parts of the same neighborhood now fenced off, due to people trying to gain access to the Haiku Stairs.

When Will the Haiku Stairs be Removed?

There is no definitive timetable for when the Haiku Stairs will be removed. 

City documents set demolition to begin in January of 2024, but that work seems to be delayed indefinitely while a lawsuit plays out in court.

The City of Honolulu is facing powerful advocates, who’d like to preserve the piece of Hawaiian history.

Hawaii’s governor is a preservation advocate, and the nonprofit group Friends of Haiku Stairs are leading the legal battle to prevent demolition.

While it is illegal to hike the official Stairway to Heaven on Oahu, there is a backdoor to the hike– a legal way to reach the summit of the mountain. 

It’s called the Moanalua Valley Trail. 

This trail is completely legal, and ends at the final section of the Haiku stairs.

I should note: advocates for saving the Haiku Stairs don’t call the mountain trail “the legal way.” They believe mountain trails shouldn’t be legal or illegal. It’s public land.

They also say the Moanalua Valley trail is more dangerous, and leads to more hiker rescues.

Hiking the Moanalua Valley Trail route is much longer, but it’s a beautiful hike! Plus, it comes without the risk of fines.

The Moanalua/Kamanar Valley Trail is a 9.2-mile out-and-back trail that starts on the opposite side of Moanalua Valley. It is a steep and semi-maintained trail following the ridge line through the Honolulu Forest Reserve.

This trail leads to the same iconic views of Oahu, and you can still take a picture on the upper section of the Haiku Stairs!

The legal Stairway to Heaven trail starts in the parking lot of Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park (photo below). This route is relatively flat for a few miles before gaining nearly 3,000 feet to the peak, the top of the Haiku Stairs, and the view of the Pacific Ocean. 

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Note: Though well-maintained, getting lost on this hike is not uncommon, especially in the first quarter of the hike. The cell service is spotty, so make sure to open the trail map on AllTrails before you lose service. You can also access this map offline, if you download it with AllTrails+.  

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The Moanalua Valley Trail will lead you through diverse terrain, from a creek bed up through a steep, muddy hillside, and through rainforest-like tree canopies. The hike is strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of Oahu’s rugged mountains and Kaneohe Bay from the summit.

While the trail is easy to follow at first, you’ll need to pay attention to a sign which says “Kulana’ Ahane.”

From the red sign below, you need to cross the creek bed to the trail that eventually leads you up to the ridge:

Look for a tree branch over the trail has the words “Middle Ridge” carved into it. After this, the trail becomes much easier to follow.

The trail is known for being muddy, so it’s a good idea to wear shoes with spikes. Wearing spikes also helps with the final stretch of the Moanalua Trail, which requires scrambling up a narrow crevasse. 

Depending on your fitness level, the legal hike to the top of the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii can take anywhere from 5-10 hours to complete. 

If you’re an experienced hiker, and don’t stop for many breaks, you can finish the hike in as few as five hours.

Still, it’s better to budget 7-10 hours to truly enjoy the journey, and spend time at the top admiring the view! 

There is plenty of daylight to complete the hike in the summer, but the winter months are a little more time-sensitive. 

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii between November – March, daylight can be as short as 10 hours each day. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to get back down the mountain before dusk. 

Do not underestimate this hike. 

While the illegal Haiku Stairs hike is known to be strenuous, the legal route to the top via the Moanalua Valley Trail is much longer, and even more challenging. 

The Stairway of Heaven (via Moanalua Valley) starts easy, through a flat creek bed. Soon after, the trail begins climbing quickly in elevation.

You’ll gain more than 2000 feet in elevation, during the final 1.6 miles of the hike. Pair this with a frequently muddy trail, steep drop-offs, and some rock scrambling, and you can bet: your heart will be pounding by the end!

From the top of the Stairway to Heaven, you can see incredible 360º views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and deep blue Pacific Ocean.

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A couple of tips are essential for hiking the (legal) Stairway to Heaven; 

Check The Weather – The weather is usually pretty good in Oahu, but a storm or intense fog will prevent you from the best views at the top of the Stairway to Heaven. It also makes the already difficult hike slippery, and dramatically increases your risk of injury.  Also, remember: the skies in Waikiki can be clear and blue, while storm clouds rain over the trail.

Wear Proper Footwear – It is important to wear sturdy shoes with good grip. If you decide to go through the Moanalua Valley Trail, there will be no ‘proper stairs.’ Again, I’d suggest putting spikes on your shoes for extra traction in the steep, muddy parts of the trail.

Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Drink – This hike is challenging, and often takes people longer than expected. Make sure you have enough water for everyone in your group. I’d recommend four liters each!

Don’t Hike Alone – This is good advice anywhere, but particularly for hiking to the Stairway to Heaven, since cell service is spotty at best.

Start Early – The hike can take up to 10 hours. Especially during winter, starting as close to sunrise as possible ensures you can get back to your car before dark. Starting at dawn will also ensure you’ll get a parking spot at the trailhead. The parking spaces fill quickly, and then it’s a matter of driving around the neighborhood looking for a legal spot to park.

Protect the Environment – Do your best to stay on the trail to help preserve the surrounding environment.

Fortunately, according to Friends of Haiku Stairs, there have been no deaths due to falls reported on the trail.

However, slips and falls are common due to the trail’s strenuous terrain.

The most well-known death on the Haiku Stairs involved singer Fritz Hasenpusch in 2012. His friends say he died of a heart attack while attempting the hike, not from an injury or fall on the trail.

During heated council meetings about the future of the Stairway to Heaven, advocates for saving the stairs have demanded to know how many lawsuits have been filed over accidents. The answer is: Zero. For the advocates, this proves that liability is not an issue.

According to data released by HFD to KHON News, the number of hiker rescues on Moanalua peaked in 2019, with 17 for the year.

In the last decade, HFD has responded to more than 100 rescues on the trail.

More generally speaking across the Honolulu Fire Department’s large jurisdiction, hiker rescues are on the rise.

They responded to a little over 200 rescues in 2022. By the end of 2023 the number of hiker rescues was approaching 300.

In the fall of 2023, rescue crews were challenged with a unique call from a woman hiking illegally on the Haiku Stairs with her dog.

Somehow, the dog fell 50 feet off the stairs. The woman got down to the dog, got a cell signal to call for help, and waited for rescue crews. Local reports say it took a crew of 13, both on the ground and in a helicopter above, to get them out to safety.

Neither was injured, and it’s unclear if she was fined.

The State of Hawaii made it a criminal offense to climb the Haiku Stairs trail, citing safety and preservation. The area around the Haiku Stairs consists of steep hills, loose rocks, and slippery terrain, making it difficult to navigate. 

The City of Honolulu is also concerned about lawsuits resulting from injury or death on public land. However, according to the Friends of Haiku Stairs, zero claims have been against the city from hikers in 80 years.

Who’s Making Decisions About the Haiku Stairs?

The Stairway to Heaven used to be under the jurisdiction of the Board of Water Supply. 

The responsibility was transferred to the City of Honolulu in 2020, specifically to the Hawaiian Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

The DLNR manages and preserves Hawaii’s public lands, national parks, recreation areas, and historical sites. They are also responsible for issuing permits on protected land across the island chain. 

This photo shows people at the top of the Haiku Stairs, who got there legally going up the longer trail:

Consequences of Hiking the Haiku Stairs

The State of Hawaii placed severe consequences for those caught attempting to hike the Haiku Stairs, though enforcement is inconsistent.

Here’s everything you need to know about the possible consequences:

Fines for Hiking Illegally

Hiking the Haiku Stairs is a criminal offense. Getting caught could result in fines of up to $2,000, community service, or even arrest. If you are injured while hiking the stairs and need medical assistance, there is also a good chance that you will be deemed responsible for covering the medical expenses. 

Expect Run-ins With Security Guards

The State of Hawaii spends approximately $250,000 annually to hire and maintain security guards to patrol the Haiku Stairs. These security guards work around the clock and turn away thousands of hikers every year. The primary purpose of this measure is to protect both the government from liability and the trail itself from any damage. 

While I’ve heard stories about some of the guards smiling and “turning a blind eye” to trespassers, it’s not worth wasting your time and taking the chance.

In addition, the State of Hawaii has placed “No Trespassing” signs and warning notices at various points on the Haiku Stairs to remind visitors that attempting to hike the trail is a criminal offense.

Persistent hikers, who ignore the signs and shouts of the patrol officers and disappear into the trail, are rarely followed. 

Helicopter Patrols Above Haiku Stairs

There is no clear evidence that the government uses helicopters to patrol the Haiku Stairs to catch people trespassing. 

We got nervous while we were taking photos at the top of the stairs when a helicopter appeared above. It turned out to be firefighters, either scouting or training.

Plus, there are a number of Helicopter Tours that fly over the area. It’s a good option if a 10-hour hike isn’t for you!

➡️ BOOK: Helicopter Tour of Oahu

The Friends of Haiku Stairs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the trail. Its members are working to create a plan to save and restore the historic steps.

The group proposed a plan for re-opening the Stairway to Heaven in a safe and sustainable way.

They claim that “Managed Access” is the answer. 

The group’s proposal includes measures like hiring trained hiking guides and implementing a permit system to regulate visitation. They also call for constructing safety railings and installing security cameras on the trail. These measures would help protect both visitors and the hiking trail itself.

The proposal also includes plans to restore the trail’s historic stonework and create educational programs to teach visitors about the cultural significance of the Haiku Stairs.

The Friends of Haiku Stairs hope the State of Hawaii will approve their proposal, find funding for it, and help ensure the preservation of the steps.

Until 2015, the Friends of Haiku Stairs were allowed to climb the steps to do maintenance work, clean graffiti, and get rid of invasive species along the trail. That volunteer maintenance came to an end.

The Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii is a coveted hike for adventure travelers on Oahu. The staircase also has a fascinating history. The steps have their roots in U.S. Naval efforts during World War II. 

Why the Stairway to Heaven was Built During WW II

The Stairway to Heaven was initially built for the Navy, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as an access point for a top-secret radio station. The plan was to use its signal to communicate with ships across the Pacific Ocean. 
It was groundbreaking technology at the time, with the capability of sending radio signals to Tokyo Bay.

The stairway was completed in 1942, after just a few months of construction! Crews compiled the series of ladders, rails, and steps, some of which were carved into the cliffs.

In all, there are 3,922 steps to the top of the Stairway to Heaven.

In the 1950s, the wooden steps were replaced with metal steps. Satellite communications developed, and the radio tower was no longer needed. The antenna and cables were disassembled, but the stairs remained, and became a popular hiking destination for locals.

Today, the Stairway to Heaven is a reminder of the U.S. Navy’s critical role in World War II. History buffs and veterans are among those hoping to preserve them.

In 1987, the Stairway to Heaven was closed by the State of Hawaii due to safety concerns and the liability risk for the government. 

Until this time, people were able to sign liability waivers and hike the steps.

Despite closing the Haiku Stairs to the public, the government has maintained the steps over the years. Crews even rebuilt a large section after it was damaged in a 2002 landslide.

You should definitely check the weather forecast before attempting the hike to the Stairway of Heaven or any of Hawaii’s trails.

Travelers can count on pleasant temperatures all year (between 70-90º). Rainfall is the game-changer, which can make for an amazing hike or a treacherous muddy mess. It’s typical to see rain throughout the year, and the weather in Waikiki might be very different from the upper elevations along the trail. 

A couple of rainy days in a row causes the trail to become really muddy and slippery. The best advice is to let it dry out for a couple of days before attempting the hike. Granted, if you’re a tourist, your time is limited, and I’m sure I’d be tempted to hike it even in the rain!

The other thing you have to watch out for is fog. It can settle at the top of the Haiku Stairs and reduce visibility to less than 50 feet.  Luckily, the trail at the top is clearly marked, so you won’t get lost at that point.

You might question some of these suggestions, but I wouldn’t hit this trail again without all of this gear:

• Lightweight Hiking Pants (Men/ Women) – If you have room, I’d pack them along with your shorts.
• Waterproof Jacket (Men/ Women) Again, rainfall in Hawaii can be unpredictable. While a little rain is fine on a hike, you don’t want to be drenched for hours.
• Hiking Shoes (Men / Women) – Footwear with good treads are absolutely necessary.
• Crampons or Spikes – I scoffed at this suggestion, but was beyond relieved to have them with me!
• Cell phone charger– This is a safety item, in case your phone dies from searching for a signal, or using the flashlight if after dark.
• Hiking/Rock climbing gloves – Part of the final section of the hike requires some scrambling on all fours, with only a rope to help you make the final ascent.  Again, I questioned whether gloves were really necessary, but they absolutely are!
• Backpack & Bladder – On long hikes, the bladder in a backpack will help you efficiently carry the extra water you’ll need for the 7-10 hour hike up the Stairway to Heaven.
• Waistpack & Bladder I actually wore a second pack around my waist, which carried another water bladder, and a first aid kit. (photo below).
• First Aid Kit – These can be small and cheap, but still handy for minor cuts/wounds.  Our group suffered several!
• AllTrails – Download the app, and consider upgrading to AllTrails “Pro” to download maps. You can use them offline. Again, you’ll definitely lose service at times on the hike.

Koko Head and Stairway to Heaven are two of the steepest ascents near Honolulu. Each trail has stunning views of Oahu, and even the surrounding islands on a clear day.

The difference is: Koko Head is shorter, safer, and perfectly legal. The hike is just 1.6 miles and climbs just short of 1000 feet.

It takes most hikers about an hour to complete the Koko Head hike. It’s considered “moderately difficult” because of the steep steps involved.

If Koko Head is a better fit for your travel itinerary, you can easily reach the trailhead by following H1 east toward Hawaii Kai. The trailhead is at the Koko Head District Park recreation center. 

Stairway to Heaven via Moanalua Valley is an intense, full-day trip. It’s not for everyone!

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If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a guide or shuttle to several Oahu hikes:

➡️ BOOK: Oahu Hiking Guide for a Private Tour

➡️ BOOK: Hiking Shuttle: Makapu’U or Diamond Head

➡️ BOOK: Hike: Ko’olau Waterfalls

➡️ BOOK: Oahu Tour + Waimea Waterfalls

➡️ BOOK: Shuttle to BOTH Diamond Head & Makapu’U

Here are some alternative hiking trails on Oahu, which also offer unique experiences and amazing views of the island.

Maunawili Falls trail

Maunawili Falls is a popular waterfall tucked away deep in the rainforest of Oahu. Travelers love this hike because it’s relatively short (less than 3 miles), and it is possible to cliff jump from the rocks above and swim under the falls! 

Trail Distance – 2.8 miles

Trail Elevation Gain – 1007 feet

Trail Difficulty – Moderate

Note: The hike to Maunawili Falls used to be one of the most popular trails on Oahu. It’s temporarily closed for realignment and restoration. The project was set to be completed by the summer of 2023.. but remains closed. Hawaiian officials have been unresponsive about a reopening date. 

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Aside from its panoramic views, you’ll hike by a couple of old military pillbox bunkers at the top of the ridge.  

I’ve sent my friends with children on this pillbox hike, and they’ve enjoyed it! The initial scramble up is pretty steep, but the hike gets easier.

Trail Distance – 1.7 miles

Trail Elevation Gain – 626 feet

Trail Difficulty – Moderate

Koko Head is often compared to the Stairway to Heaven because they both include a staircase. However, Koko Head is much easier, and a better choice for people who don’t have time to spend an entire day hiking. 

The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. Plus, 90% of the route is essentially a stair-stepper up the old Koko Head Tramway. The best advice is to start early and bring plenty of water! 

Trail Distance – 1.6 miles

Trail Elevation Gain – 885 feet

Trail Difficulty – Moderate

The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head.

Also known as the Le’ahi Summit Trail, this hike is a relatively easy ascent up a paved trail to the top of a volcano crater.

Visitors can see the entire Honolulu Skyline and Waikiki Beach from the summit!

The hike is very busy and crowded with tourists. The best advice is to get there early to avoid the biggest crowds. There is an entry fee of $5 per person, plus a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. 

You’ll get a great view of the water and Waikiki:

Trail Distance – 1.8 miles

Trail Elevation Gain – 452 feet

Trail Difficulty – Easy

Note: Diamond Head State Monument currently requires reservations to enter. You can apply for a reservation here. 

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The Makupu’U Lighthouse Trail is an easy hike located on the easternmost point of Oahu. Like Diamond Head, the entire trail is paved.

Makupu’U is very popular among tourists for birdwatching and whale-watching. November through May is the migrating season for humpback whales off the coast of Hawaii.

This trail is an excellent hike for families with small children. It’s also dog-friendly, as long as they are kept on a leash. 

Trail Distance – 2.5 miles

Trail Elevation Gain – 505 feet

Trail Difficulty – Easy

➡️ BOOK: Hiking Shuttle to Makapu’U

If you’re island hopping and heading to Maui, don’t forget to check out the hikes along the Road to Hana!

➡️ Blog Post: Road to Hana Waterfalls

There are key things to keep in mind before driving the windy road to the natural wonders on the Road to Hana!

Waikiki, while home to most of the hotels and resorts, is a crowded Vegas-like area. You’ll find heavy traffic driving in or out of the main hotel area near the beach.

You can use this interactive map to search around to see what’s available during your date range:

When looking for a place to stay in Oahu, you might find it surprising that you can’t book an apartment or Airbnb on parts of the island. 

In October of 2022, officials passed a new law, banning short-term rentals in residential areas around Oahu. A short-term rental is defined as fewer than 90 days.

Airbnb and VRBO rentals are still permitted in the touristy areas, like Waikiki.

Best Beachfront Hotels on Oahu:

These beachfront hotels are some of the best along Waikiki Beach. 

Staying at a hotel in Waikiki puts you less than 20 minutes from the Moanalua Valley trailhead, which makes it easy to get an early start up the Stairway to Heaven!

Moana Surfrider was famously the first hotel in Waikiki. It’s still one of the most popular beachfront hotels in Oahu. The historic building is right on the ocean, and has its own private beach!

➡️ Click to Book: Moana Surfrider

While not exploring the island, you can enjoy refreshing dips in the freshwater pool, and take advantage of the huge spa available on-site.

The Moana Surfrider also offers activities, including hula classes, yoga, and meditation. You can also learn how to play the ukulele or surf!

Halekulani (Luxury Beachfront Resort)

Halekulani is a luxury resort with all the bells and whistles.  Each room has a lanai, or covered patio!

You can enjoy dinner at the oceanfront restaurant, and music in the live jazz lounge. The resort has its own spa with Polynesian massages, facials, and other beauty treatments. 

What makes this resort so special is that it feels peaceful in the midst of Hawaii’s capital city. If it’s your honeymoon or anniversary trip to Hawaii, this might be the perfect place to splurge!

➡️ Click to Book: Halekulania Luxury Resort

Best Boutique Hotels in Honolulu

Boutique hotels offer a balance of style, comfort, and character. They tend to be much more affordable than luxury hotels in Oahu, while still offering great amenities.

The Laylow (Waikiki)

The Laylow is a boutique hotel with an airy and modern design. Its location in Waikiki, several blocks off the beach, is surrounded by stores and restaurants.  I’ve found the rooms to be fairly large, with lively decor.

Plus, the Laylow has a beautiful pool area, and free Hawaiian shave ice each night.

➡️ Click to Book: VIVE Hotel Waikiki

Ilikai Hotel (Best Deal on Suites)

If you’re looking for a great deal on a larger suite, Ilikai Hotel is your best bet.

It is located a short walk from Waikiki Beach and provides access to all of the usual amenities one would expect from a hotel (free wifi, fitness center, pool) as well as a full kitchen and living room.

The oceanview suites are an up-charge, which deliver beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head.

➡️ Click to Book: Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

Twin Fin (Best Value with Ocean Views)

Twin Fin is the best spot in Oahu to be close to the great hikes and the beach.

Located near the foot of Diamond Head, you can get to any of the hikes on this side of Oahu (including the Stairway to Heaven) in less than 30 minutes.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, and most face the ocean. After you’re done hiking for the day, you can relax at the poolside tiki bar and enjoy the free sunbeds.

Another cool thing about Twin Fin is that they offer free surfboard hires to their guests!

➡️ Click to Book: The Twin Fin Hotel

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Wrap: FAQs on the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii

Let’s tackle a few frequently-asked-questions about the Haiku Stairs. Several of these are addressed above.

Who Owns the Haiku Stairs?

It turns out: After the Coast Guard, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply technically “owned” the Stairway to Heaven. The Board handed the land over to the City and County of Honolulu after 2015.

How many people have died on the Stairway to Heaven?

There are no records of anyone dying on the Haiku Stairs from a fall. People have died from other health issues while hiking.

How many steps are on the Stairway to Heaven?

There are 3,922 metal steps to the top of the Stairway to Heaven.

Are the Haiku Steps being taken down?

As of 2024, the controversy and legal battles continue. The City of Honolulu set aside $2 million in funding to remove the stairs, but the latest documents show the price has more than doubled.

Soon after, the Friends of the Haiku Steps filed suit. They’re demanding an environmental impact study, and trying to prove that removing the historic stairs would be a crime.

What’s the elevation of the Stairway to Heaven?

By the time you reach the peak at the old radio tower, you’ll be at 2,800 feet above sea level.

What’s the fine for hiking the Stairway to Heaven?

Stepping foot on the Haiku Stairs is a criminal offense. Getting caught could result in fines of up to $2,000, community service, or even arrest.

How much will it cost to demo the Stairway to Heaven?

During the pandemic, the initial cost to take down the Haiku Stairs was estimated to be around $900,000. Three years later, estimates have jumped to $2.6 million.

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Wrap: Is Hawaii’s Stairway to Heaven Hike Worth It?

The Stairway to Heaven (the legal way) is one of my all-time favorite hikes. It’s a full day adventure, so be prepared!

I’m used to hiking in the Arizona desert, so climbing up through the lush vegetation is a treat in itself! Add to that the views of the bright blue ocean, and learning about the history of the steps themselves.

The Haiku Stairs have powerful people on their side. Time will tell if the steps will be saved, demolished, or even possibly moved to a different location and preserved in a new way.

In the meantime, I can’t wait. to get back to Oahu in 2024 to hike to the peak again!