The Stairway to Heaven: Haiku Stairs

Back in 1942, the U.S. Navy began construction of the Haʻikū Radio Station: a top secret facility that was to be used to transmit radio signals to the Navy ships that were then operating throughout the Pacific. They needed a radio transceiver and they needed it to be really high, so the peak of Puʻukeahiakahoe mountain in Hawaii was chosen. A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawā and Haʻikū Valley Naval Radio Station was constructed at the peak of Puʻukeahiakahoe, elevation about 2,800 feet (850 m).

To accomplish construction, they needed “easy” access to the top of the ridges, so they installed a wooden ladder up the mountain. The pathway is still there today.

Most people refer to it as “Stairway to Heaven” but the official name, the one you’ll find on the trail head sign, is Haiku Stairs (or Haʻikū Stairs).

There’s a lot of hype around this hike because one: well, it’s amazing and two: it’s illegal to hike it due to the safety concerns. The station and trail were closed to the public in 1987. However, some hikers ignore the No Trespassing signs and continue to climb 3,922 steps.

Yet, there is a legal way of climbing this stairway to heaven. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group, offers legal “tours”, as long as you can contribute your time while climbing to clean up trash and help to eradicate invasive species.

– via unrealhawaii, kuriositas, haikustairs.org.

UnusualPlaces Field Notes

Location

Haʻikū Stairs, Haiku Valley, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA (closed; no visitor access)

Access

Haʻikū Stairs are closed to the public. Honolulu City Council says the site has remained a safety, trespass and neighborhood concern; the City and State previously ordered closure during removal work. No current reopening or authorized visitor route was found. Do not attempt to reach the stairs or use neighboring property; check City/State notices for any future change.

Admission

No public ticket or visitor admission is offered while the stairs are closed. Do not treat attempted trespass as a paid hike.

Time needed

Not applicable to a public visit: there is no authorized visitor route and the stairs are closed.

Best season

No public visiting season is published. The stairs are closed year-round; do not plan a hike unless the responsible authorities announce lawful access.

Opening hours

No public visiting hours. Haʻikū Stairs are closed to public access; follow current City and State closure notices.

Facts checked

2026-10-29

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Correct detailHaʻikū Stairs, Haiku Valley, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA (closed; no visitor access)

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