| This set of stairs, tucked into the cliffs above Haiku Valley, reaches for the crest of the Koolaus. Its frequent disappearance into the clouds has earned it the name "Stairway to Heaven". And what cherubic windward vistas await, heavenly views privy to birds and angels alike. |
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
HAIKU STAIRS could be dismantled permanently!
See how you can help at
More Info!
|
Description: This hike is probably the most popular of Oahu's "forbidden" trails. Superb panoramic views are the cause for the fervent attraction to this trail! And well-deserved it is! As one makes the 2,120-foot ascent, the gorgeous views develop: first of the lush Haiku Valley, then past Ahuimanu and Puu Maelieli toward Kualoa, and finally the spectacular windward panorama from Puu Piei (Kahana Valley) to Makapuu Point (past Waimanalo). The trail terminus is Puu Keahi a Kahoe: a peak high atop a portion of the Koolau crest which juts out into Kaneohe. Originally built for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to allow maintenance personnel access to the LORAN radio antenna high above Haiku Valley, the trail is entirely a metal stairway which ascends the cliffs along the southern rim. Unforunately, the USCG's termination of Omega Station operations also spelled the cessation of stair maintenance. As a result, portions of the stairs fell into a dangerous state of disrepair. Thus, the state (who "inherited" the valley from the USCG) officially closed the stairs to the public in 1987. In 2002, construction of the stairs was completed having removed and replaced the old structure with new stair sections. This renovation cost the city $875,000. For additional "description" info, click More Info. For archived news articles, click Trail News. What to Expect:The stairs are comprised of approximately eight-foot-high segments which are interlinked by hooks and anchored by spikes driven into the mountain side. A pair of hollow steel-tube railings, an average of 18 - 24 inches apart, are bolted to each segment. The step spacing is very manageable, but one should realize this is equivalent to about a 60 - 90 minute continuous work-out on a "stair-climber" machine. The grade of the ascent ranges from completely flat to nearly vertical. However, the majority remains above a 45-degree gradient. The ascent pauses at six flat spots along the spur with these highlights: The first "step" has a metal ammo box (with logbooks) attached to the right-side railing. The third "step" (elev. 2,480 ft) has an abandoned concrete structure which houses the antenna's winching equipment. The sixth "step" is the peak called Puu Keahi a Kahoe (elev. 2,720 ft). On it is an abandoned concrete structure on which is mounted a pair of parabolic-dish antennae. To the right (West) of the building and immediately down is the Koolau crest toward Moanalua Valley and points north. The peak to the left (South) of and not far from the shack is the terminus of the Moanalua Middle Ridge (part of the Keahi a Kahoe Trail). Update: As of 2003, the stairs have been completely repaired after the city spent $875,000 to renovate it - new ladder/steps have been installed along the entire trail. Unfortunately, legal access is still currently on hold. This is what the stairs used to look like: There are two sections in the first half of the stairway, about 200-feet from each other, which contain missing segments. These are, by far, the most treacherous portions of the Haiku Stairs for they traverse the most vertical sections. The lower 8-foot section is a completely exposed rock face. Typical stair disrepair is in the form of upper section railings punctured by rust and surface corrosion on bolts, hooks, and other steel parts. However, though the corrosion poses a potential structural failure, the steps are more than adequate to support the hiker. A few sections in the upper 25% of the segments contain one or both railings which have been severely rust-eaten, but not in areas requiring hand-holds. Views from the top: Coastline from Ahuimanu to Kualoa Haiku Valley to Mokapu & Ulupau Head Kaneohe, Oneawa, Lanikai, Kailua, Keolu Hoomaluhia Reservoir Coastline from Kaiwa Ridge to Waimanalo Koolau cliffs from Konahuanui to Makapuu Moanalua Valley trail terminus Halawa Ridge trail terminus Prominent peaks: Ohulehule, Piei, Manamana, Kanehoalani, Maelieli, Olomana, Lanipo, O'Kona Benchmarks: none Trailhead Location: The stairs begin in a forested area about 25 yards mauka (South) of a point about 200 yards in along the H-3 access road. This restricted-access, gated, asphalt road is beneath the H-3 Highway and contours along the base of the cliffs. It was built to allow construction crews access to the completion of the windward side of H-3 in 1996. Accessing the Trail: At present, there is no legal entrance to Haiku Stairs. Expect to be turned away or cited by Honolulu Police. Hikers who have been illegally accessing the trail have been using the H-3 access road via a gated entrance along Puuoni Place (past Haiku Gardens). Hikers have been parking in the residential area which is limited and frowned upon by residents. Beware: some of the residents of Haiku are extremely hostile toward hikers attempting Haiku Stairs. In their irritation over these hikers utilizing Puuoni Pl, they have managed to get hikers' cars cited or towed. Some have already vented anger toward this website demanding to ban trailhead information from you. Note: Repairs to the stairs for public use is complete and the land swap from Federal lease back to the state is complete. However, legal and liability issues are still being debated. As a result, access is positively prohibited (and guarded) until the official opening by the city. Be warned: security guards have turned away hikers and there have been occurences when Honolulu Police were called to issue citations trespassing hikers. Property/Access: Government-owned, restricted (closed) access. Stairs owner: City & County of Honolulu Access road owner: State of Hawaii (Dept. of Transportation) Dangers/Other Considerations: This may be the stairway to heaven, but a false step could make it the fall to...! The stairs traverse a cliff spur, sections of which even the craziest of rock-climbers would think twice about (if there were no stairs)! The steps (when dry) eliminate the footing problem, but the railings tend to envelope the hiker with a false sense of security. Though seemingly sturdy, the railings are held on by only a few rusty bolts per segement. Use them for assurance, but don't rely on them to completely eliminate the dangers. Beware of angle of some of the steps. A handful of them are not completely flat, but angled downward. If you proceed without watching your footing, you may overlook one of these sloped steps. Do not attract attention to yourself! Because of the trail's popularity and its high visibility to H-3 drivers and Kaneohe/Haiku residents, arm-waving may be construed as a hiker in distress. An incident of this type resulted an embarressing situation for the hikers and a costly waste of time for the HFD-Rescue Unit in 1999. This trail is sometimes referred to as the "Haiku Ladder" or "Keahi a Kahoe Iki". |
 Initial Climb (First missing section) Photo by: Ken Ige, 1997 |
|---|---|
 Stairway to Heaven (Less than halfway up) |
|
 Looking Back (Almost to the ridgeline) Photo by: Ken Ige, 1997 |
|
| |||||||||||||