Hawaii’s “Stairway to Heaven” has 3,922 steps — still drawing adventurers nearly 30 years after closure

▲ Dubbed the “stairway to heaven,” it has been closed for years but people still take photos to check in. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven/ The following are the same)

Reporter Lin Yuling / Comprehensive report

Does the path to heaven really exist? Located on Oahu in Hawaii, there is a hiking trail called the “Haiku Stairs,” which has a total of 3,922 steps leading to a mountain peak at an elevation of 850 meters. Due to its extremely steep incline, almost seeming to reach the clouds, it is calledthe “Stairway to Heaven” or the “Stairway to the Heavens.”Although it was closed in 1987, it still attracts hikers and adventure enthusiasts. To this day, people still sneak in when guards are not around, take photos on Facebook to check in, and share their summit experiences.

▲ The steep trail has 3,922 steps, seemingly reaching the clouds. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

The “Stairway to Heaven” was built in 1942. The path starts from Haiku Valley and leads to the peak of Puʻu Keahi a Kahoe mountain at an elevation of 850 meters. It was constructed by the U.S. Navy to build a radio station at the top. Originally made of wood, by 1950, when the naval base withdrew and the U.S. Coast Guard took over, the stairs and handrails were replaced with metal materials.

In 1987, with the closure of the station and the staircase being both dangerous and dilapidated over the years, the steps were also closed and prohibited from use.However, this does not seem to have dampened the enthusiasm of hikers; instead, it has attracted more people attempting to reach the summit, hoping to enjoy the steep yet fascinating scenery along the way.Locals have also continuously petitioned the government to reopen the trail. Although it was repaired again in 2003 with a investment of one million dollars, and the then-mayor verbally promised to reopen it, it remains closed to this day.

▲ Even though it has long been closed, many people still try to hike it, wishing to witness the steep and natural beauty along the way. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

▲ Many take advantage of the guards’ absence to sneak in early in the morning. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

In 2015, due to a strong storm, parts of the “Stairway to Heaven” were damaged. At that time, the Hawaii government considered demolishing it, but faced strong opposition from locals. Some also proposed opening it for a fee, charging $100 USD (about 3,200 TWD) per entry. But whether to demolish or repair, it would cost millions of dollars, and the issue eventually faded away.

Despite the risk to personal safety due to trail damage, and the possibility of fines if caught entering, there are still warning signs posted nearby.Yet, many travelers and hikers still flock here, usually sneaking in when guards are not around early in the morning. The “Stairway to Heaven” has been closed for nearly 30 years, and people still occasionally take photos to check in, share their summit experiences, and even leave comments advising others: “It takes about 2.5 hours to climb up and around 1.5 to 2 hours to come down.” They also praise climbing the stairs as “absolutely worth it!”

▲ Warning signs are posted along the trail. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

▲ Still can't stop hikers from trying to reach the summit. (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

▲ People still can’t resist the charm of the “Stairway to Heaven.” (Photo / Facebook: Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven)

*View check-ins: Facebook -Haiku Stairs Aka Stairway To Heaven