When you think of Hawaii, you probably picture sunny beaches, clear blue waters, and tropical vibes. But there’s another side to Hawaii that’s all about adventure. The Stairway to Heaven, or Haʻikū Stairs, is one of Hawaii’s most famous and illegal hikes (come with a $700+ ticket if you are caught). It’s a steep staircase with over 3,900 steps on the island of Oʻahu, going up the green Koʻolau mountains. The hike is hard, but the views are amazing. From the top, you can see the whole island – the blue ocean, green mountains, and the coastline. If you go at sunrise, everything glows in golden light. It’s like standing on top of the world!
The stairs were built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, but they were closed in the 1980s. Now, the only legal way to go is with a guide. Sadly, because many people still go there illegally, the authorities plan to remove the stairs soon.
But if you still want to see amazing views, there are plenty of other great hiking trails on Oʻahu. Some beautiful hikes include:
- Diamond Head Crater: A short but steep hike with stunning views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Trail): A moderate hike that rewards you with panoramic views of turquoise waters and the Mokulua Islands.
- Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail: An easy trail with breathtaking ocean views, especially during whale watching season.
- Koko Crater Trail: A challenging climb up old railroad ties, leading to incredible 360-degree views of the island.
- Manoa Falls Trail: A lush, rainforest hike that takes you to a beautiful 150-foot waterfall.
However, on every hike just remember to respect the rules, enjoy and ofc be careful. Happy hiking and see you in the next post!
