Haiku Stairs Stairway To Heaven Trail - Activities On Oahu Kaneohe, Hawaii

The Haiku Stairs, or Stairway to Heaven Trail as it's also called, is a 2.4 mile long (each way), out and back style hiking trail in the Kaneohe area of O'ahu.

Image credit: Shawn Clover

NOTE: If there is only one thing you learn about this trail then it needs to be that this trail is completely closed and not open to the public in any way. That's right, Stairway to Heaven is closed and off limits. It wasn't always this way but it's closed and no matter how many times people talk about getting it opened it never happens and likely won't. If you ignore this warning and attempt this trail you will likely get cited with a $1,000 fine, arrested, and/or required to appear in court. It's no joke and there are security guards here to make sure you don't go in.

Image credit: Shawn Clover

Just being on the stairs is illegal and will land you in some serious trouble. On top of that, the stairs are no longer safe which makes this an incredibly dangerous trail. Just skip it. Keep in mind that the locals here can't stand people parking on their streets or trespassing through their yards to do this hike and they will report you. They're always on the lookout so have some respect and just skip this one and enjoy some souvenir [PID:113] instead.

Image credit: Turner

So how do people keep doing this trail? And, if it's closed and off limits then why are we listing it here? Good questions, glad you asked! First off, some people will go here very early in the morning (long before sunrise) to sneak in before the guards start. Those people often get caught on the way out. Second, we're listing this place because everyone already knows about it. It's not a secret so rather than not listing it we're going to tell you all about it so you can experience it legally through this article.

Image credit: Kevin McCarthy

When this hike was open and legal, it was an impressive trail. In fact, it's not really even a trail but more a set of metal stairs and pathways that follow various ridges. With elevation gains of over 2,500 feet this is a difficult hike for more hikers. The views from the top, at least on a clear day, can be spectacular.

Image credit: epape

Normally this is where I would tell you to read up on Hiking Safety & Essentials before heading out. Instead, I'll remind you that this hike is off limits and we can't stress this enough: Skip this trail. Do NOT attempt it.

• General: Cost: Free	• General: Photo Opportunity	• Hiking: Hiking	• Hiking: Length: 2-3 Miles	• Hiking: Level: Difficult
• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes	• Hiking: Ridge Hike	• Sightseeing: Great Views

Haiku Stairs / Stairway To Heaven Trail