The Haiku Stairs

The Haiku Stairs are also known as the Stairway to Heaven. These stairs are actually a steep hiking trail on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is one of the Oahu‘s most popular forbidden trails. This 2,120 feet long difficult hike trail has a total of 3,992 steps. The stairs had became worn and dangerous and they were officially closed to the public in 1987. It is one of the most famous man-made wonders of the USA.

Facts you didn’t know: –

• This stairway was originally built for the US Coast Guard to allow access to the LORAN radio antenna on the top of the mountain.
• They needed a radio receiver to be very high for reception. This is the main reason why they chose this peak.
• This step ladder was built in 1943, during the World War II.
• In 2003, the Haiku Stairs were repaired completely. The total cost of the repairs was $875,000.
• Although the hike has been illegal for more than 25 years it has not stopped people.
• There are points in the hike where the peaks rise above the clouds.
• At some points the hike is so steep that it becomes a ladder more than stairs.
• A volunteer group “The Friends of Haiku Stairs” offers legal tours to this stairway to heaven.
• In these tours, you are required to clean up the trash and help to eradicate invasive species while climbing.
• The stairs are divided into 4 or 5 sections. Each section has a platform to rest during the hike.
• The top of the stairway offers extremely beautiful panoramic views.