AllTrails: Route

Trailhead Coordinates:

21.373989, -157.880605

Know Before You Go:

• The Stairway to Heaven also known as the Haʻikū Stairs has become infamous as one of Hawai’i’s illegal hikes - but we’re here tell you: this is an alternative, legal way to hike it!

• This trail takes you through the back entrance to reach the iconic stairs constructed during WWII. These stairs provided an access route to a secret radio transmission station used to send signals into the Pacific from the top of the Ko'olau Range.

• Bring gloves and micro-spikes especially if hiking after a rainy day.

• There are multiple assistive rope sections that are similar to steep scrambles.

• When you reach the top of the stairs, be sure to look out for helicopter cops and cops who climb the stairs before stepping out onto them (if you so choose).

• It is not recommended to go further than the second small building as the steps past this point can be unstable.

• When parking, be sure to double check all the road signs as some areas specifically notate "do not park".

• We recommend beginning early in the morning around 6-7:30am as clouds may cover the views at the top around noon. Please be quiet and respectful of residents when starting the trail.