With 3922 steps going to the crest of the Koolau Mountains the Stairway to Heaven has long since been a favorite in the past for hikers though now it is closed to the public. Why the past? Obviously, it is dangerous with some parts of the climb at a 90 degree angle.
This particular mountain peak is known as Puu Keahiakahoe and the stairs were built out of wood during World War II in 1942 for the U.S. Navy's Haiku Radio Station and the VFL antenna. The first structure that was erected on top of the mountain housed the cable and pully system (winch) and brought supplies to the war watch standers.
The "Omega" Station operated as Hawaii's transmitting facility for the Loran (acronym for LOng RAnge Navigation)-C Navigational System and used primarily for ocean and coastal navigation. Of course GPS (Global Positioning System) will totally replace the Loran C and definitely provides better accuracy for world wide coverage.
After constant rain and wood rot the stairs were replaced with metal stairs some years later. Even with metal,the stairs rusted and many were missing and broken so in 1987 the City and County of Honolulu closed the stairs officially.
Since the trail and stairs are now off limits to the public you will get fined and made to appear in court for trespassing. Not only that but it's very dangerous so stay off anyway. There are other hiking paths that you can enjoy around the island so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Maybe I'm just a little regretful because I didn't take that hike up the Stairway to Heaven in younger years.
Oh, majestic mountain
That we view from afar....
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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Oh Sally, I want to do that hike!!!!! A good example of why one shouldn't put things on hold too long. Hiking Kauai has been a favorite of mine for the last 25 or so years; there are still 2 very strenuous hikes I want to accomplish--I need to get going before it's too late!
Sally, it is too bad there isn't money to re install the stairs with hand rails to make them safe in the dangerous spots!
Lottie: It really is dangerous with 90 degree angles at times. I may have when I did a hike from Tantalas over the Koolau's and sat in the cloude and looked down at the ocean. I was 18 then. No wonder I have spurs now!
Tony: They DID spent about 800k and still did not reopen. WAY too much liability. No spot is not dangerous on a ridge like that.
Sally, I would have loved the hike in my younger days! Now, it sounds just a bit too dangerous.
Hi Celeste, great story and illustration it is too bad the trail is too dangerous now an in the past, just by the look of the picture it would be an amazing adventure...
thanks for sharing.
Maria: Yeah...me too
Peter/Linda: There are still youngsters that hike it...even though it's not permitted. I just pray they are praying all the way up and down :)
Sally, What a view and I can understand why hikers would want to take the stairway to heaven.
That must be an amazing view from up there ... but I can understand why they will no longer allow passage.
Sally, what a wonderful view. An interesting story after having watched the movie "Pearl Harbor' last night. I do want to get back to the islands before I grow up too much. Thanks for sharing
This is such an amazing view and as well as the story too. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Interesting history, look like a pretty crazy hike even with good steps, though I would no doubt have been the first one to go up in my younger years.
Your Friend in Charlottesville
Not only is this a beautiful part of our nation, I love the names that I can't pronounce! Thanks!
Thank you all for perusing the Stairway to Heaven!