Haʻikū Stairs (Stairway to Heaven), Hawaii: history, closure, and what to know now

Picture a narrow path skimming a mountain spine and slipping into the clouds. That vision is real: the Haʻikū Stairs in Hawaii, better known as the Stairway to Heaven. Once thousands climbed its rungs; today, the route is closed. How did it come to this?

From wartime secret to traveler’s dream

The staircase was built in 1942, during the Second World War, so the U.S. military could reach a secret radio station perched on a ridge. The first steps were wooden. Later, they were replaced with metal—nearly 4,000 of them—threading along the crest almost to the sky.

When the station fell silent, the stairs remained. Hikers began to ascend for the sweeping views of Oʻahu and the Pacific. It’s easy to see why it became a pilgrimage for adventurers and anyone chasing dramatic photographs.

Why the stairs were shut

Climbing has been officially prohibited since 1987. Safety is a major reason: the steps are worn, sections of the route have been damaged, and mountain weather can turn without warning.

There was another pressure point. Crowds kept coming despite the ban, drawing complaints from nearby residents, especially those living near the trail’s start. Some visitors left trash, made noise at dawn, and scaled fences. Authorities responded by closing access; violators face fines of up to $1,000 and, in some cases, arrest.

Can you go now?

No. As of late 2025, the stairs remain closed. In 2024, officials began dismantling the structure, cutting away the metal sections. Activists stepped in: a group argues the stairs should be repaired and managed with controlled, ticketed access rather than destroyed.

The organization, Friends of Haʻikū Stairs, filed a lawsuit, and the teardown is paused for now. Whether the staircase will be removed for good is up to the court.

What should visitors do?

Climbing the stairs is currently illegal. This isn’t a symbolic rule—violations can bring real fines or even a record. The ascent can also be risky, particularly in wet weather.

Oʻahu offers other trails that are just as photogenic and open to the public. If the story of the Haʻikū Stairs still draws you in, you can learn more from the official sources without setting a foot on the route.

The Stairway to Heaven is more than a path. It began as a military tool, became a magnet for travelers, and now could vanish altogether. The island would lose a slice of living history if that happens. Perhaps one day the route will reopen—if a workable plan can both protect and preserve this singular place.