Why Hawaii is Tearing Down the Stairway to Heaven

Hawaii's Haiku Stairs are among the most famous hikes on Earth. Last September, plans were approved to tear them down. This year I took a trip to Hawaii to see them in person and tell their story before it ends.

Further reading:

Archival images courtesy of Friends of Haʻikū Stairs

📷 Gear I used to make this video:

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[Robin_Goodfellow]

I used to build trails professionally. I can tell you now that those stairs are easily the most sustainable option from an environmental impact standpoint, especially given the level of use. Repair them and figure out how to give people a reasonable level of access, because people won't stop hiking there if you take them out. In fact, if a social trail forms in place of the stairs you'll get the same awful erosion you saw on the front side.

[conradk]

My grandfather walked those stairs routinely while stationed there in WW2. He was one of the members responsible for maintaining the radio equipment up there.

[CPerryTravels]

The Hawaii officials are out of their minds for wanting to remove the beautiful stairs. It’s such a world famous and historical attraction that catches the attention of so many! The stairs themselves are not dangerous at all, I climbed up the backside of the mount the “legal way” and that is so much more dangerous and slippery compared to walking up the actual stairs that even have rails to hold. I understand the problem with the neighborhood nearby and feel that Oahu should keep the stairs but charge some kind of admission fee for anyone wanting to hike up the stairs.

[jaimemcdanieltravels]

I hiked up Haiku Stairs several times about 33 years ago when I lived there. I have hiked a lot more dangerous trails in Hawaii but the stairs were in a little better condition back then. I understand the people that live there getting tired of the traffic. To me going up was easier than coming down. You are tired from the walk up, and going down puts more pressure on your knees and thighs! I have hiked and camped all over mountains on Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Stairway is definitely one of the most beautiful views and one I will never forget!

[IfWeGoTo]

Did this hike when we lived there.... shame to hear they're going through with the removal. They are so easy (despite how the photos make them appear lol) and felt much safer compared to many of the hikes on Oahu... people will certainly continue do the hike and it will just become so much harder and more dangerous. :(

[MostEnvious]

I climbed them once. Had a cop waiting for me where I parked. He was cool about it, gave me a warning and we both went on our way.

[rey]

As a Hawaii resident, I have to say this is the result of the government not managing in any way, shape or form these attractions. Where is the designated parking? Where are the visitor centers? Where are the park rangers? Most attractions are accessed by cutting past people's back yards. In most other states, that would be trespassing with the accompanying consequences. This is not the only natural attraction in Hawaii that is literally accessed by intruding upon people's property. I put this and many of the problems related to visitors trespassing or being where they do not belong squarely on the state's lack of management. They take the position of doing nothing. Consider that rather ironic given the state's tendency to micromanage and over regulate most other aspects of a resident's life.

[.DroneSolutions]

As a videographer I can say that the work put into this video is nothing short of incredible. You and the people that put work into this should be extremely proud. Wicked job guys!!!

[KristinaAdventures]

your storytelling and cinematography is absolutely top notch. Learning little bits and pieces from you here and there, you are a true inspiration Aidin! you deserve all the success, your quality of work is incredible!! can't wait for your next video 😇✌

[ConnorTrimble]

It is legal the "back way" like you mentioned, but the second you step foot on the stairs it is illegal which I feel like is worth mentioning. ALSO, the spikes and over traffic from the back side are extremely detrimental to the trail. It's been insane to see it all change over the past 9 year living on Oahu and seeing the Instagram boom + geo-tagging absolutely ruin the stairs. It also doesn't help that there was a swing that was set up there a few years ago and someone almost fell off of it with a viral video + trampoline up there and other antics that pissed off the city.

The stairs need fixed though and it could be so easy to do. As far as access goes, there's a road away from residents with plenty of room for parking to make them legal. The lcoal government are idiots not to leverage the marketing they could get from these stairs and have a positive eco-tourism spin on it, but it's just another giant failure on their part. The local government is horrific here, just take a look at the rail.

[BigZ]

For a video about a set of stairs, this was actually an amazing watch. The music choices, the visuals, the education. One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on YouTube by far

[AverytheCubanAmerican]

Another beautiful hike with a similar military history is Koko Head. The hike is on tracks that were also built during WWII between 1942 and 1943. The military built bunkers at Koko Head with a base camp at the foot as well as operational facilities with a radar at the top so to provide access to the summit and transport supplies, they built a gas-powered tramway! The military stopped using these facilities in 1966, so they returned the land to Honolulu and thus Koko Head became a popular hike!

I'm a history buff, and my grandpa on my paternal side (Irish/Russian) served in WWII in Europe. He passed down his coin collection from his WWII travels to me. I'm always fascinated with WWII history wherever it is, so the historic value behind these famous stairs is something I appreciate. Although I'm very much not a Hawaiian, I understand the point of view of the people who live at the base, and I agree with the lesson at the end. People should be more mindful. As tourists, we visit these places around the world to ADMIRE and RESPECT them...not to break laws or treat them like a wastebasket! The stairs are basically a world wonder and losing them is sad...but we must learn from this, and grow as people.

[greerharper]

I went up Haiku stairs several times as a child and I never felt unsafe. Comparatively, I thought I was going to die both times I went on Olamana trails (3rd peak especially) and several others, including Moanaloa trail (backward stairs). I hope they save the stairs.

[PrestonGladd]

I live at the base of Tripler Trail which is the second alternate route to the top from the back side but have not had a chance to do the hike yet. I really do wish they would implement a structured plan to retain the stairs, their history, and to turn the stairs into a profitable attraction for the local community. Great docu-short! I am retired from the military and dabble in making content and appreciated the creativity and flow of this film.

[trishrobbins]

The Manitou Incline, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, has a similar story. It was over used, parking was impossible, stairs were treacherous. Locals got together, rebuilt the stairs, require reservations to climb, and charge for parking.

[Thelashaymarie]

As a military kid i lived in hawaii for three years and when we would drive on the highway to go to the beach i would see the stairway to heaven. Although i wouldnt climb it it just looks awesome and a great thing to see and cool to see people climbing it as we drive. Sad to see it go away smh

[vinuzula]

I live in Oahu and I always spot the stairs while driving around the island with my family. It was always cool to see the stairs, sad it's getting destroyed.

[SuiSlyder]

This has been a big subject over here for decades. Thank you for highlighting this, Stairway to Heaven is a hike everyone needs to experience at least once.

[scottcostello]

I took the back way up with my wife in 2018. We aren’t pro hikers but at the time we were in pretty good shape. We bought proper shoes and such for the walk. It was extremely beautiful and glad I could do it. I’d like to do it again next time I go.

[SamEckholm]

Awesome video, man. I know you primarily stick to the videography/tutorial niche, but I think you could have some amazing success doing more of this documentary/history style. I’d love to see more of it for sure!