Stairway To Heaven Hawaii Hike, Oahu

Aloha and welcome to my travel blog about the famous Stairway to Heaven hike in Hawaii! If you’re an adventure seeker and love beautiful views, then this hike is definitely for you. Located on the island of Oahu, the Stairway to Heaven, also known as the Haiku Stairs, is a 3,922-step hike that leads to the top of Puu Keahiakahoe, a mountain located in the Ko’olau Range.

The views from the top of the mountain are absolutely breathtaking and worth every step of the climb. You can see for miles in every direction, and on a clear day, you can even see the island of Molokai in the distance. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, the Stairway to Heaven is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging and dangerous hike, and it’s not officially sanctioned by the government. In fact, it’s technically illegal to hike the Stairway to Heaven, and you can be fined if you’re caught. Despite this, many people still choose to take on the challenge.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the Stairway to Heaven hike, including how to get there, what to bring, and what to expect. So if you’re planning on tackling this epic hike, keep reading! 

Getting to the Stairway to Heaven:

The first thing you need to know about the Stairway to Heaven is how to get there. The hike starts at the base of the mountain in the Haiku neighborhood of Kaneohe. To get to the base of the mountain, you’ll need to drive to the Haiku Community Center and park your car there.

From the community center, you’ll need to walk about a mile down a residential street until you reach the entrance to the hike. The entrance is not clearly marked, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for it. It’s located on the left side of the street, and it’s marked by a small sign that says “Haiku Stairs.”

Once you find the entrance, you’ll need to follow a short trail through the jungle until you reach the base of the stairs. This part of the hike is relatively easy and should only take about 15-20 minutes.

What to Bring:

Now that you know how to get to the Stairway to Heaven, let’s talk about what you should bring on the hike. It’s important to come prepared, as the hike is challenging and you’ll be out there for a while. Here’s a list of essentials that you should bring:

• Water: It’s important to stay hydrated on the hike, especially since it’s hot and humid in Hawaii. Make sure to bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person.
• Snacks: You’ll be burning a lot of calories on this hike, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks to keep your energy levels up. Pack some energy bars, nuts, and other portable snacks.
• Sunscreen: The sun in Hawaii can be intense, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often.
• Hat and sunglasses: These will help protect your face and eyes from the sun.
• Good shoes: The stairs are steep and slippery, so it’s important to wear shoes that have good traction. Avoid flip-flops or sandals, and opt for sturdy hiking boots or sneakers

What to Expect on the Hike:

Now that you know how to get to the Stairway to Heaven and what to bring, let’s talk about what you can expect on the hike itself. As I mentioned before, the hike is challenging and dangerous, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Here’s what you need to know:

• The stairs are steep and slippery: The first thing you’ll notice when you start the hike is just how steep the stairs are. They’re made of metal and they’re quite narrow, so you’ll need to watch your step. The stairs are also slippery, especially when it’s wet, so be extra careful.
• The hike is long and strenuous: The Stairway to Heaven consists of 3,922 steps, and it’s a grueling climb. It’s not uncommon to take 5-6 hours to complete the hike, depending on your fitness level. Be prepared for a lot of huffing and puffing and bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
• The views are worth it: Despite the challenges of the hike, the views from the top of the mountain are absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, and the views of the island of Oahu are breathtaking. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the island.
• The hike is technically illegal: As I mentioned before, the Stairway to Heaven is not officially sanctioned by the government, and it’s technically illegal to hike it. However, many people still choose to take on the challenge. If you do decide to hike it, be aware that you could be fined if you’re caught.

Conclusion:

The Stairway to Heaven hike in Hawaii is a challenging and dangerous, but also a rewarding and unforgettable experience. If you’re an adventure seeker and love beautiful views, then it’s definitely worth considering. Just make sure to come prepared, follow safety precautions, and respect the land and the local community.

I hope this guide has helped you plan your hike up the Stairway to Heaven. Mahalo for reading, and happy hiking!