Hike the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven)

Kaneohe, Hawaii

Description

Distance:Elevation gain:3,922 stairs take you to the best view of HonoluluBeautiful hike on a mountain ridgeAmazing views the whole way upGreat calf and thigh burner

Most people refer to it as “Stairway to Heaven” but the official name is Haʻikū Stairs. It’s a steel staircase of 3,922 steps that ascends a mountain ridge, rising out of the Valley of Haiku near Kaneohe. The steps were built during World War II as military access to a radio station antennae, 2000 ft up on the mountain. While the trail is difficult to get to, the reward is well worth the effort.

This hike has amazing views the whole way up, and sheer drop offs to either side of the ridge. From some points on the hike, looking up, you see the stairs ascend directly into the clouds, and at the top, you are often hiking in the clouds.

It is best to go during the week, ideally Monday or Tuesday in the early morning, to avoid crowds and the occasions when guards turn hikers away from the trail.

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