Honolulu’s Iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Faces Removal After Decades of Trespassing

The Ha’ik? Stairs, often called the “Stairway to Heaven,” is an iconic landmark high above Honolulu but has been off-limits to the public for decades. But a few of the hikers did not heed these official warnings. In a few cases, they even ducked security guards and challenged the forbidden ascent up the steep mountainside, built over 80 years ago by the United States Navy during World War II.

The grim pathway is finally coming down after years of wrangling, debates, and discussions. Construction crews have begun dismantling the notorious pathway in a six-month operation, putting an end to the perilous climbs along the 3,922 metal stairs.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi said their removal is “long overdue” and reiterated that it is all about the safety hazards of unauthorized hikes. Rescues from the banned trail are frequent, with incidents involving stranded hikers requiring expensive helicopter airlifts.

Years of concern and debate over the stairway liability and its safety issues may soon be over with the conclusion to dismantle the treacherous staircase. The Honolulu Fire Department had been reporting several rescues on that mountainside each month, illustrating not only a danger to avid hikers seeking some thrill but also a danger to emergency responders.

Yet, with the closure, officials take some solace in the fact that the mountain’s natural beauty will still be open for all to see, minus the dangerous climb. The view from the Ko’olau range ridge, once easily accessed over the now -ong defunct stairway, will remain-a testament to the beauty that lured so many here.