A popular tourist attraction in a famous destination known for its glorious beaches and mighty volcanoes had to be removed after tourists continued to defy a previous ban.
Hawaii welcomes approximately 6 million tourists each year. But one spot in Hawaii that has previously been visited by up to 20,000 people annually closed its door to holidaymakers.
The Honolulu government began dismantling the Haiku Stairs at the end of April. It is also known as the Stairway to Heaven.
Despite being closed to the public since 1987 due to their steepness, thrill-seekers continued to climb the Haiku Stairs, ignoring multiple “no trespassing” signs for the sake of the views.
The stairs were built by the US Navy in 1942 to access the Haʻikū Radio Station, a top-secret facility for sending radio signals to navy ships.
The stairs were constructed across the valley to reach the antennae, creating the famous stairway.
Since their closure, officials had struggled to enforce the ban. In 2014, six people were arrested and 135 cited, while in August 2012, comedian Fritz Hasenpusch died of a heart attack while attempting to climb the 3,922 steps.
Just last week, another five people were arrested for trespassing, and police issued 60 additional warnings to hikers.
Over the years, hikers have not only used the stairs to reach the viewpoint but have also tried the longer, more difficult route via the Moanalua Ridge, often requiring rescue by local authorities.
Honolulu City Council member Esther Kiaʻāina told Hawaii News Now: “Due to rampant illegal trespassing, Haiku Stairs is a significant liability and expense for the city, and impacts the quality of life for nearby residents.”
Mayor Blangiardi added that “this decision that was made was predicated upon our respect for the people who live in and around the entrance to the stairs, our respect for our ʻāina [land and sea], and our respect for both the future and the past history of the culture of the Haʻikū community.”
The local council had previously voted to remove the stairs in 2021, and now that it’s actioning the move, it could take at least six months at a cost of $2.5 million (about £2m).
Importantly, the decision to remove the stairs “prioritises public safety, aims to stop illegal trespassing on the stairs and nearby areas, addresses significant liability for the city, preserves the natural beauty and condition of the area, and improves the quality of life for neighborhood residents,” the council added.
The trail consists of approximately 3,922 metal steps that ascend the steep ridgeline of the Ko’olau Mountains.
The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including lush valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and panoramic ocean vistas.
The hike is officially closed, and accessing the stairs is illegal. Violators can face fines and other legal consequences.