The stairway to heaven hike is one of the most amazing hikes in the world and it is one of the secret places to travel too. It is also quite a forbidden fruit with the $1,000 fine if the patrol guards catch you. However, do you know that you can legally hike the Stairway to Heaven?
Ps: now updated with the hiking trail to get down. (A different way)
Tips For Hiking Stairway To Heaven (Haiku Stairs)
- Personal limits: Be aware of your personal limits. The hike is can be dangerous and frightening, especially if it is your first hike. Hike with someone.
- Weather: Know the weather conditions! NEVER hike when it is a thunderstorm or rain. Check the local weather and conditions. Best when it with blue skies with light wind.
- Research: Cross check real-time information, do your research. A day before the hike and on the hike day itself, check Instagram posts and Instagram stories for the latest information about people in the area. You can also check Snapchat.
- Attire: Base on the weather, you will know if it is too cold for you or not. Nonetheless, bring a light windbreaker, just in case the weather changes and you need to keep warm.
- Food: Bring some food to keep that energy level high. I recommend some mix trail nuts and dried fruits. I usually make my own pack of almond, walnuts, brazil nuts, dried figs, raisins and pine nuts. You can also bring a few energy bars along the way.
- Water: Water! Bring water. Keep hydrated. Make sure you drink water while you hike. Drink plenty of water the night before.
- Insurance: It can get really dangerous and the US has some insane medical services, so I recommend you to get some insurance. Air rescue costs $1000, minimum.
- Early: Start early in the morning (5.30am) for the best view and the least amount of people.
How To Legally Hike The Stairway To Heaven (Haiku Stairs)
Short answer: you hike it from the back!
Long Answer: Hike Kaulana’ahane trail
Long answer: The trail you should be hiking is called Kaulana’ahane trail. The trail itself is legal and easy: 4-hours hike. Hike 4km up Kamanaui Valley Road Trail till a sign on the left for the start of the trail. Cross the Moanalua stream (28 times) till you reach a steep ridge with a panoramic viewpoint of the Haiku Valley.
The most challenging part of the hike is the motivation to keep going on the top of the ridge. One a clear beautiful day, you can see the cars on H3 below when you are above. Otherwise, you can hear them driving away.
At the top of the ridge, you go left and you will be at the top of Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven). The ridge is very dangerous and has no fencing, so you have to be extra extra careful. Use your hands and crawl on your knees if you have to!
Why can’t I hike from the front?
The front is where the actual stairs are located. They are partially destroyed due to weather and pose a huge danger risk. Hence, it is not possible to hike that way. Also, there are guards patrolling at the bottom of the stairs, and if they catch you, it is a $1000 fine. The back route can bring you to the same peak as the Stairway To Heaven (Haiku Stairs).
Details about Getting to Kaulana’ahane trail
- From downtown Honolulu, get on H-1 west from Punchbowl St.
- Follow H-1 West and H-201 West to Ala Aolani St. Take exit 2 from H-201 West.
- Turn right onto Ala Aolani St.
- You will arrive at Moanalua Valley Trail Start (Kulana’ahane)
How To Get Back Down
Short answer: follow all the people on the trail when it’s time to get down, aka when everyone has taken pictures of the sunrise and heading back down.
Long answer: follow the Moanalua Trail to get down. Do note that the trail can be windy and muddy, so be prepared with your gears. Micro-spikes on your shoes can help. There are ropes available to help you hike.
Trevellers is my way to change the world. Through my stories, tips and lessons learnt, I truly hope to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone, see the world and see who you truly are. Travel is more than just taking a selfie at beautiful destinations. Travel is an adventure, where you can truly become who you are, give you the time to reflect and grow to become the person you’ve always dreamt of.
Saigon in 24 Hours of Local Food
