The iconic Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii, a site famed for its breathtaking panoramic views and often touted as offering the most stunning vistas in the state, are slated for dismantling in the coming year. This decision, reached by the Honolulu City Council, marks the end of an era for a landmark that has captivated both locals and tourists for decades, albeit often in defiance of the law.
The driving force behind this resolution stems from the significant financial burden and logistical challenges associated with managing the popular, yet officially closed, trail. The Honolulu City Council expends approximately $250,000 annually on security measures alone, primarily aimed at deterring and managing the persistent issue of trespassers who venture onto the 3,922 steps that ascend the rugged terrain of Oahu’s Koolau Mountain Range.
Councilmember Ester Kiaaina, speaking to Hawaii News Now, emphasized the core rationale behind the council’s decision. "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," she stated, highlighting the detrimental effects of the constant influx of unauthorized hikers.
A Stairway Steeped in History
The history of the Haiku Stairs, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," is as intriguing as the views it offers. Originally constructed in the 1940s by the U.S. Navy, the stairs served a critical purpose during World War II. They were built to provide access to a top-secret radio transmission station nestled high in the mountains. This strategic location allowed the Navy to transmit vital signals to its ships operating far out in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
The radio station, a marvel of engineering for its time, played a crucial role in naval communications during the war. The arduous task of maintaining and operating the station required a reliable and efficient means of access, hence the construction of the original wooden ladder that preceded the current staircase.
Following the war, the Navy relinquished control of the station, and the U.S. Coast Guard took over in the 1970s. During this period, the trail was unofficially open to the public, attracting adventurous hikers eager to experience the unparalleled panoramic views from the mountain’s summit. These intrepid individuals braved the challenging climb, rewarded with unforgettable bird’s-eye perspectives of the island’s lush landscapes, sparkling coastlines, and dramatic mountain ranges.
From Secret Stairway to Tourist Magnet
The trajectory of the Haiku Stairs took a dramatic turn in the 1980s, fueled by the burgeoning popularity of television. The stairs were featured in an episode of the iconic "Magnum P.I." television show, starring Tom Selleck. This exposure catapulted the once-obscure trail into the public consciousness, transforming it from a local secret into a must-see destination for tourists visiting Hawaii.
The influx of visitors prompted concerns about safety, environmental impact, and trespassing on private property. In 1987, the path was officially closed to the public due to mounting liability concerns, acts of vandalism, and the pervasive issue of trespassing violations. Access to the stairs invariably required visitors to cross private land, further complicating the legal and logistical challenges.
Despite the official closure, the allure of the Haiku Stairs remained undiminished. Tourists continued to flock to the site, undeterred by the legal restrictions and potential dangers. This persistent influx was exacerbated by the advent of social media, particularly Instagram.
The visually stunning nature of the views from the top of the stairs made them an irresistible subject for social media posts. The proliferation of panoramic snapshots and captivating videos online fueled a global fascination with the trail, drawing in an estimated 4,000 visitors each year, all eager to capture their own slice of paradise.
A Burden on the Community
The relentless influx of visitors, while seemingly beneficial for tourism, placed a significant burden on the local community and the environment. Trespassers were frequently cited for leaving behind trash, disrespecting the delicate ecosystem, and vandalizing private property.
Local residents, understandably frustrated by the constant stream of unauthorized hikers, voiced their concerns about the disruption to their peaceful neighborhood and the degradation of the surrounding environment. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, the current owner of the stairs and the land they traverse, also expressed its growing exasperation with the situation.
In a June 2019 draft environmental impact report, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply articulated the core issue: "With the advent of social media, instructions to illegally access Haiku Stairs are readily available, and prolific sharing of panoramic snapshots encourages people around the world to risk the climb."
While fines for trespassing on the stairs were set at $1,000 per offense, this proved to be an insufficient deterrent. The revenue generated from fines was negligible compared to the escalating costs of damage control, security personnel, and ongoing maintenance.
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, while open to exploring alternative solutions, ultimately found none that adequately addressed the multifaceted challenges posed by the unauthorized access to the stairs. This led Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to align with the board’s request for the dismantling of the structure.
A Difficult Decision
Mayor Blangiardi, in a statement addressing the controversial decision, emphasized the incompatibility of a high-traffic tourist attraction with the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood. "Fundamentally, it is inappropriate to have a high-use tourist attraction entering through this residential neighborhood, which lacks the capacity to provide appropriate facilities or parking," he stated.
He further highlighted the lack of unrestricted access to the stairs and the unwillingness of the primary landowner at the base of the trail to provide legal access. "Consequently, my administration is aligned with the City Council’s resolution to remove the stairs and we intend to move forward with the necessary plans," Mayor Blangiardi concluded.
While the plan to remove the stairs has not yet received formal approval from the mayor’s office, it is highly probable that the dismantling process will proceed. The estimated cost for the removal of the Haiku Stairs is just under $1 million, and the project is tentatively scheduled for completion by mid-2022.
The decision to dismantle the Haiku Stairs marks a significant turning point in the history of this iconic landmark. While the stairs will undoubtedly be missed by many, the decision reflects the complex challenges of balancing tourism, environmental protection, and the quality of life for local residents. The removal of the stairs, while controversial, is seen by many as the only viable solution to the ongoing issues of trespassing, liability, and environmental degradation that have plagued the site for decades.
