OC's Sean Risley recently hiked the Haiku Stairs—aka the Stairway to Heaven—a two-mile out and back trail on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. While Hawaii isn't want for lush paradisios and stunning hiking trails, this one in particular, set in the lush Ko'olau mountains, has been dubbed "totally epic, totally illegal, and totally beautiful," according to one Huffington Post article.
Originally built in 1942 as a means of communication for the local naval base and passing submarines, the station and trail have been off limits to the public since 1987. Of course, some hikers ignore the "No Trespassing" signs and opt to slide past security guards to hike the 3,992 steps that lead up to multiple platforms, an abandoned tram system, and at the peak: a deteriorating, abandoned satellite dish that marks the Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe summit. "This was the most rewarding experience in my entire life—it was also the most dangerous," says Sean. If you're into steep drops (make that near 180 degree ascents and descents) and daredevil antics, Sean's advice to hikers is to bring a friend, plenty of water, a camera, and proper footwear.
For the rest of us who get our kicks through osmosis, check out the pictures above.
![]()
Sean Risley, three quarters of the way up the Haiku Stairs. His gear: a Mark McNairy hat and Peters Mountain Works backpack.
![]()
Sitting with the fog at around 9 AM. The (now off-limits) trail was installed in 1942 as a means of communication between the naval bases and passing submarines.
![]()
The 3,992 steps of the metal staircase lead up to multiple platforms and an abandoned tram system.
![]()
A rusted metal ladder that leads to the top of the tower.
![]()
One of the peaks right before a 180 degree drop.
![]()
At the peak sits a deteriorating, abandoned satellite dish which was originally used to transmit radio signals.![]()
The satellite dish at magic hour.
![]()
In order to get to the bottom of the stairs, you have to navigate through a bamboo forest.
![]()
A headlamp and flashlight are essential, especially if you're hiking at night.![]()
At the top of the mountain range. This is the flattest level area of the hike. ![]()
Originally built in 1942 as a means of communication for the local naval base and passing submarines, the station and trail have been off limits to the public since 1987. Of course, some hikers ignore the "No Trespassing" signs and opt to slide past security guards to hike the 3,992 steps that lead up to multiple platforms, an abandoned tram system, and at the peak: a deteriorating, abandoned satellite dish that marks the Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe summit. "This was the most rewarding experience in my entire life—it was also the most dangerous," says Sean. If you're into steep drops (make that near 180 degree ascents and descents) and daredevil antics, Sean's advice to hikers is to bring a friend, plenty of water, a camera, and proper footwear.
For the rest of us who get our kicks through osmosis, check out the pictures above.
Sean Risley, three quarters of the way up the Haiku Stairs. His gear: a Mark McNairy hat and Peters Mountain Works backpack.
Sitting with the fog at around 9 AM. The (now off-limits) trail was installed in 1942 as a means of communication between the naval bases and passing submarines.
The 3,992 steps of the metal staircase lead up to multiple platforms and an abandoned tram system.
A rusted metal ladder that leads to the top of the tower. 
One of the peaks right before a 180 degree drop. 
At the peak sits a deteriorating, abandoned satellite dish which was originally used to transmit radio signals.
The satellite dish at magic hour. 
In order to get to the bottom of the stairs, you have to navigate through a bamboo forest. 
A headlamp and flashlight are essential, especially if you're hiking at night.
At the top of the mountain range. This is the flattest level area of the hike. 