STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: OAHU, HAWAII
In 1942, the US Navy built a top secret facility at the summit of an expansive mountain range in Oahu. The only way up — 3,922 steps amidst lush greenery and incredible ocean views.
Long since the facility sent its last radio signal out into the Pacific, the stairs have remained intact. Somewhat. Oahu spent nearly a million dollars repairing the stairs and considered reopening, but safety concerns have left them closed off. No trespassing with the possibility of a $1,000 fine. People still go. The trek is not for everyone, but the experience is worth the risk, if not heightened by it.
People still go. The trek is not for everyone, but the experience is worth the risk, if not heightened by it.
Besides, the guard at the bottom has been known to look the other way.
THE TREK
Before our hike, I did my research, scouring other blogs for advice, maps and strategies. Big shoutout to 1lifeonearth.com for his article, which helped us immensely.
Most recommend starting around 3 AM, as you’ll have to walk through a neighborhood no matter which route you choose, so it’s best to start before everyone is awake. If you know me well then you will know that I am not a big fan of mornings and can barely function as a human before 8/9am. There was no way I was going to wake up at 3am so we set our alarms for 5am which means we actually got up at 6am. Did I mention how comfy the beds are Four Seasons Oahu? Anyways, by the time we drove an hour and got there the sun was up and people were out and about!
I decided it was best to take route 1 and while we were walking to our route a neighbor saw us and yelled that he was going to call the cops. We ran back into the car and drove around for 15 minutes. I felt like giving up and driving back to the hotel but the whole reason I traveled to Oahu was to climb Stairway to Heaven. Determined, we drove back and parked one street over from the angry neighbor and looked to see if he was out. He wasn’t and we made a run for it but somehow took a wrong turn into the jungle. Wet and slippery from a rain the night before, we trudged along, only momentarily feeling lost. Luckily, I’d saved a map on my phone (highly recommend this!) and we were able to find our way. We finally made it to the bottom of the stairs around 9 AM.
I looked and saw a security guard parked below the stairs and I knew pretty much the only option we had was to run to the stairs even though chances of him seeing us were 100%.
My heart raced as we approached the guard. I kept my head down and waited for him to yell, “no trespassing!”… but he let us through without any hassle! I was so relieved and we were off. The second I stepped on the old, narrow stairs, a complete rush overcame me. Chills and goosebumps all over. I’d made it!
THE CLIMB
The hike took us four hours in total. At some points the stairs were practically vertical, like climbing a ladder. That’s where the full-body workout came in.
High in the sky, we touched the clouds. Once we reached the top.. I was lifted emotionally, connecting my physical experience with the nature surrounding us. Even as adrenaline rushed, serenity overcame me.
As we ascended, I couldn’t stop looking behind and marveling at how high up we were. The hike is a little dangerous and physically exhausting, but it’s also exhilarating. One wrong slip and you are donezo.
I thought my legs were going to fall of when I got back to the car. My whole body was in so much pain and I honestly could not walk for almost a week.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Save a map on your phone. Always best to be prepared, and you never know when service may drop.
- Check the weather for rain. It started sprinkling on our descent and I could feel the rails getting slippery. Precipitation could make the climb pretty dangerous pretty quickly.
- Wear proper shoes with grip. The terrain is uneven and the stairs vary in stability.
- Wear gloves. You might want a better grip on the railings.
- Bring lots of water and snacks (fruit and protein bars are great). I stopped to eat multiple times during the hike.
- Be respectful of the neighborhood while entering. Remember it’s their home.
- Bring layers of clothing. The temperature ranges greatly along the way.
- Take lots of photos.
- Take your time and enjoy the view!
At the top, looking out at the heavenly view, my accomplishment seeped in. Another travel goal checked off the list, and one of my favorite experiences yet!
