Hawaii begins process of removing World War II Ha‘ikū Stairs

The “Stairway to Heaven” in Hawaii , officially known as the Ha‘ikū Stairs , is being dismantled after being closed to the public since 1987. Built by the U.S. Navy during World War II, the stairway consists of nearly 4,000 steps winding through a steep mountainside more than 2,800 feet above sea level.

“I can promise you that this was not a capricious decision,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement.

Despite being off-limits, the trail has continued to attract thrill seekers, exacerbated by social media, according to the Honolulu City Council.

“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,” Honolulu City Council member Esther Kiaʻāina told CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now .

From January 2022 to February 2024, the Honolulu Fire Department conducted five rescues on the Ha‘ikū Stairs, KHON2 reports . Over the past 12 years, firefighters have rescued 118 people from the site.

The council has initiated a $2.5 million removal process expected to last at least six months.

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