With 3922 steps going to the crest of the Koolau Mountains the Stairway to Heaven has long since been a favorite in the past for hikers though now it is closed to the public. Why the past? Obviously, it is dangerous with some parts of the climb at a 90 degree angle.
This particular mountain peak is known as Puu Keahiakahoe and the stairs were built out of wood during World War II in 1942 for the U.S. Navy's Haiku Radio Station and the VFL antenna. The first structure that was erected on top of the mountain housed the cable and pully system (winch) and brought supplies to the war watch standers.
The "Omega" Station operated as Hawaii's transmitting facility for the Loran (acronym for LOng RAnge Navigation)-C Navigational System and used primarily for ocean and coastal navigation. Of course GPS (Global Positioning System) will totally replace the Loran C and definitely provides better accuracy for world wide coverage.
After constant rain and wood rot the stairs were replaced with metal stairs some years later. Even with metal,the stairs rusted and many were missing and broken so in 1987 the City and County of Honolulu closed the stairs officially.
Since the trail and stairs are now off limits to the public you will get fined and made to appear in court for trespassing. Not only that but it's very dangerous so stay off anyway. There are other hiking paths that you can enjoy around the island so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Maybe I'm just a little regretful because I didn't take that hike up the Stairway to Heaven in younger years.
Oh, majestic mountain
That we view from afar....
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