Hawaii’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Slated to Be Removed

Although officially off-limits since 1987, Hawaii’s famous Ha’ikū Stairs, have become a favorite landmark for thrill-seekers. But they have also become a liability for the City of Honolulu, which cannot provide the infrastructure or security to maintain the so-called “Stairway to Heaven.”

CNN reports that on September 8, the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously in favor of removing the staircase for good. The removal could take place in 2022.

There are tons of videos about hiking the Ha’iku Stairs—both “legally” and “illegally”—and they all give you a sense of how gorgeous and treacherous these ridge routes through the clouds can be.

The hike depicted on this video from Life Outdoors is said to be “legal,” though the route appears to be without the stairs and more dangerous. Enjoy the video for what it’s worth and don’t try this on the road: