The hike up the Haiku Stairs, aka Stairway to Heaven, is one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. While officially off-limits, this windward trail is accessible to anyone willing to arrive before the guard shows up around 6:30am. Five of us got up at 5:00am and took to the trail on a cool, windy Thursday morning and over the next 1.5 hours, made our way up the all-metal staircase that drapes the ascending ridgeline. At a couple points, the stairs become vertical enough where the hand-over-hand technique is safer than holding the metal railings that line both sides of the stairs. While your heart may skip a beat or two, the trail is still safe for all. Along the way you’re treated with stunning views of the pali cliffs and windward side of Oahu. As you climb into the cloud layers and approach the old radio tower at the summit, you may experience a whiteout and strong winds, but that just adds to the profound natural element of this must-do hike.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate (longer but not as grueling as Koko Head)
Scenery Level: Hard to beat
Get Away From it All?: Aside from the highway and Kaneohe far, far below, you’re likely to be all alone, up high in the sky
Extra Tips: You’re better off with sturdy sneakers or trail shoes than big hiking boots. Bring a light waterproof windbreaker.
Time: Give yourself around 2.5hours roundtrip, including rest stops
Just get there early! Starbucks opens at 5 
Special thanks to Michael Borger from www.MikesEyes.com for this activity review
*This review is for informational purposes only. Due to the legal grey area of this hike, FreeActivities.org does not recommend nor endorse participating in this activity.