How to Hike Oahu’s Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) in 2025 Legally

Can you hike Oahu’s iconic stairway to heaven legally in 2025?

It’s up for debate.

I made a recent blog post where I shared that I believe you can legally access the top of the stairs via Moanalua Valley middle ridge. While it’s true that this trail has been a legal access point for many years, I now no longer believe that it is legal in 2025. The park was closed in 2024 amidst the controversy and reoponed, but I did recently notice signs that the trail was closed, that I previously hadn’t.

Does this mean you can’t go to the Haiku stairs?

The following is NOT legal advice or recommendation to trespass:

The truth is, a lot of Oahu’s hikes are illegal. Many are privately owned by the board of water supply or other entities. The questions I ask are, “am I harming anyone”, and “am I likely to get cited for trespassing?”

When it comes to Oahu’s stairway to heaven, I don’t feel that I’m harming anyone and I also don’t feel that I am likely to get cited for trespassing.

The state does not have the energy or resources to stop someone from hiking 10 miles through the back of Moanalua Valley. There are not cops hiking miles in to give citations. There may be cops stationed at the bottom of the stairs, but not in the ridge in the valley.

So long as you know the trail and are respectful, it’s very unlikely to get a trespassing citation over this.

Again, this isn’t a recommendation. If you want more info, please email me, I’ll be happy to help. Aloha