14 Climbers Arrested for Hike on Infamous Hawaii Trail

14 hikers arrested for trespassing on Honolulu's closed Haiku Stairs, a dangerous site which has been off-limits since 1987.

Waimea Falls, Oahu, Hawaii, as shown Feb. 2, 2020. Waterfall / Susan Bromley | Hometownlife.com, Hometown Life via Imagn Content Services, LLC

On September 3, 14 hikers were arrested for illegally accessing the Haiku Stairs, infamously known as the "Stairway to Heaven," in Hawaii. This unfolded over six days, with eight individuals apprehended on the morning of September 3. The Haiku Stairs have been closed to the public since 1987 due to serious concerns regarding overcrowding, vandalism, and safety, as outlined by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

Despite the longstanding closure, illegal hiking activities have persisted, with individuals risking fines of up to $1,000 for trespassing. The hikers gained access to the stairs via the recently reopened Middle Ridge Trail, which is a legal hike; however, utilizing the trail to reach the Haiku Stairs remains strictly prohibited, according to DLNR regulations.

“It is dangerous for people to enter the construction zone and dangerous for them to try to descend the ridge,” said DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla in a statement. “They need to think about the consequences if someone gets hurt, or worse, and needs rescue.”

The challenges surrounding emergency response in this area cannot be overstated.

Redulla noted that rescues in this region are particularly complex, potentially delaying medical treatment for injured hikers. Due to the derelict nature of the stairs, this situation raises critical concerns for the safety of the hikers and the well-being of rescue personnel who may be called upon to assist in emergencies.

Local residents have expressed relief at the stairs' initial closure, anticipating a decrease in trespassing and vandalism. However, hikers' ongoing illegal access continues to pose significant challenges for authorities.

The DLNR remains firmly planted in its commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring public safety in the region, advocating for awareness of the hazards these illegal hikes present.