Why Hawaii is Tearing Down the Stairway to Heaven

Hawaii's Haiku Stairs are among the most famous hikes on Earth. Last September, plans were approved to tear them down. This year I took a trip to Hawaii to see them in person and tell their story before it ends.
Further reading:
www.haikustairs.org/
www.nytimes.com/2021/09/21/us...
www.newspapers.com/image/2761...
www.newspapers.com/image/2760...
www.scribd.com/document/44418...
The trail (use microspikes and stay on top of weather conditions, it's a gnarly route): www.alltrails.com/trail/hawai...
Archival images courtesy of Friends of Haʻikū Stairs
🎵 Music I use for my videos (first month of an individual subscription free with code AIDIN): share.mscbd.fm/aidinrobbinspla...
🎧 Sound effects I use for my videos: bit.ly/2WI2aJ7
🎥 Stock footage I use for my videos (additional two months free): bit.ly/307JPqG
Become a channel member to access raw footage and extended tutorials: / @aidinrobbins
📧 Contact Me: [e-mail]
📸 Instagram: / aidinrobbins
📷 Gear I used to make this video:
Main camera: geni.us/aidins5
Drone: geni.us/aidinair2s
Camera bag: geni.us/aidinbag2
Sigma 14mm f/1.8: geni.us/aidin14mm
Sigma 35mm f/1.4: geni.us/aidin35mm
Sigma 85mm f/1.4: geni.us/aidin85mm
ND Filters: geni.us/aidinnds
Microphone: geni.us/aidinmic2
Tripod: geni.us/aidintripod2
Hard Drives: geni.us/aidindrives
FULL KIT: kit.co/aidinrobbins
The links above are affiliate links, from which I gain a small monetary compensation when purchases are made. They help keep the lights on ;)

[@Robin_Goodfellow]

I used to build trails professionally. I can tell you now that those stairs are easily the most sustainable option from an environmental impact standpoint, especially given the level of use. Repair them and figure out how to give people a reasonable level of access, because people won't stop hiking there if you take them out. In fact, if a social trail forms in place of the stairs you'll get the same awful erosion you saw on the front side.

[@WhatIsLove170]

Honestly I don't get why the city is going with the option of taking down the stairs, it just makes sense from an economic, environmental, and traffic control perspectives. By managing traffic on the stairs through paid admissions, you make money for profit, you make money to better maintain the area, and you make the traffic manageable in the area. People are going to be less likely to flood in at unreasonable hours in the numbers they do if admissions are controlled on a paid reservation basis.

[@SuperPhunThyme9]

It's more fun to chop a machete path on the backside anyway

[@jbroge]

There is already another legitimate way to get up there. The stairs are illegal because it is dangerous and requires trespassing on private property.

[@moonriseproductions]

@@jbrogedangerous how? did you even watch the video? No one has ever been hurt or killed here, and no one has sued the city due to danger.

[@jbroge]

@@moonriseproductions why don’t you go find out for yourself.

[@conradk]

My grandfather walked those stairs routinely while stationed there in WW2. He was one of the members responsible for maintaining the radio equipment up there.

[@z1u512]

Your grandfather must have some jacked legs

[@esesmmee]

That's amazing 👏

[@ohweezuschrist]

no one cares

[@dannyguzmanc]

@@ohweezuschrist that’s rude , why are u so bitter 💀

[@fameolife]

​@@dannyguzmanc don't give the guy attention leave him be

[@IfWeGoTo]

Did this hike when we lived there.... shame to hear they're going through with the removal. They are so easy (despite how the photos make them appear lol) and felt much safer compared to many of the hikes on Oahu... people will certainly continue do the hike and it will just become so much harder and more dangerous. :(

[@danascoles1205]

i mean, are you really surprised though (ex resident of Waialua) i found the politics out of touch and ill betcha this is a sweetheart deal for a construction company.

[@pambrown6260]

The key is your statement that people will continue to climb them. there has to be respect for other people. You are not the center of the universe.

[@DeathnoteBB]

@@pambrown6260 Yeah the whole reason it’s being taken down is to discourage climbers…

[@slammingconcrete]

@@pambrown6260 but because of how big if an attraction it is, people will ALWAYS go there. It's a hike of legend. And to hike the same path those stairs used to be on, except no longer on stairs? Sounds fun to me. People like us are sick of rich motherfuckers buying up all the land and not allowing the majority of the population to experience it.

[@lollipop-qg8mh]

@@DeathnoteBB but it’s not going to stop them. A better way would just be to make it a lot safer and make it a decently expensively paid tourist attraction. If it’s legal and paid, they would earn revenue as well as prevent unauthorized access because they wouldn’t do it illegally if they could just do it legally for a price. Tearing it down not only costs a lot but also makes them lose a important part of history. Don’t know why they would do this.

[@jaimemcdanieltravels]

I hiked up Haiku Stairs several times about 33 years ago when I lived there. I have hiked a lot more dangerous trails in Hawaii but the stairs were in a little better condition back then. I understand the people that live there getting tired of the traffic. To me going up was easier than coming down. You are tired from the walk up, and going down puts more pressure on your knees and thighs! I have hiked and camped all over mountains on Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Stairway is definitely one of the most beautiful views and one I will never forget!

[@FOURFTP]

Hi, can you guide me on some hidden trails or spots to see in Maui …. Going back in July for my bday and looking for something new

[@rambrasil]

Yet not having tourism revenue actually is worse for Hawaii… just saying.

[@irish89055]

Isn't it true people have been lost on those trails and never found again?

[@MostEnvious]

I climbed them once. Had a cop waiting for me where I parked. He was cool about it, gave me a warning and we both went on our way.

[@360.DroneSolutions]

As a videographer I can say that the work put into this video is nothing short of incredible. You and the people that put work into this should be extremely proud. Wicked job guys!!!

[@rey3472]

As a Hawaii resident, I have to say this is the result of the government not managing in any way, shape or form these attractions. Where is the designated parking? Where are the visitor centers? Where are the park rangers? Most attractions are accessed by cutting past people's back yards. In most other states, that would be trespassing with the accompanying consequences. This is not the only natural attraction in Hawaii that is literally accessed by intruding upon people's property. I put this and many of the problems related to visitors trespassing or being where they do not belong squarely on the state's lack of management. They take the position of doing nothing. Consider that rather ironic given the state's tendency to micromanage and over regulate most other aspects of a resident's life.

[@darahw7028]

Well said, it is not ok to have people who want their to have their need to this experience override those who reside in the neighborhood -- it needs to be off limits or find a way to that access does not involve trespassing. As a resident of another Hawaiian Island, see this occurs a lot in Hawaii. There are many beautiful sites in Hawaii that are accessible without trampling over the rights of others.

[@rey3472]

@@darahw7028 Due to a total lack of management there are no rules or order. A disgusting situation. State is not doing their job to protect the rights of property owners.

[@rnettles6241]

Hawaii is democrat controlled. Think of it as "Portland in Paradise."

[@rey3472]

@@rnettles6241 That point is not lost on me. Bunch of lazy wanna be communist authoritarians. Unless something benefits one of their cronies it is not going to happen at all. If this state were better managed, residents and property owners near these attractions would have been bought out at market value and proper facilities built. I cannot blame the residents for feeling intruded upon. The hikers park in front of their homes. Do not respect their property or privacy. Use their water. Leave their trash. In most other states, barging into someone else's property outside of the city would have you staring at the bad end of a gun.

[@IkaikaArnado]

@@rey3472 Agreed. There was that case where the homeowner spiked his back wall and someone trespassed on his property at 4am to go to the stairs and got hurt and the homeowner got in trouble. Like a lot of places in Hawaii, outsiders come in and disrespect the place. It is even worse now with social media.

[@CPerryTravels]

The Hawaii officials are out of their minds for wanting to remove the beautiful stairs. It’s such a world famous and historical attraction that catches the attention of so many! The stairs themselves are not dangerous at all, I climbed up the backside of the mount the “legal way” and that is so much more dangerous and slippery compared to walking up the actual stairs that even have rails to hold. I understand the problem with the neighborhood nearby and feel that Oahu should keep the stairs but charge some kind of admission fee for anyone wanting to hike up the stairs.

[@Jayy_4k]

It’s dangerous and on government property 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@akashshelke1632]

​@@Jayy_4k but if they rather repair and have a managed access they could have a lot of money back and anyways they won't be using that part to build anything tho

[@shmooveyea]

Not really up to colonizers to decide.

[@goofyfoot2001]

Liberals don't want you to live. Liberals want you to consume and vote.

[@goofyfoot2001]

​@@Jayy_4k thanks Karen

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Another beautiful hike with a similar military history is Koko Head. The hike is on tracks that were also built during WWII between 1942 and 1943. The military built bunkers at Koko Head with a base camp at the foot as well as operational facilities with a radar at the top so to provide access to the summit and transport supplies, they built a gas-powered tramway! The military stopped using these facilities in 1966, so they returned the land to Honolulu and thus Koko Head became a popular hike! I'm a history buff, and my grandpa on my paternal side (Irish/Russian) served in WWII in Europe. He passed down his coin collection from his WWII travels to me. I'm always fascinated with WWII history wherever it is, so the historic value behind these famous stairs is something I appreciate. Although I'm very much not a Hawaiian, I understand the point of view of the people who live at the base, and I agree with the lesson at the end. People should be more mindful. As tourists, we visit these places around the world to ADMIRE and RESPECT them...not to break laws or treat them like a wastebasket! The stairs are basically a world wonder and losing them is sad...but we must learn from this, and grow as people.

[@indyj16]

I went up Koko Head. Pretty hard work for a tub like me. Ripped the seat of my shorts. But what a view!

[@ConnorTrimble]

It is legal the "back way" like you mentioned, but the second you step foot on the stairs it is illegal which I feel like is worth mentioning. ALSO, the spikes and over traffic from the back side are extremely detrimental to the trail. It's been insane to see it all change over the past 9 year living on Oahu and seeing the Instagram boom + geo-tagging absolutely ruin the stairs. It also doesn't help that there was a swing that was set up there a few years ago and someone almost fell off of it with a viral video + trampoline up there and other antics that pissed off the city. The stairs need fixed though and it could be so easy to do. As far as access goes, there's a road away from residents with plenty of room for parking to make them legal. The lcoal government are idiots not to leverage the marketing they could get from these stairs and have a positive eco-tourism spin on it, but it's just another giant failure on their part. The local government is horrific here, just take a look at the rail.

[@seeyouonthetrail4442]

Im going there next month and wanted to hike it, but if i cant get to the stair, at the very top, whats the point?

[@jojodroid31]

Instagram is ruining everything.

[@p__jay]

would be sad to see them go! who ever owns them can put up a sign at the bottom and the top - saying that everyone climbs them at their own risk. the people who live there don't have to complain, the stairs have been there before them! all the city has to do is restrict parking on the streets. if there is space for a parking spot, just make it official, charge like $20 and everyone would be happy!

[@x808drifter]

@@p__jay XD Except the people who did in fact live there BEFOR the stairs were even built. And the fact that there are already signs saying it's illegal. A sign saying do it at your own risk does not hold up in court if some asshat decides to sue. The people who live there complain because of the tons of illegal parking they do and go through their yards to get to the hike. Were talking about a tiny 3-4 home cul-de-sac.

[@janeblogs324]

When you say "local government" you mean the invaders who are claiming its their island now?

[@KristinaAdventures]

your storytelling and cinematography is absolutely top notch. Learning little bits and pieces from you here and there, you are a true inspiration Aidin! you deserve all the success, your quality of work is incredible!! can't wait for your next video 😇✌

[@aaronkirkland212]

I agree with you. I have a friend that watches youtube sometimes and he also agrees with you. When I asked him what he thought of your comment he said it was "top notch"!

[@KristinaAdventures]

@@aaronkirkland212 yess go aidin!!! What an inspiration to so many 🤗

[@greerharper4898]

I went up Haiku stairs several times as a child and I never felt unsafe. Comparatively, I thought I was going to die both times I went on Olamana trails (3rd peak especially) and several others, including Moanaloa trail (backward stairs). I hope they save the stairs.

[@PrestonGladd]

I live at the base of Tripler Trail which is the second alternate route to the top from the back side but have not had a chance to do the hike yet. I really do wish they would implement a structured plan to retain the stairs, their history, and to turn the stairs into a profitable attraction for the local community. Great docu-short! I am retired from the military and dabble in making content and appreciated the creativity and flow of this film.

[@Thelashaymarie]

As a military kid i lived in hawaii for three years and when we would drive on the highway to go to the beach i would see the stairway to heaven. Although i wouldnt climb it it just looks awesome and a great thing to see and cool to see people climbing it as we drive. Sad to see it go away smh

[@55umbrellas]

Yeah I was a military kid too and it make the drive on the h3 so much more cool and interesting

[@batzzowo8942]

Same here, I was told it was illegal but yet people still did it anyways

[@jacquelinekamai7445]

THIS IS A HAZARD👁👁👁😜😝🤫🤔🤨😑😶😶‍🌫️🙄😮‍💨🫨😔😷🤒🤕🤢H...A...Z...A...R...D. Someone could get hurt and the city, state and YOU GONNA POSSIBLY BE SUED🤑🤑🤑😌😌😔

[@mliu014]

Did the legal hike with my husband and it was incredibly hard and I’d argue dangerous. The trail gets narrow in areas and my husband tripped and almost fell down the mountain while we were on the ridge.

[@Shmancyfancy536]

Why did you do them then?

[@donmuchow8159]

Didn't "do" them Shmancy...they hiked up the legal trail up the backside of the mountain.......m​@Shmancyfancy536

[@vinuzula]

I live in Oahu and I always spot the stairs while driving around the island with my family. It was always cool to see the stairs, sad it's getting destroyed.

[@scottcostello1786]

I took the back way up with my wife in 2018. We aren’t pro hikers but at the time we were in pretty good shape. We bought proper shoes and such for the walk. It was extremely beautiful and glad I could do it. I’d like to do it again next time I go.

[@markvetter4711]

I was in the Coast Guard, and had the opportunity to climb the stairs in 1992. Beautiful view, and a great experience. I understand the need for management, but destroying this unique trail is wrong. Shame on the home owners pushing for this.

[@HondroB]

bro you killed this video, best vid you've made in a while... storytellign is A++

[@crashkg]

Did this hike for many years until they closed it. My in laws live in the neighborhood. Most people want it to remain up. It is a shame that bureaucracy and fear of lawsuits are bringing this landmark down.

[@braydenmetcalf4134]

Is it already being removed or can you still do it?

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Ah, Hawaii. I remember how back in 2017 I caused a scare because of a false alarm...good times, good times. This is a bit similar to closing the stairs in the Washington Monument back in 1976. Too many people vandalizing the plaques on the walls. Now all must take the elevator. And the city actually decided that 80 visitors a day couldn’t sustain the staff and maintenance. Meaning for it to break even as an attraction it would always be a nuisance. Still, the videography you did for this and how you got the point across was exceptional. You know it's amazing how five seconds into this video I thought to myself, "man, I've found myself a gem of a channel". Truly the Johnny Harris of hiking and I love it. For those looking for an alternative gorgeous hike, we suggest adding our glorious Mount Paektu to your bucket list. Our Mount Paektu is an active stratovolcano and is the tallest mountain in the DPRK, on the border between us and China. It is a culturally significant mountain to the Korean people as it is considered the spiritual origin of Koreans (Manchu people in China consider it their spiritual origin too) and is mentioned in both our anthem and the ROK's anthem. I've hiked the volcano both on foot and on horseback, and former President Moon Jae-in of the ROK has joined me on one of these occasions as it was his dream to hike Paektu. And for those who aren't daring, we also have a funicular which goes right to the peak!

[@trishrobbins9942]

The Manitou Incline, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, has a similar story. It was over used, parking was impossible, stairs were treacherous. Locals got together, rebuilt the stairs, require reservations to climb, and charge for parking.

[@davidsr9719]

I also did the Legal hike in 2000 while I was stationed there. In peak physical shape that hike was a pure adrenaline rush. Vines had overgrown the last part of the trail which meant a huge drop was the price for any mistakes. The view was breathtaking and I was still very happy even though I too was covered in mud. Wish that I could take my family through the stairs.

[@SuiSlyder808]

This has been a big subject over here for decades. Thank you for highlighting this, Stairway to Heaven is a hike everyone needs to experience at least once.

[@yellil_aresan]

Seriously ,one of the best videos I've watched in the recent times.The storytelling aspect is what really made this video I think .Keep making brother !

[@geekvinos]

Fortunate to have been able to do this hike back in 2013. One of the things I remember is driving past the stairs on the highway and how much they screamed intrigue. In that region there is such a steep incline and natural beauty to the mountains, which also are covered by lush greenery. The stairs themselves possessed such a minimal footprint that you could be forgiven for simply not seeing them. But, when you did make out the man made structure rising up through the clouds, they seemed to be a part of the mountain, rustic-like, aged like a fine wine. I gained an appreciation for the history behind those stairs and you could feel the utilitarian and purpose driven focus behind how they were engineered. The lack of modern safety orientated amenities was part of the allure. I'm not one to reiterate the words 'jaw-dropping', but the sunrise here over the valley and the ocean is exactly that. And I felt as though I earned that one, which made it all the more beautiful.

[@StardustDNA]

Oh wow, I didn’t even realize it was illegal considering how many Instagram shots there are. I thought it was just a hiking park with typical access. Was wanting to do that hike someday…

[@trippers.studio]

Wow Aidin🔥 wonderful trip..All the visuals and storytelling. You can see that there is a lot of work behind this video

[@ChrisMiciano]

This was one of the best and most fulfilling hikes I ever did. I am going to miss them.

[@SamEckholm]

Awesome video, man. I know you primarily stick to the videography/tutorial niche, but I think you could have some amazing success doing more of this documentary/history style. I’d love to see more of it for sure!

[@BlueFierce]

This has been one of my dream hikes :( your story telling was so well done. One of the best ones I’ve seen talking about the history of the hike! I absolutely loved it

[@umzalas7960]

Ain’t no body gonna talk about the editing and the filming? Insane

[@FastFink]

I was on Oahu for about a week before going on a military training submarine ride back in the summer of 2019. I took the legal route up to the top of the stairs and it was super fun, but the last 1-2 miles were quite tough and could be very dangerous, especially on a windy or wet day. However, the view at the top and along the way was amazing, and I can see why people would want an easier way up. I only ever touched the top step and took a picture for the memories, but the stairs looked like they begged to be climbed by tourists, and I think a proper management plan would make it safer for everyone. To be honest, even if the stairs were open, I would have opted for the 10 mile round trip back route, but if I was going with my family (parents and kids), then I would have just found another trail, which is kind of sad tbh. I think the city council should reconsider the cost-benefit here. And for those few families upset with the extra traffic, these stairs were probably there before you moved in, and there are tons of places where the same issues exist, so just consider yourself lucky to afford a house in Honolulu (or at all for that matter) or sell the place to someone who is happy to live so close to a good stair climb excercise.

[@adrianthoroughgood1191]

The stairs have been there for decades. The residents knew they were there when they moved in. It only causes a problem now because people sneak in at night. If it was allowed to use them in the day then people would just go then. If necessary using a different access route to avoid the houses as the plan suggested. It's perfectly possible to find a solution that is cheaper, safer, and beneficial to the local economy compared to doing away with them.

[@youtubeguy99]

can't believe they aren't willing to find a solution. It could easily be managed and tourists would pay far more than the amount proposed by those wanting to save the stairs.

[@alexine.musicc]

I love how you combine cinematics and information in ur videos! Absolutely loved this one.

[@cyruscrossan]

Loved the way you put this one together. Great storytelling, cinematography, always on point. Enjoyed the history lesson and the nuanced take on both sides.

This video was so beautifully made! All the visuals and storytelling. Your interesting thoughts at the end. Great work Aidin! Thanks for sharing :) it was lovely to watch

[@brad_in_yyc]

That was storytelling at its finest Aiden. Thank you. Informative and insightful. It's a shame they're tearing them down. But thanks to you, we have good insight into why they've debated it and although we may not agree with the reasoning, why they've decided to tear them down. Thank you!

[@drone-vision]

What an amazing content and a history lesson. Thank you. Very well put together, you can be a great journalist mate.

[@claudearreza9461]

Informative video Aidin! Thank you for your hard-work and putting this out! Amazing as always!

[@dorianmerrill]

I stumbled on your channel while looking into the Haiku Stairs (due to IG of course 😂) and I appreciate you sharing the history and both sides of the argument aroumd whether to close or rehabilitate the trail. Nice work, thanks!

[@jimhalpert9421]

It's very easy actually: The stairs were built by the military and therefore with taxpayer money. The military doesn't need the stairs anymore, so they should now fully belong to the public. Put a sign there saying that access is at everybody's own risk and call it a day. When the local residents complain about too many cars parking on the streets, build a small parking lot for a couple thousand dollars, like it is done with any other hiking trailhead. I really don't see why this is a problem at all.

[@rajanishraj]

I recently stumbled upon your channel and man your videos , cinematography and storytelling are incredible. The way the history is explained with amazing visuals are mind blowing. Thanks for the content and keep the good work

[@Justaguy714]

Bro your vids are so good, informative and straight to the point and visually stunning. Keep them coming!!

[@sarahfrenz4631]

I hope people stand in the cities way successfully because people will still go that route with or without stairs there. Historical sites are far and few. They should be repairing the stairs and then using the revenue to support locals by charging a fee for people to climb them with signed waivers of course and posted signs for liability reasons.

[@tysons8759]

Blah, blah,blah. You don’t live here, relax.

[@eridaskunt1856]

@@tysons8759 shut up

[@PhillipVu]

My fave video of yours I’ve seen in awhile

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Mine too ❤ He is so easy to listen to.

[@RecomALT]

yeah its amazing also love your conteny

[@mollyquinn1823]

Thank you for the history of the Stairway to Heaven & thank you for the beautiful views.

[@IAF1900]

Super interesting video! I (like most people) didn't knew that this trail had such an incredible history. It's a real shame that they want to remove it... You can be proud, this video is visually stunning and the message you're trying to share makes a lot of sense!

[@WesleyProductions]

Remarkable. The storytelling was incredible! Loved how this video was put together!

[@TawenthiranCreation]

Man this is why we loves your work - storytelling with outstanding visuals + research points, always!

[@MarioSoMedia]

Absolutely loving these kind of new videos from you! Great job!

[@AidinRobbins]

Glad you're enjoying them!

[@shoto42]

I was literally just in Honolulu yesterday for a week long vacation for the first time, as an Oregonian, it was weird seeing mountains that weren’t northwestern mountains was a weird experience and I found comfort in them whenever I looked at the Ocean(I’m scared of the Ocean) they have this weird sense of seeming small yet so insanely big. It was like looking at veins across a body and it was beautiful.

[@sarasthoughts]

STOP GOING TO HAWAII. LOCALS DO NOT WANT YOU.

[@nayR5]

You’ve constructed a beyond perfect atmosphere for this video. You are insanely talented, you’ve earned a subscriber in me.

[@NateSonger]

Love how these recent videos have been so educational

[@r22gamer54]

Great video! And great editing and storytelling!

[@joespn18]

That hike looked brutal bro! Loved the video🔥

[@celinabhandari]

This was incredibly made, love the work you’ve been creating

[@AidinRobbins]

Thank you Celina!

[@KhayyamSajid]

Aidin, You've reached a next level with this video. You were already on a different level and now i can't tell you how much i loved the video. Thankyou for this King!

[@danielbinette7968]

This video is so well produced. Thank you!!

[@SuelenTiekoPhotos]

Great video as always Aidin, it’s really sad that a small group of people controls what parts of nature we can or cannot see or access. I see so many similar cases here in Canada.

[@leeow3n]

Rebel.

[@bkailua1224]

Back in the 60's we used to do the stairs. No fences and no signs. But today you have to trespass to use them. Like a lot of places we went to as kids on Oahu that are off limits today this is just one of many. As for liability state government is afraid of it's shadow if it has anything to do about liability. This is also why so many other places are closed to the public "for your own safety". I think the logic is: being man made it must be maintained to be "Safe" and if someone gets hurt the lawyers will argue that it was not properly maintained and there were not enough safety measures. As for trails it is easier to argue that it is just walking in nature and you do this at your own risk. Try sue the state if you are walking on the beach and slip and fall. No way you will win that one. The other reason they close places like this is they do not like to pay for rescue or risk resque people when people go places that are dangerous. My feeling is go at your own risk and if you are in trouble, get yourself out.

[@rossroderickwhitney]

A very fine, clear, fascination documentary by a perfect narrator. And there's no truly awful wall-to-wall music. Thank you, Aidin.

[@JonnyHavens]

YO the editing (esp the treatment on the archival footage and animated bits) is QUALITY. sooooo good

[@idkjustleavemebeplease]

It also helps when you understand Hawains as one of the most exclusive people. They hat tourists, they hate outsiders, and it is their island.

[@leeow3n]

Well F the bigots

[@mtbreazeale]

I was stationed at the USCG Omega Station in Haiku Valley from ‘83-‘84 and did some of the stair maintenance at that time. The biggest danger in the valley wasn’t the stairs but the local pot growers who snuck onto the grounds, did their plantings and were very “protective.” Activity in the valley has always been controversial because the valley is considered sacred as it was used by Hawaiian religious leaders as a ceremonial site. OMEGA was a radio navigation system similar to LORAN which predated GPS. I helped install one of the first GPS receivers at the station but it could not provide positioning data during the entire day because there weren’t enough GPS satellites yet launched to have at least two above the horizon for a triangulation to be done.

[@sawyervalentine9521]

incredible film about something your passionate about. I really really like your format editing style and shots. incredible work.

[@leaveittobaker]

Like always, incredible photography.

[@staiain]

I live in a city that is overrun by cruise tourists every summer, I think it is perfectly fine that locals have a say in these matters and I wish we did too

[@sodobson]

well you moved there.. knowing about the tourists.. so i disagree.. and i agree with what he said in the video.. we are all wrong and right... but those nearest the hike start.. should have a say.. but thats it.. they can deal with it or move.. plain and simple.

[@yourmum69_420]

move somewhere else then

[@tracylamon1422]

I live on Maui my family lives on Oahu . Hiked those stairs many times when the coast Guard managed them , before social media … the crowds were small . Now with social media the crowds are beyond acceptable. The neighbors are over it . But the problem with the stairs is deeper than neighbors. It’s a jurisdictional and liability issue. No one wants to assume the responsibility and liabilities to manage it . And I get that , if you allow anyone to pay and climb you will get people who do not have the abilities to make that climb on the trail , are you going to pre qualify their abilities? Rescues of people stuck on trails in Hawaii are numerous every day , and who pays for that ? Yes from the outside you can make many reasonable statements and presentations on why it’s more efficient to offer the system you described , But this state doesn’t operate that way . They want a private entity to manage it so they don’t have to . Typical bureaucratic ineptitude . So those stairs have been in limbo with a paid security guard sitting there for ….whot …40 years ? A long time…it’s the typical problem of too many people on a system with no real infrastructure. nice historical presentation your video.

[@IkaikaArnado]

This is pretty much it. No one wants to maintain and assume the liability of running it. The main entrance is also behind the State Hospital. In a mostly residential neighborhood in a non-tourist spot of the island. There are already people that have to be rescued from up there fairly frequently. And not enough people are going to front an admission cost to ever break even for that and the maintenance of the stairs.

[@jamessmithfilms]

dude.. really loving your story telling and how you are progressing

[@johnsilver228]

Great hike was able to do it 2 years ago we went up the back route and down the stairway, so great to have been able to do it

[@x808drifter]

I love how almost everyone saying keep it aren't from here. We've been tackling this problem for longer than my almost 40 year life. It was fixed and refurbed in the early 2000s because the city was gonna buy it and reopen it to the public. But the people that lived there pushed back as there never was a place to put visitors. Something that the city has never done. The only way to get to the hike beside the legal back way mentioned. is literally cutting through peoples back yards. Not to mention parking in a 3-4 home cul-de-sac. People over here acting like this has only been around for 2-3 years. All the suggestions have already been brought up and failed for one reason or another. It was mildly about the safety of the hike but more about people cutting through other people's back yards to get there. If the city/state would just buy some land and make a park/place to park cars this wouldn't be an issue. Problem is all the land is already spoken for.

[@williamalexanderr]

Brother ANOTHER EFFING MASTERPIECE !!! Everyone needs to share and see this video !!. It’s unfortunate what’s happening and the facts that I won’t be able to climb this the ( legal way ) while the stairs are still there to photograph it or record it but there’s not much that can be done. Btw the editing on the video was just sooo good !

[@justinsmith4562]

Calm down O'Neil

[@localfarang]

Dude you are killing it ! such amazing quality production videos paired with awesome research

[@RickBebbington]

Fascinating story and covered brilliantly Aidin, the storytelling was fantastic. I'd never heard of these stairs until I watched this.... totally want to go now, obviously!!

[@verothomas1524]

The biggest lawsuits against the city have come from tourists hiking down to the blowhole and getting sucked in when they stick their head over it as it blows . One of those lawsuits cost us around $10 million . I can understand the desire to exercise caution. The sheer nature of our mountains is beautiful but dangerous.

[@radicalnomad1]

This is sad. If I was the mayor, I would restore them. I just found out about them a week ago, but it's sad that they're not open

[@bardomeister]

Love this video man 💪 cool to get a little history, great images and solid story!

[@coolnanza1518]

The amount of hard work that went into making this video!

[@aff77141]

On one hand, removing the stairs lowers access from people who are too lazy to do things the hard way. On the other hand, it takes away an amazing beauty from people who can climb the stairs but can't go as physical as rope climbing and such. I just hope I get to this place before it's closed to the public all together, which if you're going to go this far should be the next step

[@gregprevite8548]

It’s not necessary about “lazy”. The stair actually project the ecology of the ridge. If all the traffic that the stairs receive was on the ridge itself, aside from danger, would cause massive erosion and damage plant life along the ridge as well. With the way the rain and mud is there the trail would be impassable in a short time without the stairs. Regardless the place is absolutely amazing and it’s a shame the local government couldn’t find a way to keep this open especially given the history of the location. Luckily there are so many other beautiful hikes on the island

[@jimmystewartuk]

Wow this mini doc is soo well made! 👏🏻 I use to live in Hawaii but on a different island so I actually never heard of this place. I think keeping the place, bring in proper management and making it a national park is easily the better option. If the stairs are just too hard for the average climbers, perhaps other kind of implementation to support visitors get to the top might be a good idea. Anyways, thanks for sharing man

[@booboo6134]

Excellent production and story telling

[@oxlip]

high quality, professional, and engaging. deserves more views and attention.

[@jmd1743]

It should be put on national register for historical places. I'm sure there are plenty of rich people who would donate to put all new stairs up.

[@MrShinydude]

It sounds to me like the real solution was to provide a parking lot or something for public access... you know... if you were actually trying to solve the problem instead of just destroying something a lot of people like.

[@barlassahinoglu7832]

This is so well told. Beautiful ❤

[@debmalooo2286]

speechless i am.. you nailed it Robbins💕💕

[@yesleftnip3383]

So I went to the school at the bottom of the stair and let me tell you, the amount of times we had hikers trespass and even try to park at the school is ridiculous. Having them pop out of the bush while were doing Piko is not okay. We have preschoolers! its a security risk. I dont understand why its so hard for some people to respect the wishes of people who live there and the law. Theres a legal route to the summit, do that instead.

[@ericfielding2540]

Great story and videography.

[@erwandbe]

Hey Aidin just a quick message to let you know that I really like your work everytime in term of editing, attention to details, storytelling,... Keep it up man ;)

[@AidinRobbins]

Appreciate the support!

[@USMCasper]

They allow the tent cities to pop up but not save this. Living there really opens your eyes to things. Million dollar homes next to shanty housing.

[@jordankapeliela]

Reason why it's coming down is mainly because of it being dangerous, and the fact that people who do go up tend to not malama (take care of) the place. This person even though he has done his research, it's still not quite there. There has been people who have gone missing up there, including an 18 year old back in 2015 who is still yet to be found. Also there seems to be a lot of people who get stuck up there, and the fire department helicopter must go up and save them costing thousands, and putting our first responders at risk. At the same time, taking away fire fighters from being ready to help others that aren't on the mountain. As someone who sees the stairs almost every day, I do like the stairs, it's basically a wonder of the world. But if we are going to keep the stairs up, the people who climb it must be more courteous of where they are, (especially the environment) and others who call this place their home. The stairs is a privilege, and not a right. Thanks.

[@thesecretshade]

I searched the comments for anyone mentioning this teenager. Daylenn "Moke" Pua is his name. Still missing.

[@RoccoGermani]

Excellent video Aidin. It's a shame that they're tearing it down, they really ought to go with that plan for special access. Thanks for telling the story and capturing this beautiful place!

[@sorinsim]

Great video, your editing and animation skills are a joy to watch!

[@michaelbranham5854]

Even if people didn't trespass and vandalize the place, they are some people who just dont want people using such things, in virginia almost every forest road is gated off. I wish we had the same forest service we had in the 30s to the 60's they actually encouraged people getting outdoors. Now they want people sitting inside shopping online being a good little consumer

[@couttsw]

Who do the stairs belong to and have they banned access, if the owners have banned the access, end of story.

[@kevinl4837]

Ok but can we talk about the snap and the transition in 2:27? This is one of the cleanest transition I've ever seen. 10/10

[@ha-media]

Fantastic video and story telling 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@AKFF320]

Hawaii has so much to worry about, the last thing the state should be messing with is this! Those of us who have hiked this, should feel blessed, as it will cease to exist.😔

[@princessmarlena1359]

Exactly.

[@bryanlane7208]

RIP. So glad I got to climb this several times before they're gone. Shoutout to my students who I irresponsibly took with me. Edit: I should mention we only had problems on the legal section, when there was a mild flood and mudslide. That's common on many other legal Oahu trails. Edit 2: Am I the only one who thinks taking the stairs away won't prevent tourism and might actually make it more dangerous?

[@youtubeguy99]

Totally agree, I hiked the back route last week, it was more dangerous than the stairs. I made it to the stairs but with a sudden downpour at the end section it was getting quite dangerous. I was well prepared with microspikes and other gear. I ended up giving my spikes to another hiker who was going back down the muddy trail and was totally unprepared. I went down with a group of local youths on the stairs and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.