“One of the fabulous tales of the war now being made public concerns
the great navy radio-sending station built in the utmost secrecy
in Haiku valley, windward Oahu, starting in 1942…”
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 25 Oct 1946
In 1942, to transmit radio signals, the US Navy contractor’s constructed steep hiking trail, consists of 3,922 steps on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In 1987 this station was closed for the public but still there are hikers who continue to climb the ladders. There is a legal way from the back of the mountain, while climbing you may discover yourself & recognize the blueprint of your soul in nature. There will be a deserted cabin with an old machinery lying inside. At the top of the stairs you will find a cabin with huge antennae on top, you may feel like a survivor searching for any other signs of life. There are many travellers who get emotionally attached to this STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN and become volunteers to protect this historic place for current and future generations. FRIENDS OF HAIKU STAIRS (FHS) is one of the non-profit organisations consisting of passionate volunteers working to preserve the history, cultural integrity & ecology in Haiku valley. This place is a great attraction point for the people who love adventure, heights and breath-taking journeys.
To reach haiku stairs the main airport is Honolulu International Airport (HNL). HNL is the entry point for Hawaii’s visitors. A US Tourist visa is required for International Travellers. Citizens or residents from the “Visa Waiver Program” (VWP) will require an Electronic system for travel authorization ESTA. Visa waiver program is for members of 39 countries which do not require tourist or business visa to enter the USA. It is mandatory for VWP countries citizens get ESTA before booking the tickets. Travellers applied for ESTA can check “ESTA application status” online. ESTA determines the eligibility of visitors traveling to the United States under VWP. Application is not determinant the admissibility of a traveller to the US.
In following condition you need to check ESTA:
- If your ESTA number is lost – You can recover your ESTA number by entering your personal details on the ESTA website.
- If you are not sure you have ever applied for ESTA – In case you are not sure whether you have applied for ESTA or not, you can simply check ESTA.
- If you don’t know whether the ESTA has expired or not- If your ESTA has expired, then you have to apply for a brand new authorization application. There is no extension for the current authorization. You have to follow the same process as you did for the first time you applied and answer the required questions before submission.
While climbing do not carry too many things as it is very steep. Few are the necessary required items -:
- Hiking shoes – More grip the better, as it can be slippery
- Rain Jacket – Weather can change at times in the mountains.
- Extra T-Shirt – As original will get wet through sweat extra will help you to get dry & Warm.
- Headlamp – Your hands will be free & can climb easily.
- Water – Due to heavy sweating in tropical conditions, water will help you to rehydrate.
- Energy bars or Snacks – Carry some energy bars as you will need to replenish your energy at the top of the Stairs.
- Camera or Phone – To capture this beautiful experience you can carry a camera or phone.
Few places that cannot be missed around Honolulu…
- Pearl Harbour – You can learn about Hawaii’s world war II History and tours of Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine and Aviation Museum
- Waikiki Beach – One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for water sports and beach activities
- The Royal Hawaiian – Well known as “Pink Palace”, oldest hotel in Hawaii and has unique flamingo-pink exterior.
- Hanauma Bay – Very popular snorkelling spot on Oahu, famous for coral reefs which have a variety of fish.
- Turtle Beach – Place where you can see huge sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Hawaii is also famous for its distinct style of food, Hawaii cuisine is well known for its regional food. Few are the famous unique dishes you should not miss while traveling the stairway to heaven.
- Poi – Taro is a plant and main agricultural crop in Hawaii Island for centuries. Poi is cooked with the taro plant and is mostly eaten with the pork.
- Lau-Lau – Wrapped Taro leaves with the filling of fish, meat and other spices cooked into an underground oven.
- Haupia – Traditionally Hawaiian dessert made with sweet coconut milk and ground Pia as a thickening agent.
- Ahi – is a traditionally staple Hawaiian dish made up of fish, mostly eaten with rice.
- Kalua Pork – wild boar wrapped in the leaves cooked in an underground oven.
