The Stairway to Heaven Hike: The History and Future of the Ha'ikū Stairs

Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips, Guide and Culture Advice for Your Hawaii Vacation

Holly Sevier, Vice President of Friends of Ha'ikū Stairs, joins the show! We dive into her journey of protecting and preserving the Hai'kū Stairs, fondly known as the Stairway to Heaven on O'ahu. The conversation illuminates the history of the stairs, the complexities of conservation, legal challenges, and the group's initiatives toward maintaining this iconic structure amidst environmental concerns.
What we discuss with Holly Sevier:

• The rich history of the Haiku Stairs (also known as the Stairway to Heaven) deeply rooted in World War II, emerging as a symbol of resilience post the Pearl Harbor attack.
• The original purpose of the stairs as a route to reach a US Navy communications facility and its current status, closed to the public due to legal complications.
• The controversial 2021 Honolulu city council vote favoring the removal of the stairs.
• Introduction to Friends of Haiku Stairs, a non-profit organization formed in 1987 in response to the closure of the stairs, dedicated to their preservation.
• The actions taken by Friends of Haiku Stairs to protect the structure and its environment, which include maintaining the structure, removing invasive species, and raising awareness about its historical significance.
• The current legal status of the stairs, with plans to dismantle the structure.
• The introduction of an alternative proposal by the Kotolau Foundation to transform the area into a cultural park.
• How to support the cause by donating to Friends of Haiku Stairs, signing petitions (residents only), or engaging in respectful discussions about the future of the stairs on social media.
• Emphasizing the importance of heritage preservation and respectful tourism, underscoring the necessity of balancing preserving the past and paving the way for a future.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode98

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Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)

Chapters

1. The Stairway to Heaven Hike: The History and Future of the Ha'ikū Stairs (00:00:00)

2. The Haiku Stairs (00:09:07)

3. Debate Over Hattiku Stairs (00:18:53)

4. Preserving Stairs Through Fundraising and Advocacy (00:25:42)