Yes, the iconic "Stairway to Heaven" hike, also known as the Haʻikū Stairs on Oahu, is being permanently dismantled. The City and County of Honolulu began the removal process earlier this year in April 2024. Despite years of controversy and community debates, a judge recently ruled in favor of continuing the removal after a brief pause in demolition due to legal challenges(
The decision to dismantle the stairs stems from long-standing concerns about public safety, the high cost of maintaining the trail, and the impact on local residents. The Haʻikū Stairs have been officially closed since 1987, but thousands of hikers still trespassed to experience the trail, leading to safety issues and costly rescues. Additionally, residents in the surrounding area have repeatedly raised concerns about trespassing, noise, and damage to private property (Davidsonian).
Although this closure marks the end of an era for the popular, yet controversial, hiking trail, the city plans to restore native plants in the affected area and ensure that some aspects of the historic site are preserved for its cultural significance as a World War II-era military structure.