Remixed from original photo © Brock Roseberry
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If you’ve never heard of Hawaii’s Haiku Stairs, you’re forgiven. This “off the beaten path” path is a steep hiking trail on the island of Oahu in an area few folks, let alone day trippers, ever venture.
Installed in 1942 to provide access to a then important military radio station, this so called “Stairway to Heaven” guarantees bold travelers breathtaking views from high above the island’s Ha’iku Valley. All you need to do is slip past the onsite guard (or go when he’s not around), swallow any residual acrophobia and hike the almost 4,000 steps to the top.
Sure it ain’t easy, but you’re virtually guaranteed to be the only one at the top. (Tip: scan the Haiku Stairs Facebook page for tips on getting there and back without getting arrested).
(This post first appeared on Modern Vagabond)