Tourist warned to avoid iconic spot after 14 are arrested over ‘incredibly disrespectful’ act

A series of arrests at an iconic Hawaii tourist spot has prompted a stark warning from authorities.

At least 14 people have recently been caught attempting to climb the Haiku Steps on the island of Oahu, which are only accessible via a dangerous hike through a remote area.

Travellers are now being warned not to visit the legendary destination, with hikers being told that visiting the area is ‘extremely disrespectful’.

The forbidden destination, also known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” was built by the U.S. Navy during World War II, but construction was halted after more than 4,000 steps were completed.

“It is incredibly disrespectful and self-centered for anyone to be on the Haiku Stairs or on the Middle Ridge Trail,” said Jason Redulla, chief of the Hawaii Department of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE). CNN.

“It is very clear that these areas are off-limits for safety and the protection of natural resources,” Redulla said.

Given the significant dangers surrounding the stairs, he believes that if people do not heed the warning, “someone will get hurt or killed.”

DOCARE announced that all people arrested for visiting the Haiku Steps this past week have been charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

On September 3, eight of the fourteen tourists were arrested. It is currently unclear whether they were traveling together.

The legendary destination, also known as the ‘stairway to heaven’, is only accessible via a forbidden and extremely dangerous hike through a remote area

Built by the U.S. Navy during World War II, the staircase consists of 4,000 steel steps that climb a steep mountain ridge. They were abandoned shortly after construction

“It is dangerous for people to enter the construction area and dangerous for them to try to descend the ridge,” Redulla warned.

“They need to think about the consequences if someone gets hurt, or worse, and needs to be rescued,” he added.

Redulla further noted that the lonely ridge would be a “difficult” place for aid workers to reach.

The Haiku Stairs were officially closed to the public in 1987, but the steps remain a fixture of the local environment.

Over the past decade, influencers have brought more attention to this dangerous destination.

Over the past decade, influencers have paid more attention to the dangerous destination

Daredevils on YouTube and Instagram have posted videos of themselves climbing up and down the narrow staircase.

DOCARE told CNN that the hikers reached the stairs using climbing ropes.

For the local community, the stairs are a source of irritation: they form a landmark that leads to unwanted visitors, higher security costs and dangerous rescue operations for injured hikers.

That’s why the Honolulu City Council voted to remove the steps in 2021. Since then, sections of the stairs have been gradually removed using helicopters.