5 Reasons You Should Avoid Illegal Hiking Trails in Hawaii (2024)
If you start an internet earch for “hiking trails in Hawaii,” you can expect to be bombarded with hundreds of posts about some of the most beautiful summits or vistas in the islands. But, if you look close enough, you may also notice something else: words like “illegal” or “off-limits” attached to some of these trails.
You would think this would keep many adventure-seekers away, but many hikers Still, many hikers continue to trek these trails, despite locked gates, security guards, and several “no trespassing” signs to deter them.
Three years ago, the state of Hawaii closed the hiking trail up Mariner’s Ridge in East Oahu (but many hikers still trespass here) And, Hawaii News Now is reporting that the state is removing a concrete plank (made popular on social media) at the top of Kamehame Ridge in Hawaii Kai in order to keep illegal hikers out:
It’s a responsibility that shouldn’t be left to the state. Instead, hikers should obey the law and stay away. But, in case you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons to avoid illegal hiking trails in Hawaii:
1. Illegal Hikes Can Be Dangerous: Illegal hiking trails are notoriously dangerous (a fatality in June of 2013 was one of the many reasons the state closed the Mariner’s Ridge Trail). Dedicated professionals are in charge of assessing hiking trail safey, and if they say the trail is too dangerous, you should believe them. Instead of trusting the word of someone who posts on social media, check-in with the Hawaii Department of Landand Natural Resources’ website, Na Ala Hele to learn more about the hiking trails in Hawaii.
2. Illegal Hikes Can Be In Someone’s Backyard:Would YOU want someone making noise outside your window at 5 a.m. on a Saturday? How would you feel if a hiker left his dog’s poop in your yard? Unfortunately, many illegal hiking trails in Hawaii are on private property, and some are even in residential neighborhoods.“I’ve seen a lot of hikers who have come down after hiking and they’ve really just mistreated the property of the homeowners here,” Conor Malis, who lives next to the Mariner’s Ridge Trail, told Hawaii News Now. Kamehame Ridge residentLori Hiraki agrees and told Hawaii News Now, “When things like the trash and the parking, sometimes they block driveways, so that kind of thing. So if people were respectful then I really don’t think it would come to that.”
3. It’s…Well…Illegal:I suppose, for some illegal hikers, the idea of hiking an illegal trail is enticing. But, the glamour fades quickly when they learn that trespassing in Hawaii can carry a $2,500 fine. Trespassing is against the law. Period. And, police can give you a ticket and fine you if you’re caught.
4. Respect the Aina:Here in Hawaii, we’re taught to respect the aina (land), and that goes for hikers, too. Although most hikers take precautions to maintain the islands’ hiking trails, too many hikers in one area can make-way for erosion, which can make the trail unsafe. Add damaging weather to the equation, and a once-safe hiking trail can become damaged to the point of no-repair. By booking a hiking tour with a reputable company like Hawaii Aloha Travel, you can avoid trails that pose safety hazards, and you can also be assured your hike is fully legal.
5. Stranded Hikers = $: When hikers trespass on private property and get in trouble, it can cost thousands of taxpayer dollars to retrieve them. Of course, stranded hikers are hardly limited to illegal trails, but some hikers are less likely to call for help if they’re trespassing. And, that means a delay in getting help, which could lead to even more injury or illness. If you choose to trespass and hike a trail illegally, consider the police, fire, and rescue operations that may be needed if you should get into trouble. These operations are costly and time-consuming.
If you’re reading this blog, you must be one smart cookie! Which means you know better than to be tempted into hiking an illegal trail just because someone posts a picture on the internet. So, here’s our gentle reminder: don’t hike illegal hiking trails in Hawaii. It’s not worth it.
Many people fall from Hawaii trails and require medical assistance. Many people fall to their death, hence why a number of trails have become illegal. Do not go past signs that mark the end of the trail. Many of the exposed ridges and cliffs are dangerous to walk on.
Many people underestimate just how much water you might need in some situations, such as hot and dry weather, high humidity or high elevation gain, or difficult terrain. Dehydration is among the most common medical conditions happening to hikers.
The historic Haiku Stairs are a popular—if illegal—trail, but with hundreds of rescues and hundreds more citations for trespassing, local officials say it's time for them to go.
Originally built by the military in the 1940s, the stairs were officially closed to the public in 1987 after they were deemed unsafe. That didn't stop people from accessing them, though, and so in 2003 the city paid close to a million dollars in taxpayer money to repair the stairs with hopes of reopening the hike.
Hiking the Stairway to Heaven Trail. First of all, attempting the Stairway to Heaven hike from any access point is 100% illegal. The second you step foot on the stairs from the back way or go beyond any fences and signs in Haʻikū Valley, you are trespassing!
The new 'House Bill 533' legislation was announced by Governor David Ige on 2021's World Oceans Day and came into effect on 1 January 2022, making Hawaii the first US state to ban shark fishing.
Here's the truth—most hikers, even experienced ones, spend too much time and energy worrying about the scary—but low percentage threats like bears, mountain lions and poisonous snakes (granted, in some areas these are real threats, but..) and not enough time concerning themselves with the dull but common dangers like ...
The best thing you can do when hiking is to remember the “golden rule”: treat others the way you would want to be treated. Here are some main points of hiking etiquette. Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you're descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
Purchase a basic navigation book, join the local orienteering club, or consult a local outfitter. Know how to find north, to orient you map to the terrain and how to take a heading.
Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs, known as the "Stairway to Heaven," will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs. The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, are now known to lead the best views in Hawaii, despite being closed to the public for over 30 years.
Oahu's Stairway to Heaven trail, comprising 3,922 slick steel steps that ascend the narrow ridges of the Koolau Mountain Range, has been illegal to hike since 1987.
Michelle Yu the spokesperson for the Honolulu Police Department said hikers who get caught hiking the Stairway to Heaven can face a fine or even jail time. “Violators may be cited or arrested and may face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days imprisonment,” said Yu.
Now, it's finally being removed. Preparatory work to remove the Ha'ikū Stairs started last week, according to the City and County of Honolulu, with plans to remove more than 600 stair modules later this month. The stairs had been slated for demolition since 2021.
Police waiting at the top of the hike to book hikers is very uncommon but has happened on a few occasions. Basically, it is a high-risk hike, illegal and you may get fined, although the risk is significantly lower if you hike the backway on the Moanolua Valley Trail.
This unique status began when King Kamehameha in 1864 sold Niʻihau to the Robinson family. They decided to preserve the island's natural beauty and traditional Hawaiian lifestyle, making it off-limits to tourism and uninvited visitors. The name “The Forbidden Island” for Niʻihau is not only about limiting access.
Hawaii is internationally recognized as a state of the United States of America. Sovereignty advocates argue that Hawaii is an independent nation under military occupation due to the fact that there is no treaty of annexation between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the United States.
Oahu's Stairway to Heaven trail, comprising 3,922 slick steel steps that ascend the narrow ridges of the Koolau Mountain Range, has been illegal to hike since 1987. Although trespassing cost hikers a $1,000 citation, thousands still attempted the trek for an Edenic view of the island.
Once owned by Royalty, Niihau was purchased from King Kamehameha in 1864 and up to 1987, visits to the island were typically restricted to the owners and their guests, or government officials, which is how it gained its moniker; “The Forbidden Island”.
Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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