Stairway to heaven: these photos will make your legs buckle!

The Haiku Trail on Oahu is one of the most beautiful and extreme hiking trails in Hawaii. The staircase, consisting of almost four thousand steps, leads to the top of the Kulau cliff, 850 meters high. The climb is so steep that only experienced climbers can keep their balance during a dizzying ascent.

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1. Haiku Stairs, or Stairway to Heaven, is a scenic hiking trail on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, meandering along mountainous terrain to a height of 850 meters.

2. It received its second name not by chance - the steps lie on a very steep rise, literally leaving in the arms of clouds and disappearing from sight. The route originates on the south side of the Hawaiian Haiku Valley and snakes up the slopes to the very top of Mount Pu'ukeahiakaho.

3. The staircase was built in 1942 for the needs of the military. On it, the commanders got to the antennas located on the top of the hill. They transmitted signals to US Navy submarines over long distances, as far as Tokyo Bay off the coast of Japan.

4. In 1987, the need for a radio tower disappeared - and the stairs turned into a cult walking route, which only travelers in excellent physical shape could conquer.

5. In 2003, the Haiku trail was completely reconstructed for the safety of tourists who still wanted to walk along the extreme route. Repair with the replacement of all steps and railings cost 875 thousand dollars.

6. Since then, the staircase has been periodically open or closed to tourists. Oahu authorities still consider this "vertical" route too dangerous for travelers and locals alike.

7. Due to the increasing number of accidents on the Haiku trail, as well as complaints from local residents about crowds of noisy tourists, the passage on the stairs has been temporarily prohibited since 2013.

8. At the starting point of the extreme route, police officers are on duty around the clock, who guard the main entrance to the trail.

9. If, despite the official prohibitions, you still dare to conquer the Haiku trail, passing along alternative routes to the stairs and passing the guards, then do not forget about the necessary equipment. Be sure to wear anti-slip gloves, shoes with stable soles and loose clothing. You need to have a raincoat with you - it will protect from the wind and will come in handy if the weather deteriorates during the ascent. Also bring flashlights, water and something to eat. Don't leave trash on the trail. On average, the climb to the top takes about two hours.

10. If you get caught - be prepared to pay a fine, the amount of which depends on the place where you caught the eye of the police, as well as whether you have already reached the top or you were caught at the start of the route.

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