Stairway to Heaven: These photos will make your legs go weak!

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 Koolau cliff, 850 meters high. The climb is so steep that only experienced climbers can maintain balance during the dizzying ascent.

The Haiku Stairs, or Stairway to Heaven, is a scenic hiking trail on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, winding along mountainous terrain to an elevation of 850 meters.

You need to have a raincoat with you - it will protect you from the wind and will be useful if the weather turns bad during the climb. Also bring flashlights, water and some snacks. Don't leave trash on the trail. On average, the climb to the top takes about two hours.

The Haiku Stairs, or Stairway to Heaven, is a scenic hiking trail on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, winding along mountainous terrain to an elevation of 850 meters.

It was not by chance that it received its second name - the steps lie on a very steep climb, literally going into the arms of the clouds and disappearing from sight. The trail starts on the south side of Hawaii's Haiku Valley and snakes up the slopes all the way to the summit of Mount Pu'ukeahiakaho.

The staircase was built in 1942 for the needs of the military. The commanders used it to reach the antennas located at the top of the hill. They transmitted signals to US Navy submarines over long distances - all the way to Tokyo Bay off the coast of Japan.

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

In 2003, the Haiku Trail was completely reconstructed for the safety of tourists who still wanted to walk along the extreme route. The renovation, including replacement of all steps and railings, cost $875,000.

Since then, the staircase has been periodically open and closed to tourists. Oahu officials still consider this vertical route too dangerous for both travelers and locals.

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

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

If, despite official prohibitions, you still dare to conquer the Haiku trail, taking alternative routes to the stairs and passing security, then do not forget about the necessary equipment. Be sure to wear anti-slip gloves, shoes with stable soles, and loose clothing.

If you are 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 on whether you had already reached the top or were caught at the start of the route.