'DON'T DO IT': Native Hawai'ian TikToker calls out white tourists for going on famous Haʻikū Stairs

Hawai’ian TikToker Camille Leihulu called out a popular travel TikToker and her friends for trespassing stairs that have been closed to the public for years, but still attract trespassers.

@camilleslagle

#duet with @sofmcmillan yes, she acknowledged it’s an old video, but think of the thousands more who’ve done this. DON’T DO IT. #hawaii

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In the dueted video, Leihulu is seen stern-faced while shaking her head while another TikToker’s video shows her and her friends climbing the stairs and admiring a rainbow in the distance.

“Full circle rainbow on stairway to heaven… can’t top,” the caption of the original video read.

Leihulu explained that Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” have closed to hikers since 1987. She added that Hawaiians and island residents “pay thousands in taxes to rescue people who get stuck up there.”

The metal stairs are a steep structure comprised of nearly 4,000 steps alongside the island of O’ahu. It was created to give pedestrians access to the former U. S. Navy communication facilities on the island. While the pathway has been used as a hiking trail by tourists and locals, it’s no longer open to the public. Last month the city council unanimously voted to remove the stairs.

“Due to rampant illegal trespassing, Haiku Stairs is a significant liability and expense for the city, and impacts the quality of life for nearby residents,” councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, who authored the resolution, t... (Read more)

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