This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fight to protect the Ka Iwi Coast from development and the 35th anniversary of the successful Save Sandy Beach voter initiative.  As we continue our own struggle to save an equally treasured resource, the Stairway to Heaven, we take inspiration from these earlier victories and the lessons they hold: the triumph of community power over government corruption, the building of durable grassroots coalitions, and the commitment to environmental conservation.

In celebration of these great victories and in hopes of achieving our own, Friends of Haʻikū Stairs is delighted to offer another exclusive hiking fundraiser event celebrating the natural wonder, cultural heritage, and inspirational stories of the Ka Iwi Coast.

There are two hike options:

1. Advanced (3 hours): This hike is on exclusive, private land not normally open to the public. You will follow a steep ridge up on the left-hand side of the valley that leads to heart-stopping, rarely-accessed clifftop views above Makapu'u, Sealife Park, Waimanalo Bay, and beyond. The returning path down is a more gradual route on right-hand side. This hike involves modest rock climbing and semi-steep ups and downs with moderate drop-offs. We do not reccommend this hike for beginners or those afraid of heights. 
2. Moderate (2.5 hours): This hike is on exclusive, private land not normally open to the public. This path follows a more gradual route on the right side of valley, returning following an extension further down valley.  This route is suitable for intermediate hikers, but summit views at the top have steep drop-offs. We do not reccomend this hike to those afraid of heights.

Both hikes will be guided, interpretive hikes led by experts in their field. You will learn more about the cultural and natural history of the area, hear about its native plants, and hear stories of the land.

Evening Only Reservation -- Commemorative Program and Reception

Not up to a hike? Join us instead from 5pm through 7:30pm for our early evening reception. This includes access to a wine-tasting curated by global Master of Wine Stephen Skelton, a place at our gourmet charcuterie table, and the opportunity to meet, listen to, and learn from incredible figures in the Save Sandy Beach battle and a cultural practitioner who has chronicled the history of cultural richness of this region.

Friends of Haʻikū Stairs will host an early evening reception with a wine-tasting and gourmet charcuterie table for all participants. We will feature a special anniversary program celebrating some of the key heroes of the Save Sandy Beach fight, Phil Estermann & Gary Gill, as well as feature incredible guest speakers, Ann Marie Kirk, who will offer personal, in-depth knowledge of the Ka Iwi Coast and its history, and Kendrick Change, who will give exclusive insight into the fight to protect and preserve the Ka Iwi Coast. Guests will, of course, get an update on the fight to save the Haʻikū Stairs.

FHS No-Post Social Media Policy

Please note that FHS has a no-post social media policy (including GPS trail apps) on all trails that are not state trails in order to protect the trails from being “loved to death”. This policy is also designed to discourage hikers from going on hikes for which they are not prepared or which are beyond their experience level. We have permission from the private landowner(s) to access these trails and they also have a NO-POST protocol, meaning you cannot post any pictures of the trail and its view anywhere. Please be respectful of these policies so we do not lose access to this hike. Mahalo!