The popular destinations you can't visit in 2024

Oahu's beloved Haiku Stairs to be removed due to misuse by tourists

Stars Insider

17/04/24 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Restrictions

In 2024, your wanderlust may encounter unexpected roadblocks as some of the world's most iconic destinations temporarily close their doors. From the ancient steps of the Acropolis to the shadowy corridors of Paris' Catacombs, this year marks a pause for some of the globe's most treasured sites.

Another addition to the growing list is one of Hawaii's great attractions on the island of Oahu. Mayor of Honolulu Rick Blangiardi revealed that the iconic Haiku Stairs will be removed by the end of April. The twisting staircase passes through a 2,800-foot mountain trail in Kaneohe, Eastern Oahu. It was created by the US Navy during World War II and was officially closed to the public in 1987. However, hikers and tourists continued to ignore signs and barriers, accessing the stairs which have become increasingly dangerous. The problem has only worsened in the age of social media influencers. In 2021, the Honolulu City Counsel voted unanimously to remove the stairs. “This decision that was made was predicated upon our respect for the people who live in and around the entrance to the stairs, our respect for our ʻāina [land and sea], and our respect for both the future and the past history of the culture of the Haʻikū community,” added Mayor Blangiardi. Residents in the area have reportedly been dealing with disturbances from trespassers for decades, who put the treasured natural landmark at risk. 

Under the banner of preservation and enhancement, these closures offer a moment of reflection on the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to protect our cultural and natural heritage. As you delve into this gallery, discover the surprising, and sometimes hidden, reasons behind the inaccessibility of these famed locations.

Click through to explore a world of closed doors and the stories they hold within.

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