Surviving The Sizzle: Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling To Heat Wave Zones!

Summers are warm. However, Scorching heat in certain places has highlighted them as heat wave zones. With heat wave temperatures across many areas worldwide, we are reminded that climate change is a global phenomenon.

A significant health risk, heat wave zones make it difficult for people to travel, stay, enjoy or perform professional liabilities. I will identify certain important factors that influence travel plans, health risks and ways in which you can be safe from heat waves.

The conditions that are being observed across the world in some beautiful vacation-worthy locations are serious! They can impact your health and lifestyle, so read the article to learn about the dangerous conditions that will likely affect your travel plans.

Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling To Heat Wave Zones!

Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling To Heat Wave Zones

Across the world, many places are currently heating up! Several tourist destinations and other places in Asia, Europe and the United States have heat wave temperatures. Officials in countries like France and Italy in Europe have issued health warnings.

I am not saying it is highly risky, but the probability of the situation becoming risky is high! If you are visiting one of the heat wave zones, you may not be able to stick to your original plan, be it for vacation or professional liabilities.

Let’s explore further the precautions you might take to be safe when you visit or have to visit a heat wave zone!

What Are Heat Waves?

What Are Heat Waves?

The increasing global temperature worldwide has led to people experiencing some of the hottest days! According to the weather reports, the heat intensifying in several countries worldwide has led to people fainting, sunburns and health concerns such as sunstroke.

It is identified as a heat wave, especially when the temperature from June 2023 has been recorded as the warmest in the global records. The increasing heat wave temperature has succinctly impacted water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, energy, human health and economies.

One of the major reasons for heat waves has been greenhouse gas emissions, which need to be cut off as soon as possible. Climate change is a serious threat; we must take it that way to survive and help our future generations.

What Are The Regions With Heat Wave Zones?

Regions With Heat Wave Zones
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In Europe, the temperature in Rome reached 104°F in July, while in Sardinia, it was 112°F. In at least 23 cities in Italy, there have been red alerts for the weather as the heat wave is potentially becoming a threat in recent times. Tourists have been passing out, creating an awareness towards global climate change and crisis.

Now, Death Valley in Nevada, running along a section of the border of Central California, is identified as the “hottest place on earth“! The National Weather Service reported that the temperature reached 128°F in July 2023, a clear cause for concern. People living in Los Angeles heat wave are having serious health issue concerns!

According to the weather forecast, the capital of Arizona, Phoenix, has seen a rise in temperature to 114°F while Florida and Texas are equally heating up! La Palma, located in the Canary Islands, has been riddled with wildfires recently, leading to the evacuation of 4,000 people from their homes.

The popular tourist destination, the Acropolis in Athens, was shut down at the beginning of July this year during midday! It is peak time for tourist visits, but because the authorities informed us the temperature could rise to 111.2°F within a week, it was closed!

In China, the recorded temperature in northwestern Xinjiang province was 126°F. Places worldwide have been hampered by the heat wave temperatures, impacting people’s lifestyles, tourism and the country’s economy.

Is It Safe To Travel To Heat Wave Zones?

Is It Safe To Travel To Heat Wave Zones?
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As travelers, you should check the upcoming weather and climate of the location that you are visiting! If you visit one of the places I have stated regarding increasing temperature, you must keep a tab on the everyday temperature.

Your sightseeing might go differently than planned if a situation occurs when one of the monuments or places you will be visiting is shutdown due to increasing temperature. If you suffer from chronic health conditions, you should not go out, especially in the scorching heat!

If you are visiting from professional liability, you must carry out certain steps to cope with the heat. Remember that the temperature starts building from 11 a.m.; hence, try to enter a building or where your work is within that time frame.

Read along further to learn about your steps to stay safe!

What Are The Things To Do If You Travel To Heat Wave Zones?

Things To Do If You Travel To Heat Wave Zones

In the evening, the temperature will come down. Hence, it would be best to keep yourself cool in the daytime. The first thing is to wash your face and arms, including your armpits and wrists, so your body temperature can feel a bit of semblance.

You can repeat the action as much as possible the whole day! If you are visiting Europe, you’ve got it easy! There are fountains in Europe. Apart from that, you need to take cool showers and air-dry yourself! It will keep the temperature of your body down.

In some countries, such as Italy, residents are asked to stay in an air-conditioned environment for at least 3 hours a day. Try to find a cool restaurant, gallery or museum if you are visiting one of these countries to stay in air conditioning for some time.

Try to wear clothing that is made of cool fabric, such as cotton! It is even better if the material is light and loose from your clothing. Try to use sunscreen as much as possible. Recently, people have been using manual and electric handheld fans to keep the face and body cool as much as possible.

Another important thing that you must do is use heat wave sunglasses when outside!

Drink more beverages and filled food, such as fruits, salads, and veggies! Also, ensure that you must have insurance covering all your medical expenses before traveling.

What Are The Health Risks?

What Are The Health Risks?

Heatwave zones have several health risks, such as heatstroke or sunstroke! In this condition, your body cannot maintain a safe temperature, especially when exposed to hot weather. The body temperature must not exceed 103 Fahrenheit, but in sunstroke, it does.

There is also a chance of getting pale skin, muscle cramps, sweating, and exhaustion. Currently, the US heat wave is one of the serious concerns for business travelers!

You might get red and blotchy skin if you stay in the sun for too long! You have to take fluid regularly.

Chances of dizziness, headaches, and sweating when visiting heat wave zones are high!

Finishing Up…

Overall, climate change has led to health risks along with issues where people cannot avoid these situations. With increasing temperatures in certain places across the world, people, children, and senior citizens cannot cope with the increasing temperature.

People with chronic health conditions such as allergies to skin, asthma, upset stomachs, and headaches are facing more issues, especially when traveling to heatwave zones. I suggest following the tips and consulting a doctor if the situation worsens.

Let us know your thoughts about this situation and how to be safe in heat wave temperatures!

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Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

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READ MORE Jet Charter

Top 5 Advantages of Choosing Private Jet Charter for Business Travel

BY Ankita TripathyMar 6, 2024

In the modern era of business, the ability to get from one location to the next as quickly and conveniently as possible is paramount to your success. Efficiency is important in every aspect of business, including travel. For professionals and executives, time is always money. Maximizing productivity and minimizing downtimes are key components of success. One way to get the most efficiency out of your travel experience is to consider a private jet charter. Once thought of as a means only for the ultra-wealthy and connected, this avenue of air travel is now open to a much broader market. It offers unparalleled advantages over commercial air travel, while providing a level of comfort and ease unmatched by any other mode of transportation. Advantages Of Private Jet Charters At times, you might feel that private jets are for the wealthy, but trust me it is no more! it is famous and powerful but if you have the bucks, you can definitely book a private plane. It is easier if you are traveling for business because it is a fast paced world. Be it for a networking event, meetings in another country or conferences, private jets will help you get there in tiptop condition. However, there are some side effects of the private jet charter services. Here we are sharing both the aspects of the practice. For those who would like to explore this option further, we consulted with our air travel experts to uncover the 5 biggest perks that accompany using a private jet. Let’s take a deeper look at the benefits of chartering your own aircraft for business travel: 1. It Saves Massive Amounts of Time and Energy One of the most valuable assets in business is undoubtedly time. Unlike commercial flights that are dictated by fixed schedules that usually require lengthy security lines and check-in procedures, private jets offer guests the convenience of selecting their own departure times according to their own schedules. This eliminates the necessity to get to the airport hours before take-off. Additionally, private aircraft have access to a large number of smaller airports, many times much closer to your preferred destination. This means you can have direct, location-to-location travel without having to deal with connecting flights and layovers. This saves busy executives and businessmen valuable hours that can be used to prepare presentations, conduct meetings, or engage in confidential conversations en route. 2. Total Privacy and Luxurious Amenities Another benefit of a private jet charter is the level of solitude they offer. This is especially beneficial during long trips. By providing a level of luxury and comfort unrivaled on even first-class commercial flights, long trips can seem like they go by in an instant. Passengers on private flights enjoy much more spacious cabins and comfortable seating all while taking advantage of the custom-tailored amenities. This gives you the option of conducting business privately when traveling or simply unwinding and relaxing while enjoying the trip. 3. A Customized, Personalized Travel Experience As mentioned in the previous section, these charter flights provide numerous amenities that can be tailored to meet your personal preferences. Discerning travelers need not put up with a one-size-fits-all approach to luxury; a quality private jet provider will meet your individual needs when booking your trip. From custom entertainment options to gourmet catering, you’ll have the freedom to personalize every aspect of your flight. These providers usually have a dedicated concierge to handle everything from the travel details to itinerary planning to ground transportation and even last-minute changes. 4. Enhanced Safety and Security There is nothing more important in aviation than safety, especially for business travelers. Private jet charters must abide by strict safety regulations and standards, guaranteeing the highest levels of security for their crew and passengers. These aircraft undergo extensive maintenance and rigorous checks and inspections, oftentimes far above and beyond the typical industry requirements. 5. Cost-Effective Solutions for Travel This is the benefit that often surprises business travelers the most. While chartering a private jet might seem over-the-top at first, a more careful look into the financial details of this form of travel reveals a tremendous amount of value. When you combine the money saved in wasted air travel hours, delayed flights, connections and layovers, as well as the inability to conduct business during the trip itself, the tangible savings add up quickly. By committing to this form of travel over the long run, you can see notable improvements in your overall bottom line. Functional Part Of Private Jet Services For Business In addition to several advantages of private charter there are several reasons due to which travelers are informed about the right way! I am not trying to discourage you from accessing private jets for business but there are some factors which might impact the business side of it! When traveling by private jet, you have to pay the price for it! However, for business purposes, if you can access a private jet with the help of your organization, it is still acceptable.  Either you hire a jet on your own or you get it through a third party, you will have to pay a hefty amount of it!  It is due to several factors such as expenses related to flying the private plane, landing it along with regular maintenance!  you can also have a safe flight without the hassle of any overcrowded airports! As a traveler you need to develop an understanding of the way a private jet functions accordingly to help you evaluate the value and the effectiveness of a private aircraft! Read about the concerns that you might feel when you use private jet services for business. Bad weather is a risk that is not taken in private flying. Hence, there is a high risk of getting delayed or completely canceling the trip negatively impacting your business. How Business Travelers Benefit From Private Airplane Service! Route, flight timing and schedule and refueling, catering and other checks of the equipment are all under you. You will be completely in control of what you might think that it is quite easy, especially when you have the whole place to yourself. When it comes to commercial airlines, you get everything fixed. starting from the seat prices to the departure time, you just need to follow them however, with private flying, you need to develop and plan everything on your own. You will be more in control of what travel plans you can develop from the overall purpose of reaching the destination earlier! for long distance journey, you will learn about how to resolve disruption and delays. If you are on a business trip then suffering from weather delays can cause a serious impact on your schedule! In storms, jet planes can get significant impact as compared to commercial airlines. Settling for Nothing Less Than The Best on Your Private Jet Charter As you can see, the benefits of private air travel cannot be matched by any other traditional transportation methods. Whether it’s the time-saving aspect, the luxury and comfort, or the enhanced privacy and security, this method of transportation beats all others hands-down. By selecting this option for your business, you can minimize disruptions and distractions, elevating your overall travel experience. Read Also: Three Reasons To Fly By Private Jet At Any Time Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations! Entertain Your Guests By Choosing A Private Yacht Charter In Maldives

READ MORE are priority pass lounges usually crowded

Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Here Is My Experience With The Priority Pass Lounges!

BY Sarmind SafiOct 6, 2023

Are you thinking of getting a Priority Pass? Does lounging at the airport, with good food, good drinks, some rest, and luxurious amenities tickle your fancy?  Well, I have been a Priority Pass member for more than two years. And before you test the waters of a Priority Pass, hear me out on some of the best and worst airport lounges that I have been to around the world. You are bound to benefit greatly from my experience with the airport lounge membership network. How To Avail A Priority Pass? Image Source With the Priority Pass, my experience, on average, has been good. I am a sucker for access to the airport lounges while I travel around the world, although some are comparatively better than others. Some of the airport lounges I have had the pleasure of visiting are in Atlanta, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Istanbul, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Paris. The priority pass gives you access to electricity, free food, beverages, and drinks. Priority Pass does charge for drinks in certain lounges. What gives these lounges their allure is their additional benefits that go beyond lounging. For instance, in Atlanta, you can book one of their “Minute Suites”-- a private room where you can take a nap or work in privacy. There are some restaurants where you receive a credit of about $30 towards food and drinks, like the Corona Beach House in Miami International Airport. This lounging network is constantly adding new lounges to its membership fleet. I keep getting emails every other week with a list of their new additions. If you don't find your local airport, keep checking in because it could get added anytime. Priority Pass Restaurant, Spa, And Suite Deals There are some airports that do not have a Priority Pass lounge, but it offers vouchers and discounts for certain restaurants. Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Corona Beach House at The Miami International Airport are examples of such. If you want to redeem a voucher or credit, talk to the server before placing an order. Some restaurants will ask upfront, whereas others will ask for the Priority Pass membership card once it's time to pay the bill. These passes also have partnerships with airport spas, which could be free or discounted. Their apps will give you all the information you require to know about their services, treatments, and hours of availability. How To Avoid Lounge Crowds? Image Source Are priority pass lounges usually crowded? This is one of the most asked questions by travelers looking to get one of these memberships. Priority Pass lounges tend to limit entry during specific crowded hours. Sometimes, the lounge might be very full when you do get an entrance. One of the downsides of this membership is you do not have much control over when you get to visit the lounge because the visit depends on the time of your flight. All you can do is predict the crowd based on the departure schedules around the time of your visit. For instance, many hub airports in the US have international red-eye flights. Usually, the lounges get a thick crowd in the evenings in those parts of the airport. Sometimes, due to the crowd, you may have to put your name on a waiting list or simply get turned away. Priority Pass Airport Lounges Image Source Here are some of the Priority Pass Lounges I have visited that you would want to know before you invest in a membership or visit the particular airports. SkyTeam Lounge International Departures At Vancouver International Image Source Location: International Terminal, near gate 53 Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily This one is an intimate, 5,600-square-foot lounge that is open to Priority Pass members who are flying internationally. They serve business and first-class passengers of SkyTeam airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. The international rule, however, exempts travelers flying to the United States. The venue is sleek, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and minimalist interiors. The food and drinks here are locally inspired, including freshly caught Pacific salmon, dumplings, and noodle soup. The best part is the free-flowing Pacific Northwest wines that are available at the self-service bar. They also serve beers from Vancouver’s various microbreweries. Las Vegas This one is probably the last one that you should visit. It is as small as its food supply. I found them offering apples, bananas, chips, and ramen. Ramen noodles, though, were what surprised me the most. It's a lucky coincidence that I do not take flights through Vegas too often. IGA Lounge At Istanbul International Image Source Location: International Terminal, on the mezzanine floor on the right-hand side Opening Hours: 24 hours daily Istanbul is not a pinchpenny when it comes to its lounge size. When you are flying business via Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, the vast 60,000-square-foot business-class lounge will treat you like royalty. This lounge takes up the entire upper level of the main foyer. If you are flying economy or non-Star Alliance international flights, you will be more than happy to relax in the 48,000-square-foot IGA Lounge located in the International Terminal. You will find on this floor amenities like a pool table, a cinema room, a kid's playroom, and a quiet room with sleeping pods. It obviously houses a cocktail bar, supersized food spreads, and lots of seating options. Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Boston Logan International Image Source Location: Terminal B to C Connector, between gates B40 and B39 Opening Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily This lounge is open to the public since May 2023. This is the first Chase Sapphire lounge to be opened in the United States. It is packed with amenities, spacious with an area comprising 11,640 square feet. It is teeming with design-driven nooks for preflight relaxation and layover rejuvenation. Located in Boston, Logan’s newly opened Terminal B and C Connector. The central bar anchors its midcentury modernist-inspired area with many dining areas. They feature self-service, as well as service via the Club’s app. Its cuisine is supervised by Chef Douglass Williams, who owns the forever favorite restaurant of Boston’s South End, Mida. There are two wellness rooms with antigravity massage chairs, a private nursing room, and two dual-head shower rooms when you move deeper into the lounge. Dulles Airport, Washington DC: Air France Lounge This lounge is great overall. It does get busy, but it makes up for it with its French food and drinks that make it all too worth visiting. I visited this lounge before one of my Paris flights, and the lounge was positioned just across my departure gate. The convenience of it won me over. It was probably one of my best flying experiences. They also offered me one of those French Michel et Augustin chocolates. Turkish Airlines Lounge At Washington Dulles International Image Source Location: International Terminal, Concourse B, near gate B43 Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily This lounge kind of eases the otherwise rough experience of flying out of Washington Dulles in comparison to the centrally located DCA. The layover, too, is long and exhausting. But it is one of those experiences you still look forward to because of its delicious food options. If you visit them, you must try their mezze with pita. They also have a speedy bar service and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the tarmac. With Dulle’s airside connectivity, it is also accessible to travelers moving from other concourses by train or walkway. Turkish Airlines Lounge At Miami International Image Source Location: South Terminal Concourse H; take the elevator located midway between Concourses H and J to the third floor. The lounge is on the left. Opening hours: 4 a.m. to midnight daily It is one of the two Turkish Airlines Lounges that is accessible to Priority Pass members at the Miami airport, but the other one, located in the Central Terminal, is pretty basic and disappointing. The amenities available in the 10,000-square-foot lounge comprise a full-service bar, a buffet with hot and cold items, two shower suites, a kid's area, and seating spaces to accommodate both single and group travelers. The lounge is also used by business and first-class passengers of all the Star Alliance flights that depart from the terminal. Priority Pass users are asked to arrive earlier, packing some patience in order to enjoy the services this lounge has to offer. It gets periodically restricted in case of overcrowding. Barajas Airport, Madrid: Cibeles Lounge Image Source I have come to love this lounge. It is highly spacious, with three of its walls made of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A long bar in the middle of the lounge offers all kinds of snacks for you to enjoy. I had to visit the lounge for a morning flight, and it got me a nice little breakfast to go. There are lots of seating arrangements and electrical outlets to work if you have spare time. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Atlanta – Club At ATL This could easily be your favorite lounge, given its high comfortability. It does get busy, but the lounge is expansive and has a delicious selection of food and snackables to enjoy. I have been here for various layovers as well as visits to Atlanta. They have a solid coffee machine paired with the fanciest newspapers and magazines you could think of. There are quite a few bars where the bartender will likely make you a curated mix or just simply pour you a glass of wine. Despite the crowd, you can manage to squeeze in some work while you are here. Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Hong Kong International Image Source Location: Terminal 1 West Hall, near gate 40 Opening hours: 6 a.m. to midnight daily Chase opened its first branded lounge in October 2022 at the Hong Kong International Airport. This Airport boasts the world’s best lounges, including many top-tier Cathay Pacific lounges and the notable American Express Centurion Lounge. Although Chase does not offer what Cathay Pacific and AmEx offer, it is the best option accessible through Priority Pass, and it does not fall short of its reputation. The 12,000-square-foot Chase Sapphire Lounge is a mix of a huge dining area and small nooks, including a beautiful triangular bar, booths, and a relaxation zone. There are dim sums available all day, complemented by a range of Chinese dishes (it includes congee) and international cuisine. You can self-serve or order via the Club’s app. This lounge is available to both Priority Pass holders and non-Reserve Priority Pass members through the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The regular membership rules apply. Star Alliance Lounge At Paris Charles de Gaulle Image Source Location: Terminal 1, after passport control but before security on level 11 Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (though hours vary according to flight schedules) Assuming you spent your life’s worth of money in Paris, this lounge is where you can have some premium drinks, light snacks, and pre-flight relaxation without any charges. If the low ceilings make you feel out of breath, head to the outdoor terrace for some fresh air. This is also where others go for a smoke break. The lounge is placed after passport control and before security check-in. This is where most Star Alliance flights depart. If you are flying some of the flights that depart from terminal 2, like Air France or American Airlines, you won’t be able to visit this lounge because the terminals are not connected airside. Can You Use Priority Pass On Arrival? Image Source In most cases, the answer is no. A boarding pass is required when you enter the lounge, which is only possible for outbound travelers. You can not expect to head into a lounge after a long flight. The whole idea is to get travelers some rest before the long haul of a flight. So, the benefit is given to those who have a pending flight rather than those who got off one. Forget about a priority pass on arrival. They expect you to go home after a flight! Wrapping Up A Priority Pass makes your travel a little less exhausting with all the lounges you can avail of at your terminal. All you have to do is show them your digital card on the app and the boarding pass. They allow you in within minutes. In case they want to check you in with the physical membership card, keep the card on you. They usually do not make such a fuss, but if they do, having the card comes in handy. Is it worth it? Well, the $500 price tag is definitely too high, and I could honestly live with saving some bills on that. But I do enjoy being treated to good food and exclusive service at airports amid the uncomfortable hassle of long flights. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask “on are priority pass lounges usually crowded” please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Airwander: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Your Travel? Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? Is Skyscanner Legit? Know Your Answer Here! This Is My Experience With Play Airlines!

READ MORE stairway to heaven hawaii

The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem

BY Sarmind SafiOct 5, 2023

Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs. In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there. History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii Image Source In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps. The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna. When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987. Recent History In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft. Incidents Image Source The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself. In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor's Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine. The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it. Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight. The Trail We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually. Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers. From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs. On The Stairs Image Source We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them. We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one. Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge. At The Top Image Source At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit. The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes. The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it. The Guard Below Image Source Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue. The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023. At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu. Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time. Alternate Route Image Source The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation. Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else. Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy. Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure. Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek: 1. How Did The Stairway Come About?   The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since. 2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu? You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available. Wrapping Up The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes. Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!