Starting the New Year with one of the biggest dreams on our bucket list felt symbolic, almost like setting the tone for the months ahead. We finally took on the legendary — and most forbidden — hike in Hawaii, the iconic Stairway to Heaven. This trail carries a reputation that both intimidates and inspires. It’s illegal, heavily restricted, patrolled by guards, and protected by fines, yet it remains one of the most desired hikes for anyone who truly loves mountains and challenge.

The story of these stairs makes the experience even more fascinating. Built by the US Navy in 1942, the ladder once served as a vital communication line, transmitting radio signals across the South Pacific. After being decommissioned in the 1950s, the structure was left to the elements, eventually becoming too damaged and too concerning for local residents. What followed was a full ban and years of strict enforcement, turning the hike into something almost mythical — a mix of history, danger and irresistible beauty.

The climb itself is something you can’t fully grasp until you’re on the stairs. All 3,922 steps rise sharply along the mountain ridge, leading you through clouds, deep valleys and cliffs that drop straight down. It’s a trail that demands both physical strength and mental focus. At certain moments, I felt my legs trembling from effort and height, and the wind only added more intensity to the experience. But step by step, the ridge opened up, revealing views that didn’t feel real.

Reaching the top of Keahiakahoe ridge was the moment when everything suddenly made sense — every shaky step, every breath of humid air, every bit of adrenaline. Standing there, surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of mountains, ocean and sky, there was no doubt that the journey was worth it. It felt like stepping into a place where time slows down and the world shows its most powerful, untouched side.

Beginning the New Year here felt like a promise to myself — to choose adventure, to challenge my limits, and to keep exploring places that make me feel alive.