The stairs were originally constructed as a means of reaching the radio antenna attachment points high on the surrounding ridge line.
The Haʻikū Stairs are closed to the public, although people still illegally trespass to experience the nearly two-hour climb.
The facility initially was built following the attack on Pearl Harbor as a means of communicating with U.S. Navy ships as far away as Tokyo Bay.
The natural height of the mountain ridges made for an excellent means of having an elevated antenna system.
bomb being dropped on the top of the building, allowing people inside to survive.