UPDATED MAR 2020. The Deadmans Catwalk was an iconic spot on Oahu. I visited it and had planned to write a different type of guide, but days after I got my photos for the blog, it was taken down. The Deadmans Catwalk is no more. Instead of writing a guide, I am sharing some photos from my visit with some tips for other places to go that are just as beautiful.
DEADMAN’S CATWALK – The Iconic Spot Is Gone But Not Forgotten
Disclaimer
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What is the Deadmans Catwalk
The Deadmans Catwalk was a concrete slab at the edge of a cliff. The words ‘Deadmans Catwalk’ were spray-painted on this slab that looked like a plank walking off the cliff. The hike was the Kamehame Ridge but had the nickname Deadmans Catwalk from the spray painting.
It had the most amazing view of the sunrise and was a popular sunrise hike.
There was a hike on private property to get there and, though there were fences and gates, it didn’t deter people from hiking up to see the slab and the views.
The road to the Deadmans Catwalk
Taking down the Deadmans Catwalk
I was sad when I read the proposal to remove the Deadmans Catwalk. It’s a shame that areas like this are removed instead of finding a win-win situation of balance between property owners and hikers.
I wondered why the same effort that is being taken to stop outdoor enthusiasts from enjoying hikes isn’t being used as a force for good.
Wouldn’t it be better to help solve the many more important issues facing the community? Surely drugs and homelessness should get more attention than people going for a walk outside right?
The problems
On the other hand, I understand why they removed it.
The slab was on private property and you had to trespass to get there. Perhaps that wouldn’t be as big of an issue if everyone hiked responsibly, but we know that is not the case. It might have been the few that ruined it for the majority, I don’t know.
But I do know that while I was there I saw people messing with equipment on the property and climbing the towers.
There was also the dangerous nature of the spot as people pushed the boundaries to take the ‘coolest’ photo on the ledge. Handstands, backflips, and hanging off the edge were all common occurrences.
If we can’t be trusted to enjoy these areas safely and responsibly, then maybe it’s right to have them taken away.
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Other sunrise hikes in the area
If you want other hikes with equally beautiful views of the sunrise, I recommend:
- Koko Head Stairs
- Lanikai Pillbox Trail
- Makapuu Lighthouse (connects to the tide pools)
- Spitting Caves (not really a hike as much as a walk)
- Makapuu Tide Pools
Best beaches to watch the sunrise
If you love to push the adventure limits, here are some legal jump spots with epic views
Here are my favorite hikes with amazing views
Where to stay on Oahu
When you visit Oahu, I recommend basing yourself out of Waikiki. I have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and can absolutely recommend it.
If you’d prefer to stay somewhere else, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I travel and can always find a great deal on their site.
I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more with planning a visit to the Deadmans Catwalk since it is no longer there. I hope this has been able to give you some ideas for other things to do on the island though.
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Hearing that they want to take it down saddened me too. And it goes along with ‘spreading aloha’ … I know who owns these lands and it’s completely heartbreaking that they want to constantly take away these amazing things from everyone. Hawai’i is a beautiful place and it was meant to be explored and for us to constantly learn about the islands, we can’t have that if they keep doing stuff like this. I constantly joke with my fellow friends that all hikes will eventually be closed, it’s becoming ridiculous.
It is sad that it is no longer, but I am glad that I got to see it before it was taken down. It seems like everything will soon be closed or illegal!