Embarking on an adventure can lead to unexpected twists and turns, as Daylenn Pua discovered while hiking Hawaii’s infamous Haiku Stairs. Determined to conquer “The Stairway to Heaven,” a closed trail known for its breathtaking views, Pua embarked on a journey that left him with more questions than answers. The last photo he sent to family and friends still leaves them wondering, “What happened next?”
The mysterious disappearance of Daylenn Pua
Daylenn “Moke” Pua, an 18-year-old hiker went missing the morning of February 27, 2015, after setting out to hike Haiku Stairs, one of Hawaii’s most dangerous trails. He was last seen boarding a bus in Waianae, Oahu.
Daylenn Pua came Waianae to visit his grandmom
Daylenn Pua was visiting his grandmother in Waianae from the Big Island. According to his grandmom, Martha Bear, intrigued by the forbidden allure of “The Stairway to Heaven,” a trail on the windward side of Oahu, Pua expressed his desire to conquer the treacherous ascent. However, she warned him against it, emphasizing the closure of the trail and the authorities’ prohibition on climbing the mountain, as she had seen on the news.
Daylenn Pua disappeared from “The Sairway to Heaven”
On the morning of February 27, 2015, Pua bid farewell to his grandmother and boarded a bus from Waianae, Oahu, embarking on an adventure that would forever remain shrouded in mystery.
Martha asserted, all her grandson said was he was going hiking but she didn’t think he was really gonna go there, being that she already told him that place was closed, and if he would climb up there, he could get locked up.
Who is the Haiku stairs mystery man?
Honolulu police said Pua texted pictures of himself, suggesting he was on the trail of the Haiku Stairs at around 11:00 AM. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
During his hike, Pua documented his expedition by capturing a series of pictures with his phone. One particular image stood out, featuring a mysterious figure lurking in the background. The Pua family meticulously scrutinized these pictures, hoping to find clues that might shed light on Daylenn’s disappearance. They speculated that the enigmatic man might have been following Pua on his ill-fated journey
The identity and intentions of this mysterious man remain unknown. Was he merely a passerby relieving himself in the bushes, or did he harbor malicious intentions towards Pua? The answers to these questions continue to elude investigators, leaving room for speculation and intrigue.
The desperate search efforts for Daylenn Pua
Following Daylenn Pua’s disappearance, a massive search operation was launched, involving the fire department, local volunteers, drone operators, and even the U.S. Navy. The community rallied together, driven by a shared determination to uncover the truth and bring Pua home. However, despite their tireless efforts, no substantial leads emerged.
On the Monday subsequent to Pua’s disappearance, two hikers reported hearing faint cries for help, prompting the fire department to extend their search efforts till the next day.
Despite their thorough combing of the area, the official search was eventually suspended, leaving Pua’s loved ones and the community in a state of profound anguish and uncertainty. Hawaii News reported, Pua’s relatives and local volunteers continued to comb the mountains for any sign of him.
“Search for Moke Pua”
A Facebook group called “Search for Moke Pua” was created by Pua’s sister-in-law to connect and update those searching for the missing teen.
Present condition of the “Stairway to Heaven”
Though it has been closed to the public since 1987, Stairway to Heaven is a popular hike on Oahu. The fate of the trail has become a topic of debate after the stairs were damaged by heavy rains and powerful storms. Some say the stairs should be removed completely, while others argue they should be repaired and opened to the public.
The haunting questions
Eight years have passed since Daylenn Pua’s disappearance, yet the questions surrounding his fate persist. Did Pua encounter foul play at the hands of the mysterious man captured in his photograph? Did he succumb to the dangers posed by the treacherous steps of the Haiku Stairs? Or did an entirely different set of circumstances unfold on that fateful day?
The absence of concrete evidence and the absence of Daylenn Pua cast a haunting shadow over the investigation. The search for answers continues, fueled by a desperate yearning to uncover the truth and bring closure to Pua’s loved ones.
Final words
The disappearance of Daylenn Pua on his ill-fated journey to the Haiku Stairs remains an unsolved mystery. As the years pass, the enigma surrounding his fate deepens, leaving behind unanswered questions and a void that can only be filled with the truth. The Haiku Stairs, with its forbidden allure and breathtaking vistas, stands as a silent witness to the mysteries that lie hidden within its treacherous embrace. Until the day comes when Daylenn Pua’s fate is revealed, the story of the Haiku Stairs will continue to captivate and haunt those who dare to venture into its forbidden realm.
After reading about the mysterious disappearance of Daylenn Pua, read about the unsolved deaths of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon, then read about Geraldine Largay, the hiker who disappeared on Appalachian Trail survived 26 days before dying.
