Days numbered for 'death swing' atop illegal Hawaiian hiking track

Authorities in Hawaii say they plan to remove an absurdly dangerous makeshift tourist attraction at the top of an illegal walking track after video of it circulated online.

At the peak of Oahu's famous Ha'iku Stairs – also known as the "Stairway to Heaven" – in the Ko'olau mountains looms the so called "swing of death", a backyard rig that offers users the chance to swing out into oblivion without taking any troublesome safety measures first.

Sitting at the top of a 650m ascent and apparently built by Darwin Award enthusiasts, the swing has bamboozled internet users renaming the popular hike things like "stairway to stupidity".

Raising the ire of the online community is footage of a young woman trying out the swing, slipping off the seat, and almost splattering herself all over the rocks hundreds of metres below.

Most of the concern over the swing is focussed around the danger that emergency crews or bystanders might face if forced to try and rescue a foolhardy punter.

According to News Day, local authorities, which regularly fine tourists looking to complete the illegal walk away, have vowed to remove the swing.