Waimea Valley is a world-class botanical garden featuring a beautiful waterfall that cascades down into a 30-ft deep pond you can swim in! You’ll gain an appreciation for native Hawaiian flora as you meander a paved path surrounded by lush tropical greens and bright, colorful flowers. Waimea Valley also offers various authentic cultural sites to explore during your visit.
Waimea Valley Botanical Garden
The botanical garden boasts a collection that includes more than 5,000 unique plants from Hawai’i and around the world. Most of the species are labeled with engraved identification signs to help visitors learn more about plants. For more information about the types of plants you will see, check out Waimea Valley’s website.
There is nothing quite like the fresh air smell of a warm rainforest, especially if it just drizzled! The earthy, tropical Hawaiian air is unlike anything else and is something I always point out to friends and family when I recommend they visit Waimea Valley!
Waimea Valley is a wahi pana (storied place) deeply rooted in Hawaiian history and culture. Waimea Valley is Oahu’s last intact ahupua’a (traditional Hawaiian land region) that extends from the mountains to the ocean. What makes this botanical garden special compared to the others located on Oahu is the opportunity to see the authentic Hawaiian cultural sites set up along the trail.
As you journey mauka (inland towards the mountain), you’ll see a Hawaiian games site, agricultural terraces, Kauhale (a replication of a traditional Hawaiian living site for chiefs and priests), and more.
There are many beautiful stone staircases tucked into lush jungle foliage that make perfect photo spots! You’re guaranteed to take some stunning pictures during your visit.
Waimea Falls
Waimea Valley’s biggest draw is Waimea Falls, a 45-foot high wailele (waterfall) located at the end of the beautiful paved trail. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Waimea Falls (also known as Waihi Falls), making it one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on the island of Oahu!
The waterfall empties into a 30-feet deep pond that you can swim in during your visit. It is an unforgettable experience getting up close to the mighty falls! The water is usually brisk, but it is incredibly refreshing after walking through the garden on a hot day.
Waimea Valley requires swimmers to wear lifejackets in the pond, but there is no additional fee to swim or borrow a life jacket. There is a lifeguard on duty who will check you in and explain any rules or safety info.
Waimea Falls is an excellent option for families with young kids since it is the safest way to swim in a Hawaiian waterfall on Oahu without completing an intermediate hike.
Keep in mind that the opportunity to enter the falls depends on the swimming conditions. You can check on the waterfall swimming status before your visit by calling (808) 638-7766. If you happen to visit on a day when swimming is not allowed, you can return to Waimea Valley for free within ten days of your initial visit to get a chance to take a dip!
The Details
Trail difficulty: Easy and mostly paved aside from a few side trails
Trail length: The walk from the botanical garden entrance to Waimea Falls is 0.5 miles (1207 meters) one way or 1.5 miles (2414 meters) round trip.
Although most of the path is stroller and wheelchair friendly, the side trails through some of the gardens contain stairs and steeper hills. Waimea Valley offers shuttle rides from Hale Ho’ike to the waterfall starting at 9:45 AM each day. Shuttle rides are $10 per person each way (so $20 round trip per person).
Waimea Valley charges for admission. Swimming in the falls and lifejacket use is included in the admission price.
General Admission to the Valley (as of April 20, 2021)
Visiting Adult $20
Visiting Senior $16 (age 62+)
Visiting Student $16 (college student must present I.D.)
Visiting Child $12 (ages 4-12)
Visiting Group Rate $16 (per person – group of over 10 Adults)
Waimea Valley also offers a Kama’aina rate if you are a local resident with a Hawaii ID. View more information on admission prices here.
Shuttle transportation is available from Hale Ho’ike (near the ticket booth) to the waterfall and swimming hole area. The first shuttle starts at 9:45 am. One-way is $10 per person.
Wagon rentals are also available for $10 per wagon. You can inquire about wagon rentals at the ticket booth!
Don’t touch or handle the plants. Picking/gathering fruits, flowers, seeds, plants is prohibited. Never put anything in your mouth – some plants are poisonous and may cause adverse reactions. If you’re visiting with small children, be sure to keep this info in mind!
The water at Waimea Falls is not suitable for drinking, so make sure you don’t accidentally gulp any while you’re swimming around!
Make sure to respect to the beliefs of the cultural significance of Waimea Valley and those who work hard to restore and protect the religious sites here. Please be mindful and do not touch, disturb, or remove any rocks or other objects out of respect for this truly special place.
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the entrance to Waimea Valley and near Waimea Falls.
Food and Water: Na Mea Ono grill offers quick bites and beverages at the Visitor Center located right near the entrance. Covered outdoor seating is available in this area! You’ll find drinking water stations located about ⅓ and ⅔ of the way along the trail. The Wailele Snack Shop near Waimea Falls (end of the trail) sells hot foods, cold snacks, and refreshments.
Changing Rooms: There are changing rooms next to Waimea Falls waterfall where you can change into or out of your swimsuits.
Showers: There are no showers to rinse off after swimming at Waimea Falls.
Visitor Center & Gift Shop: You will walk through the Visitor Center upon arrival. Check out the displays for more info on the valley! There will also be a gift shop on your right side that sells neat souvenirs and useful supplies.
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the entrance to Waimea Valley and near Waimea Falls.
Food and Water: Na Mea Ono grill offers quick bites and beverages at the Visitor Center located right near the entrance. Covered outdoor seating is available in this area! You’ll find drinking water stations located about ⅓ and ⅔ of the way along the trail. The Wailele Snack Shop near Waimea Falls (end of the trail) sells hot foods, cold snacks, and refreshments.
Changing Rooms: There are changing rooms next to Waimea Falls waterfall where you can change into or out of your swimsuits.
Showers: There are no showers to rinse off after swimming at Waimea Falls.
Visitor Center & Gift Shop: You will walk through the Visitor Center upon arrival. Check out the displays for more info on the valley! There will also be a gift shop on your right side that sells neat souvenirs and useful supplies.
There are two lots available at Waimea Valley. As you drive down the road towards the Waimea Valley entrance, you’ll pass a dirt parking lot on your right-hand side that visitors can park in when the main lot is full. A few hundred feet past this dirt lot, you will find the main paved parking lot right at the Visitor Center entrance. If there are no spaces available here, you can turn around and find a spot in the overflow dirt lot you passed on the way in. Look out for chickens in the parking lot! It’s common for mother hens and their baby chicks to be scurrying around.
There are also bicycle racks available in the main parking lot.
What to wear:
Wear or bring a swimsuit if you are planning to take a dip in Waimea Falls!
I recommend wearing shoes you are comfortable walking in! I’ve worn slippers (flip flops) and didn’t have any issues. Waimea Valley suggests wearing water shoes (reef shoes) if you plan to go for a swim since you may encounter some jagged and slippery rocks. I’ve gone into the water barefoot, but it is definitely challenging to walk on the slippery rocks when entering the pond.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen and maybe a hat for extra shade
- Water (but there are water stations along the trail and places to purchase bottled water if you do not bring your own)
- Camera / Waterproof Camera
- Mosquito repellant
- Rain jacket and/or umbrella if you hate getting caught in the rain. It rains almost every day in Hawaii (even if just for a few minutes)
- Wear or bring a swimsuit if you are planning to swim in the waterfall
- Towel(s)
Reasons to go to Waimea Valley & Falls:
- You’re looking for a leisurely place to take a stroll through a beautiful garden
- You’re looking for a great family activity on the North Shore
- You want the safest experience swimming in a waterfall
- If you have limited time on the island and a waterfall is on your bucket list (this is one of the easiest and most accessible falls to reach!)
- You’re spending the day on the North Shore and are looking for something to do before hitting the beach (Waimea Valley opens at 9:00 AM)
- If you are interested in seeing native Hawaiian plant species
- If you want to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture
- If you love bird watching! Visitors even receive a Bird Identification Guide upon entering the valley
Reasons to skip it:
- If the main draw for you is the waterfall and you’d rather experience something more adventurous (Life vests are required to swim at Waimea Falls, which can make it feel a bit more like an “amusement park” than an authentic “wild” experience)
- If you don’t want to pay the $20 per person admission fee
Fun Fact: Waimea Valley has appeared in many movies!
Waimea Valley is a popular filming location. You may have even seen some of the movies filmed here, such as:
- George of the Jungle
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
- The Hunger Games Catching Fire
- You, Me and Dupree
- Joe Versus the Volcano
- Hawaii Five-O
- LOST
- & more!
They have a lineup of movie posters on the side of the gift shop showing off the numerous productions that have used the valley for filming!
Hours & Location:
Location & Hours:
Waimea Valley Road, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Swimming at Waimea Falls is open from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Due to reduced hours of operation related to Covid-19, Waimea Falls and Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays. They are also closed on Thanksgiving (November 25) and Christmas Day (December 25).
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