This 1,875-acre valley is filled with natural wonders, from 35 botanical gardens with 5,000 kinds of plants to dozens of archeological sites and a gorgeous 45-foot waterfall. (Pack your swimsuit and towel!) You can even take hula lesson or make a lei.
At Waimea Valley, on Oahu’s rural North Shore, visitors can experience Hawaiian culture in a spectacular natural environment. Waimea Valley is a living puuhonua, or a place of peace and safety. It’s also one of Oahu’s last partially intact ahupuaa, or land divisions, that extend from the mountains to the sea.
A paved path winds through 35 themed botanical gardens, featuring more than 200 plant families, including rare plants found only on the Hawaiian Islands and some with flowers as big as a basketball! The 45-tall Waimea Falls are the focal point of the park, and visitors are invited to swim in the pool below—so bring a swimsuit and towel! Here’s a look at some of the other scenic goings on at beautiful Waimea Valley:
Hours
Daily, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Swimming is not permitted in the waihi (waterfall) on Wednesdays beginning July 1, 2011 in order to allow facilities and botanical staff to make needed repairs and ensure that visitors have the highest quality experience.
Closed
Thanksgiving Day,Christmas Eve (closing at Noon),Christmas Day,New Year’s Eve (closing at Noon),and New Year’s Day.
Address
59-864 Kamehameha Highway
Hale’iwa, HI 96712
Driving Directions
From Waikiki: Take H-1 west to H-2 north to the Wahiawa exit. Continue through Wahiawa and merge onto Kamehameha Hwy. #99. Continue North on Kamehameha Hwy. #99 till you reach Haleiwa Town on the North Shore. There the #99 (still Kamehameha Hwy.) turns into the #83. Continue on the #83 for about 8 more miles outside of Haleiwa still going North. Then, Waimea Valley is on the right, across from Waimea Bay.
- Ancient Hawaiian Archaeological Sites: 78 sites of interest have been identified here, highlighting religious shrines, housing sites, agricultural terraces, and ancient fishponds.
- Wildlife: Native and endangered birds call Waimea Valley home, including the alae ula, and all five species of o opu, a native freshwater fish that can be found in the Kamananui Stream. Please note that due to the fragile wildlife of the park, no domestic animals may be brought to Waimea Valley, with the exception of service dogs. li>
- Cultural Activities: Take part in rich cultural pastimes as you spend your day at Waimea Valley (call ahead to see what’s on the schedule for the day), and have fun with such activities as Lei making, Kapa demonstrations, Hula lessons, Hawaiian games, crafts, music and storytelling with Kūpuna! li>
- Artisanal Offerings and Cuisine: See and purchase the work of North Shore artists and Hawaiian artisans showcasing their locally-made products, and dine at the on-site concessionaries which feature local and fresh ingredients! li>
Fans of the TV show Lost might recognize Waimea Valley’s waterfalls as the place where Kate found the briefcase in the show’s first season. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent…while the landscape is lush, the bugs can be fierce.
Waimea Valley contains rich history and was referred to as the Valley of the Priests for more than 700 years. The connection between native plants and culture is emphasized, and the park strives to leave all visitors to the Valley with a greater appreciation and respect for Hawaiian history, culture and tradition.
Absolutely worth the trip
By Rita
from Southern California on 4/16/2012
Pros:
Great for pictures, Great waterfall, Easy walk to the falls, Fun for adult and kids, Rich history
Best Uses:
Late afternoon, Early morning,
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
By Family of four
from Sacramento, Ca on 9/19/2010
Pros:
Swimming water, Gorgeous, Stroller friendly
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Save up to 55% over regular admission rates