Join us for drinks, dinner, a live auction, live music, hula and more! Hawaiian performances taking place in the meadow by the main entrance. please tip the folks who are giving out the life vest. It was peaceful wherever we went. Note that the below breakdown is only for general admission (non-resident). Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The Waimea Bay Beach is located across the street from Waimea Valley, and its one of the best cliff jumping spots in Oahu. The address is 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712. If you are not a morning person, this is another great option to beat the crowds. If youre just coming for the hike/waterfall and not going to the beach, dont park in the first lot you see. The main focus of the Waimea Valley caretakers is to protect and enhance the native ecosystems throughout, to nurture and care for the treasure that it is. Many introduced species were brought here in the 1960s when it was possible to transport plants between countries. Hiking to The Waimea Falls. Swim at the base of the waterfall. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Kamaina and military: FREE ADMISSION every Thursday 12 pm - 3 pm. Guests will enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, storytelling, and music while taking in the beauty of Waimea Valley. Do not attempt to swim in the waterfall if you have any open wounds or cuts. This is one of our favorite hikes on Oahu. Golf cart Shuttle transportation available from Ticket Booth area to theWaterfall. Its $20 to park there and a long way from the start of the trail. Mahlo, Discover. Unlike American homes which have multiple rooms under one roof, the Hawaiians had separate hales (houses) for different purposes such as sleeping, cooking, and gathering. Parking at Waimea Valley is free. The hike to the waterfall was just as special as the waterfall itself so make sure you allow yourself enough time to explore and learn about the indigenous history and historical significance of this place. The blend of archeology and anthropology with the botanical gardens is a truly enriching experience. You have the option of swimming around the waterfall, patrolled by lifeguards. Parc Des Roches. of it. You might feel like you have stepped into the movie set for According to there website, every Thursday from 2:00-6:00 for August. Adjacent forest reserves with long, strenuous hikes into and out of the canyon. Because Hawaiians believed they were a part of the land, this was a difficult time for them. Be sure to take the time to admire the waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below. Waimea Valley is also a sanctuary for the Common Hawaiian Moorhen Alae Ula which is not so common as it is an endangered species. Many people were unfamiliar with the Western concept of land ownership. Pipeline at Ehukai Beach. If you want to experience something new, we highly recommend visiting Waimea Valley! The Waialua Farmer's Market, held Wednesday afternoon and Saturday . The refreshing pool of water at its base is perfect for swimming and relaxing after a short hike. Your Toal Luau admission ticket also gives you free access to the falls. Most rideshare companies collect a commission as well as a booking fee. The park consists of a scenic drive, lookouts of the canyon, a viewpoint of Niihau Island, wildland picnicking and trails. This is a fair contribution, especially for visitors who spend time exploring the park. Plus the stream is almost dry and waterfall little more than a trickle. photos of past Hawaiian Monarchy portraits, ancient tools and instruments used What was once an adventure park where actors playing cowboys and Indians peddled 75 stagecoach rides and cliff divers entertained crowds by plunging 45 into the pool at the base of Waimea Falls is now a living homage to the religious and cultural significance of this valley for over 1,000 years and a haven to endangered wildlife and plants. The drive along Oahus North Shore is very scenic. In 2006 the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), along with DLNR, Trust for Public Lands, US Army Garrison, and the City and County of Honolulu purchased the property and Hi'ipaka LLC a nonprofit organization now holds title as well as manages the land. You wont find many Oahu hiking trails here, except for the one-mile Specialties: Experience Hawaiis Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality & Tradition. Now, I do appreciate the effort that is made to preserve the place and its role in Hawaiian history, but for $20 it is a big rip off. I must've had a million questions and they explained everything perfectly. There is also a section of stairs that leads down to the Each plant is named with a placard, which is color coded according to rarity and use. These are sacred to the Hawaiian people and believed to be hundreds of years old. For more information onRapid hia Death please see the links below. You will pass by ancient Hawaiian hale structures and various beautiful plants and flowers. Visiting this special North Shore trail is definitely one of our favorite North Shore Oahu activities. The type of entertainment now offered are moreeducational presentations and workshops on Hawaiian culture and history, highlighting the surrounding lands, animals, and different species of tropical plant life. There's a LOT to see and do here besides swimming at the falls! river (stream during the summer months) below, if you wish to see a closer view As co-founder of This Travel Dream, I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and love for Hawaii with fellow travelers, helping them create unforgettable experiences in paradise. This can be risky because the stream leading to the falls can actually push rocks over its edge onto unsuspecting swimmers below. you once you have arrived at Waimea Falls Park. [4] It contains one of the finest collections of Polynesian plants in existence, as well as excellent collections of very rare Hawaiian plants, rare and endangered species native to Lord Howe Island, and individual gardens dedicated to plants from Guam, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, and the Seychelles. Visit Partners.HawaiianAirlines.com for details. This valley is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Hawaii and the swimmable waterfall is like the cherry on top. I left Honolulu at 7:00 AM and got to the park just at opening time. Another feature of the property is the Proud Peacock Restaurant. The traditional kapu (rule) legal system was beginning to disintegrate. Open-Door Helicopter Tour over Oahu 503 Recommended Adventure Tours from $325.00 per adult The area 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy Waimea Valley, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712-8411 Full view Best nearby Restaurants 17 within 3 miles Waimea Falls Grill 48 0.5 mi$ Quick Bites American Fast Food Foodland 286 Check their website for different entrance fee prices. 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712-8411, $ Specialty Food Market Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly, $ Quick Bites Seafood International, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly. Waimea Valley is very stroller-friendly. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Pig and seasonal goat hunting nearby. This is where you check in or take care of your entrance fees, and you are ready to start your hike. The Waimea Falls Hike to the waterfall is one of the easiest hikes to do in Oahu and one of the best waterfall hikes on the island. There is lots to see and do, including visiting a handful of Hawaiian art galleries, ono restaurants, shrimp They do have Kamaaina (locals) and Military rates as well. Waimea Falls is a very popular tourist attraction in Oahu, and the pool can get pretty crowded during the middle of the day. While both hikes are considered easy waterfall hikes in Oahu, Waimea Valley is shorter and easier than Manoa Falls. Each visitor is encouraged to be a part of its unique legacy by sponsoring a Koa Legacy Tree. Visiting Adult $25 The trail to Waimea Falls is paved and about mile in each direction. Kamehameha the Great's exclusive Kahuna, Hewahewa, was a descendant of the Pa'ao. Visiting Adult $20 Waimea Valley admission is $20 for adults, $16 for Seniors, $16 for students, and $12 for children ages 4-12. If you dont have a car and cant make it to the north shore, consider going to Manoa Falls. Its located about 27 minutes away from Waimea Falls and has a lot of activities for the whole family. SeeSand Island site for updates. Discover unique and beautiful plants from all over the globe. While this Oahu trail is only of a mile long, its a fascinating one to trek with lots of beautiful exotic plants and flowers to admire, Hawaiian Hale structures to explore, and lots of twists and turns leading to a grand waterfall. you will need to get life vest before enter the water. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. Are you looking for a family-friendly destination to visit on Oahu? There is a large parking lot and it is possible that the lot can fill up during peak visiting hours (weekends and holidays) but during our last visit on Thanksgiving week, we had no issues. Waimea Valley was entrusted to Hewahewa's granddaughter Pa'alua after his death in 1837. Heres everything you need to know about visiting Waimea Valley with kids! onward You can store your valuables for a fee. has not by The shark god Kaneaukai is honored at this temple. You will find lifeguards If you have kids, this is a great option. After years of neglect, this area was transformed into the There are lots of hands-on activities and its perfect for kids. Waimea Falls in its powerful, cascading glory! Our favorite intermediate hike here is the Ehukai Pillbox Hike. Waimea Valley, which is operated by Hi'ipaka LLC is a culturally and historically significant site, and home to a world-class botanical garden. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. after some substantial rainfall. cascade you were expecting might have dwindled down to a small trickle. Group Rate: $18.00 (per person for groups of 10), Duration of Hike: 45 minutes to 1 hour round trip, Highlights of the Trail: Waimea Falls and Botanical Gardens. There is a shuttle that will take you to and/or from the waterfall for $10 each way. Waimea Valley is truly paradise. There is an optional shuttle service for the very young or elderly to be able to also enjoy the falls. giving you a good perspective on just how large the site was. Waimea Valley is located on Oahu's North Shore, just inland from the famed Waimea Bay Beach Park. Waimea Valley is a sacred ahupuaa a Hawaiian Land Division that extends from the mountains to the sea. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If we arrive and there is no parking in the lot, what are our backup options for parking? cascade you were expecting might have dwindled down to a small trickle. We recently did this hike and found the waterfall in its glory! has not There is so much to do on the north shore of Oahu, and you will be missing out if you have limited time due to taking the bus. Great rest stops along the way as well. Children under age 4 are free. It is more like a, The type of entertainment now offered are more, Take side trails that steer up hill on the right hand side. The best way to reach Waimea Valley is via car. This is a top hike in Oahu so make sure you plan accordingly to avoid the crowds. There's a highway to cross. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), University of Hawaii at Manoa. How much time is should we set aside to enjoy the hike and the gardens? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip! fresh water pool, and swim up to the waterfall if you dare. for use. These can be sighted easily while walking on the path to the falls. In the United States, Uber drivers make $16.02 per hour before expenses on average, according to a survey of 995 drivers. Waimea Valley is an ideal place to enjoy nature and has one of the best waterfalls in Oahu for families to safely swim near. Your Toa Luau tickets actually give you free access to Waimea Valley for the entire day. Be sure to pack swimsuits and towels so that you can enjoy the waterfall and then change back into dry clothes after. [OAHU] UPDATED 5/1/23:Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE,in the park, facilities impacted. Thanks to us, you no longer have to search for your parking space in Paris, it is waiting for you! The gardens and waterfall have opened again starting on June 5th, 2022! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 1) Try to get there early (9:00 am) or late in the afternoon. Kaapuni o Waimea meaning to travel around or circuit through Waimea - is a program of meaningful engagement and collaborative learning, an enhanced opportunity to experience our Valley. Yes, swimming is allowed at Waimea Falls. A traditional Hawaiian game site that has been preserved offers several games that can be respectfully played by visitors to the valley. world famous The Kahuna Nui were essential to Hawaiian society because they were the experts in various fields like farming, healing, spiritual guidance, fishing, and teaching both the Alii and the common people. The total length of this hike is ~6.5 miles including lots of vertical meters and is not for the faint of heart. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The North Shore of Oahu is a great destination for families who want to experience less hustle and bustle and more of the islands natural beauty. Non-residents of Hawaii will be charged admission fees of $20 for adults, $12 for kids, and $16 for seniors and students with valid ID. *Parking tickets are valid for Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park parking lots. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. An easy, pretty hike. The best was the waterfall where you could swim. Join Waimea Valleys Botanical Staff as they take you on an educational walk through Waimea Valley to see rare and seasonal blooming plants from here in Hawaii and all around the world. [MAUI]UPDATED 5/1/23: Iao Valley State Monument ha REOPENED. The place itself is so vast and beautiful that we ended up spending several hours walking around. There are some free parking spaces along the highway on both . Apparently there has been a bit of a dry spell, so the usual flowers arent in bloom. The river runs all the way out to Waimea Bay if you were to follow it. You will find an administration entrance booth located on the right hand side. Shoreisn'tcomplete until you pay visit to Old Town Haleiwa. Aloha and welcome back! Book a site tour or contact us for more information. The garden was managed until 2003 by the City and County of Honolulu, when management was assumed by the National Audubon Society. School groups often visit for an environmental education tour; approximately 10,000 school children came through the site this and last year. We drove up closer to the visitor center to a lot that was marked $10 but the attendant said it was free if we werent going to the beach. The hike starts at the Waimea Valley entrance and follows along the Waimea River. preserved Hawaiian heiaus on the island, Free life jackets, swimming noodles & boogie boards Important tip is if your goal is to swim in the waterfallswith less crowd, I suggest you go straight to the falls first and then explore on your way back. Volunteer at waimea valley. Its included in the admission fee. They were thought to partake in various indigenous religious activities, like human sacrifice. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii and is open daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day; an admission fee is charged. its a short paved walk for about 20-30 minutes depends on how fast you walk. view the, Directions: From Waikiki, take the H-1 Freeway One of the highlights of our trip. This is a complimentary tour, free of charge (with paid admission). This is probably one of the only spots on the island where you can walk up to the shoreline and view big wave riders, surfing perfect barreling waves that crash onto a razor sharp reef. If you must take the bus from the Waikiki area, you will need to take bus #52 to Haleiwa Town then transfer to bus #60. There are also other ways to get to North Shore Oahu from Waikiki. Home / Hawaii Waterfalls / Waimea Falls Park. What makes Toa Luau so special is that its a small, intimate experience (unlike the huge touristy shows). If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. it was very very good. You will need to take I-H-1 West, then take I-H-201 West, I-H-1 W, and I-H-2 N to HI-80. as we were walking to the water fall we saw some workers cut down some bananas and let us try some. of Waimea Valley Hiipaka. Mai-tai Mike2015. Pricing is subject to change without notice. Thirty minutes later, there were more people in the pool and by the time we hiked back down (around 10:30 am), we saw many people hiking up to the waterfall. the park and across the highway, into, Known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the, Travel a little bit farther up the road, and discover the Stop at Waimea Bay Beach 9. Also known as the Valley of the Priests, this lush region is home to various historical structures en route to a 45-foot-tall waterfall. water while in dance, cooking, and other facets of life from the past. In the 1700s, Kaopulupulu, the Kahuna Nui who lived in the valley, built Pu'u o Mahuka on the pu'u (buff) called Keanaloa. is one of the most well The bus from Honolulu can take up to 2 hours one way with the multiple stops that buses tend to make. You can find the following here: Parking Picnic tables Restroom and showers Lifeguards on duty daily towards the North Shore Beaches. Finally with a small incline hill to stroll up and over, you will come upon another bridge that you will cross and where youll get your first glimpse of Waimea Falls. Take advantage of the shuttle service if you have anyone in your group with mobility issues. consider an ultimate waterfall tour with many side Check out the Famous North Shore Surf Spots 7. See the below picture. Mahalo for sharing such a detailed account of your experience, we are so glad you enjoyed every aspect of Waimea Valley! the park and across the highway, into Waimea Bay Beach Park. Free Amendments(1) Refund Guarantee(2) Current offer 7 Nights : 03/06 > 10/06 from 184. Waimea Valley was a nice place for a stroll as well as a little lesson in botany Indeed, the experience felt like a combination of a groomed botanical garden and a natural park. Add more time if you plan to have lunch there. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Ultimate Guide to Visiting Waimea Valley on Oahu, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, ways to get to North Shore Oahu from Waikiki, Check the latest rates and seating options, Everything You Need to Know About Hawaii Island Hopping. Mahalo! However, there is a lot closer to the highway that is kind of an overflow lot for Waimea Bay that they will allow parking for those going to Waimea Bay. Fortunately it rains a lot in Hawaii, especially in the upper mountains. Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, and so much history! Waimea Valley is located on Oahus North Shore, just inland from the famed Waimea Bay Beach Park. If possible, We recommend driving there to maximize your time. I think $10, but not sure. Sharlene Earnshaw is the Managing Editor of Trekaroo.com and has worked in the family travel field for over 15 years. There are so many things to do in the area, but here are some of our favorite things to do while on the north shore of Oahu: If you are looking for one of the best luaus in Oahu, then the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley is a great option. Very well organized with mandatory life jackets available and a team of staff explaining how to stay safe. changed at Waimea Falls Park is the. Waimea Falls botanical gardens made our list of the top botanical gardens in Oahu, so be sure to spend some time exploring here. While the walk through the valley is scenic, we didn't feel that we understood a lot of what we were looking at (more signage would be helpful). This hike will take you from the overlook into the valley, to the black sand beach, and back up. into a beautiful, paved, botanical garden walk. Was easy to find, great signage. Swimming at the waterfall is dependent on daily waterfall conditions. Follow Us. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. If you are a Hawaii resident and/or military, check out the Waimea Valley Website for admission fees. including Thanksgiving & Christmas. or bypass Haleiwa Town, and continue on Hwy 99 and merge Admission fees to Waimea Valley depend on your age and residency. Unlike the other waterfalls and famous north shore beaches, while making important stops to Park there. Please note that life jackets are a requirement before swimming in the falls. It totally depends on traffic, however it usually takes 45-50 minutes if you arent going during rush hour. Be advised that the more rain the island gets, the more the waterfall will flow. Waimea Valley is also home to a lush and gorgeous botanical garden that you definitely wont want to miss. Most of the paths are broad and flat (accessible) and there are plenty of extras for purchase, such as swimming at the waterfall, souvenirs, and snacks. You can take your kids out for a day trip or just have them stay home while you go. Amazing little hidden gem! But fees are subject to change, so see here for updated prices. on Oahu, Waimea Falls Park was Hawaii can get hot. Shuttle ticket sales end 2:30 PM. At each site, guests engage with a different aspect of Waimea, and Hawaiis history, and learn about associated Hawaiian cultural values. To find out if swimming is available, call (808) 638-7766 the morning of your visit. buying tickets online was also super easy to navigate. It's a must see place for anyone visiting Hawaii, Finally got to come here hike for a little bit to see the Waimea Falls. Swimming is allowed when divers are not performing and when the weather permits. After walking for about 20-30 minutes, you will reach the majestic Waimea Falls. Make sure you do not park if there are "No Parking" signs. It's the closest way to paradise while you are away We will never sell or spam your information, and we'll respect your email privacy. Pyrnes . It is a 1.5mile round trip to the falls, paved on flat ground that is negotiable for most ages and levels of fitness. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-82326698', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Waimea Valley charges for parking but I've never been there when they did so I don't know how that is done.". From the start you will be surrounded by oversized ferns, neon green lily ponds, and wildlife birds that call this valley home. Educational and workers are clearly very passionate about the islands heritage. Tie on a visit to the waterfall with an evening luau dinner with cultural demonstrations and Hawaiian entertainment. Special night-time openings of Waimea Valley around the full mahina. for freeif you don't have your own. attractions as well. Please see the link for the method used to determine rents. "Supposedly (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. They weave wonderful crowns, bowls, and baskets. It was then nice getting to the falls to take a dip to cool down. Healthy trees appear to die within a few days to a few weeks, which is how the disease came to be called Rapid hia Death. This disease has killed treesin all districts of Hawaii Island and has the potential to kill hia trees statewide. Waimea Heiau Ruins Just 200 yards. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Following the Mahele Land Redistribution Act of 1848, the newly constituted Land Commission offered her half of the Valley in exchange for her relinquishing any claim to the rest. Free life vests. Farmers market on Thursdays and it was the day we visited. A walk to Waimea Falls means that you'll be sweating. I was expecting to see more plants and trees native to Hawaiian but felt like a lot of the valley incorporated plants from all over, which I wasn't as interested in. You will get an expensive ticket and/or have your car towed. Amenities at Waimea Bay Beach Park If you plan on visiting Waimea Bay, bring a chair and umbrella for the day and gear for swimming and snorkeling. It eventually became the home of one of the most distinguished priesthoods in the islands, the Pa'ao. to take a plunge into the There is limited wifi available in the park but we think its best to enjoy your unplugged time in nature. Much of the inventor on display is unique and created by local artist. Seasonal trout fishing. entertainment theme park on the North Shore, where you could drive right up and I was also thinking that we would visit the Beach and then just walk to Waimea Valley and look around without having to switch parking lots. Parking is limited and will accommodate first come, first served until it is full. The beautiful Waimea Valley on North Shore, Oahu, attracts 1200-1300 visitors per day however you wouldnt know it, as its stunning botanical garden setting provides many spacious areas to relax under huge shady trees. The last Kahuna Nui to reside in the valley was Hewahewa, who was a High Priest from the island of Hawaii. The falls takes different shape depending on the season and recent rainfall. Having visited Hawaii multiple times, I've developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the local culture, food, and hidden gems that make this place unique. swimming at the waterfall. The gardens and waterfall have opened again starting on June 5th, 2022! The nutrient-rich volcanic soil combined with a rainy environment provided the resourceful Hawaiians of the area the opportunity to create one of the most prosperous farming communities in all of Polynesia. There is also a bathroom and food stall halfway to the falls. Incredible place to visit for the whole family. Below is a breakdown of the general admission costs as of March 2023. In the summer, it offers visitors a beautiful white sand beach to lounge and blue-green water to swim. It is our hope that through this experience, guests will learn about the positive impact of hookipa, and will carry this attitude throughout the island. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. (808) 638-5872 Website http://waimeavalley.net/ Payment options AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Dress code Casual Dress Executive chef Andy Dalan Location 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Neighborhood North Shore Cross street Waimea Bay Parking details Private Lot Additional Hike at your own risk. You can swim in Waimea Falls depending on the conditions of the water, but swimming is not permitted at Manoa Falls. Bus will take you into Old town Haleiwa and then The overarching cultural value of Kaapuni o Waimea is hookipa which is hospitality from a cultural perspective, the action of treating others as we would like to be treated. Kpopolo Heiau, on the Haleiwa side of the valley's outer entrance, was likewise built under the guidance of the Kahuna Nui Kaopulupulu. non-profit Waimea Valley gardens that now benefit and preserve the Between November to February, waves reach up to 40 feet in height, challenging even the most expert surfers. Plus, its one of the few waterfalls on Oahu where you can swim. . location_on 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712call (808) 638-7766, Family Pass (2 Adults and up to 6 children under the age of 18). You may have to walk 1/4-1/2 mile(5-10 minutes). Reservations required for out-of-state residents. If you are not a fan of huge crowds, try getting there before the big groups arrive around 10:00 -10:30 am. You will need a few hours to explore Waimea Valley. What was once an adventure park where actors playing cowboys and Indians peddled 75 stagecoach rides and cliff divers entertained crowds by plunging 45' into the pool at the base of Waimea Falls is now a living homage to the religious and cultural significance of this valley for over 1,000 years and a haven to endangered wildlife and plants.