Waimea Falls

The Basics

A mostly flat, paved trail leads visitors to Waimea Falls. The relatively short and easy walk leads past a variety of flora, such as giant ferns and lily ponds, and culturally significant archaeological sites including a series of reconstructed Hawaiian Hales (houses)—look out for the interpretive signs to learn more. When you reach the falls, take a dip in the clear water to cool off. Waimea Falls is a typical stop on Oahu circle island tours and guided tours of the North Shore: booking one of these is a great way to explore multiple attractions in a single day.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is an admission fee to enter the privately owned Waimea Valley.

• The pool has a rocky floor—wear waterproof shoes if you plan on swimming.

• There is a shuttle service available for those who cannot hike the trail to the falls.

• You will find lifeguards on duty at the falls, and life jackets are available at no cost.

How to Get There

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the Waimea Valley is around a 45-minute drive from Honolulu. Take the H1 and H2 highways to Haleiwa, then the coastal road to Waimea Valley, which you’ll find on your right-hand side when facing Waimea Beach.

When to Get There

If you want to see the waterfall at its best, try to visit after a period of substantial rainfall. On drier days, the teeming falls can appear more as a trickle. Waimea Falls is a very popular attraction—to avoid the biggest crowds, arrive early in the morning close to opening time.

Waimea Valley

While the waterfall is the region’s top attraction, it would be remiss to skip the rest of Waimea Valley. The Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, for example, offers dozens of native Hawaiian botanical collections, emphasizing the valley’s cultural and ecological resources. Throughout the week, the non-profit organization that manages Waimea Valley offers cultural demonstrations and workshops involving feather work, lei making, lomi lomi massages, and stone carving.

Ways to explore

A mostly flat, 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) paved trail leads visitors to Waimea Falls. On the way you’ll pass by giant ferns and lily ponds, as well as culturally significant archaeological sites, including a series of reconstructed Hawaiian hales (houses)—look out for the interpretive signs to learn more. Waimea Falls is a typical stop on Oahu circle island tours and guided tours of the North Shore, which are both great ways to experience multiple attractions in a single day.

Accessibility

The trail to Waimea Falls is wheelchair accessible, but the swimming area is not. Mobility scooters are available to rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Towel, swimsuit, sunscreen

What to wear

Walking shoes, a sun hat

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, alcohol

Amenities

Gift shop, snack bars, shuttle service

Address

Waimea Falls is in the Waimea Valley, around a 45-minute drive north of Honolulu. Many people visit while doing a circle tour of the island, either independently or with a guide.

Driving

Take the H1 and H2 highways to Haleiwa, then the coastal road to Waimea Valley, which you’ll find on your right-hand side when facing Waimea Beach.

Public transportation

You can take bus 60 or 67 from Honolulu to the stretch of the Kamehameha Highway closest to Waimea Falls, but you'll still need to walk about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) to reach the waterfall.

Best times to visit

Waimea Falls is a very popular attraction—to avoid the biggest crowds, arrive early in the morning, close to opening time.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be more crowded at the waterfall, though if you visit during school breaks, you’ll find crowds no matter when you visit.

Best months to visit

If you want to see the waterfall at its best, try to visit after a period of substantial rainfall. On drier days, the teeming falls can appear more as a trickle.

Special events

While the waterfall itself doesn’t host events, there are special events and activities in the Waimea Valley, from cultural festivals to full moon hikes, so check before planning your trip.