Waimea Valley

The Basics

Once an adventure park, Waimea Valley is now owned by a nonprofit and focused on the conservation of natural and cultural sites. The garden boasts more than 5,000 botanicals surrounding historic ceremonial sites and recreated traditional dwellings. Waimea Valley is a popular stop on island tours. Visiting with a guide adds to your understanding of the valley’s culture, history, and plants. A walk to the waterfall is commonly included on waterfall-centric and photography-focused tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Swimming at the waterfall is permitted in some conditions. Life jackets are required and provided by a lifeguard at the waterfall.

• The path to the waterfall is paved and wheelchair accessible, but some of the paths through the garden have steep stairs. There is also a shuttle that runs from the visitor center to the falls.

• There is limited Wi-Fi throughout the valley but no cell service.

• You can bring a picnic lunch, dine at the visitor center restaurant, or get food at the snack shop by the falls.

How to Get There

Waimea Valley is located on Oahu’s north shore, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Waikiki, for about an hour’s drive. If driving, take the Kamehameha Highway to Waimea Bay Beach Park and turn onto Waimea Valley Road. You can skip the hassle of driving—and enjoy the sights along the way—by booking a guided tour of the valley.

When to Get There

To see Waimea Falls at its most impressive visit in winter (rainy season). If you want a better chance of being able to swim at the falls, visit in summer, which is drier. Regularly scheduled botanical tours are offered daily on Thursday and on the first and third Sunday of the month—check the site for timing. Contact the park to arrange a cultural tour.

Make the Most of a Visit to Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls is located just under a mile (1.2 kilometers) from the visitor center, and the walk and falls are likely to be a highlight of your Waimea Valley trip. If you want to swim at the falls, call the park in advance to check the conditions—swimming is limited to certain water levels. If you plan to swim, bring water shoes to protect against the jagged rocks. Changing rooms are located at the falls.

Ways to explore

Explore Waimea Valley at your own pace with general admission, which grants access to the botanical gardens, cultural sites, and scenic waterfall trail. Plan to spend at least two to three hours walking the paved paths and swimming at the falls. For added convenience, join a full-day or half-day tour that includes Waimea Valley along with other North Shore highlights—think food trucks, scenic beach stops, and cultural storytelling—giving travelers a well-rounded look at Oʻahu’s natural beauty and local traditions.

Accessibility

Paved walkways and wheelchair-friendly paths cover most of the valley. Some older garden areas may be uneven. Mobility scooters are available to rent.

Age limits

None—families with kids of all ages welcome

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, biodegradable sunscreen, camera, towel

What to wear

Sturdy, closed‑toe shoes for the trail and a light rain jacket (the rainforest canopy can bring sudden showers), swimsuit for a swim at the waterfall

Not allowed

Drones, smoking, removal of plants or cultural artifacts

Amenities

Restrooms, shaded picnic groves, café, gift shop, and stroller rentals at the entrance

Address

Waimea Valley is on Oahu’s North Shore, just inland from the town of Haleiwa. Most visitors use Honolulu or Waikiki as their base for exploring the valley. Driving is less cumbersome than public transportation.

Driving

From Honolulu or Waikiki, take H-1 West to H-2 North. Merge onto Kamehameha Highway (Route 99), which becomes Route 83. Follow signs through Haleiwa and continue until you reach Waimea Valley, across from Waimea Bay. Free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Take Bus Route 52 from Honolulu or Waikiki to the Haleiwa area, then transfer to Route 60 (Honolulu–Haleʻiwa–Windward Oʻahu) toward Waimea Bay. Disembark at Kamehameha Hwy + Waimea Valley Road. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours.

Best times to visit

Arrive when the park first opens at 9am or later in the afternoon for fewer crowds and fewer people swimming

Best days to visit

Weekdays—especially Monday through Thursday—are typically quieter than weekends. Waimea Valley may be busier on Fridays or days when the on-site Toa Luau is scheduled.

Best months to visit

April through June and September through early November are ideal. These months feature warm, pleasant weather and smaller crowds than the peak summer travel season, while the gardens remain lush and colorful.

Special events

Take a stroll under the moon’s rays on one of the botanical garden's Moon Walks from May through October.