Planning to visit Waimea Falls on Oahu? This guide has everything you need to know about the falls, the hike through the botanical garden, and our insider tips.
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Why you'll love Waimea Falls
- One of Oahu’s most popular waterfalls - set in the beautiful Waimea Valley on the North Shore.
- Swimmable waterfall - the cool, refreshing water feels amazing and rejuvenating.
- Short, family-friendly hike - easy for all ages and fitness levels.
- Gorgeous botanical gardens - over 5,000 tropical and subtropical plants, tall trees, and rare birds found only in Waimea Valley.
- Rich Hawaiian history - a spiritually meaningful place for centuries, with cultural sites you can visit along the way to the falls.
- Facilities on-site - restrooms, changing areas, snack bars, a gift shop, and free parking.
- Accessibility - a fully paved trail that’s easy for strollers and wheelchairs, making this one of Oahu’s most accessible hikes.
We’re so lucky to start our mornings with peaceful walks and a refreshing swim at the falls (one of the perks of living here and having a yearly membership 😊)!
When family and friends visit, Waimea Falls is always an easy choice - everyone loves it, and you will too!
What to know about the falls
Waimea Falls is a sacred site known in Hawaiian as Wailele Waimea.
It usually flows year-round, but in some winters, it’s surged with heavy rain, and during rare dry summers, it’s even stopped flowing.
Can you swim at Waimea Falls
Yes, you can swim, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts of coming here. The waterfall drops about 45 feet into a big pool, and there’s usually plenty of room to move around without bumping into people.
If you’ve never swam up to a waterfall, this is your chance. Tucking in under the falling water is a cool little moment - and yeah, it makes for a great photo!
Getting in and out of the water
The edges of the pool are rocky, so getting in and out takes a little balance. It's nothing too tricky, but if you’re not used to uneven ground, take it slow - wearing water shoes helps a lot.
That said, you don’t have to swim to enjoy it. Just sitting by the shore and dipping your feet in the water feels pretty great too.
Life vest rules & safety info
Lifeguards are always on duty, and everyone getting in the water has to wear a life vest (they’re handed out for free).
I’ll be honest - it might feel like overkill if you’re a strong swimmer. But it makes it safer for everyone, and that’s the whole point.
I still remember when there were no lifeguards, and we’d jump off the cliffs into the water - those days are long gone. That’s all shut down now, and jumping is not allowed anymore.
Water temp & nearby facilities
The water is colder than the ocean, usually in the 70s°F. It feels a bit chilly but super refreshing after the hike.
Right next to the falls, there’s a big seating area with shade, bathrooms with showers and changing rooms, and even a small gift shop with lockers where you can store your belongings.
What to expect on the Waimea Falls hike
Here’s an overview of what to expect on the Waimea Falls hike:
- The trail is fully paved and mostly flat - one of the easiest hikes on Oahu.
- The walk to the falls takes about 30 minutes each way (without stops).
- You’ll walk through a beautiful tropical botanical garden.
- Stop by historical Hawaiian sites along the way.
- Benches, bathrooms, and a snack bar are available along the trail.
- There’s an optional guided shuttle service if you prefer not to walk.
Watch this video!
Walking through the botanical garden
It’s not just the waterfall that makes Waimea Falls Park worth visiting - the walk through the botanical garden is a big part of what makes it so special.
You’re surrounded by lush greenery, the sound of the stream flowing nearby, and a peaceful vibe that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
The tall trees offer plenty of shade, which keeps things cool and comfortable on the walk. There’s an incredible variety of tropical plants and flowers along the way (I think the monkey pod trees are especially stunning here).
What makes this hike even more meaningful is learning how the valley was once a sacred place where native Hawaiians lived and came to worship.
Some of their traditional structures have been re-constructed or preserved, and you’ll pass several on the way. Each one has a plaque that explains its history.
We typically take our time on this trail, enjoying the botanical garden on the way to the waterfall. Even though we go often, we always seem to find something new and interesting each time.
Planning your visit
Important! I’ve put together a full guide to Waimea Valley with a detailed breakdown of the hours, pricing, things to do, facilities, and accessibility information. Be sure to check it out so you don’t miss out on all the valuable details you’ll need about this place.
- Hours: Waimea Valley is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM and botanical tours at 12:30 PM.
- Admission Fee: There’s a small admission fee that covers the botanical garden, historical sites, and waterfall. Tickets are available online in advance or at the entrance.
- Parking: You’ll also find free parking right near the entrance.
Before you go, check out this handy map of Waimea Falls Park to see what’s along the way - from the botanical trail to the falls, cultural sites, and facilities. Be sure to print it out or save it to your phone!
What to bring for the waterfall & hike
Here’s a quick list of what you may want to bring (and wear) when heading to Waimea Falls for the hike and swim.
- Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Water and snacks
- Swimsuit and dry clothes to change into after you swimming
- Towel (if you plan to go swimming)
- GoPro (or waterproof camera)
- Water shoes for entering the waterfall
Guided tours from Waikiki
If you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu without a car, some guided tours include roundtrip transportation to Waimea Valley, plus extra stops like Haleiwa Town or a scenic Windward Coast drive.
Waimea Valley doesn’t run these tours, but here are two that include hotel pickup:
Waimea Falls FAQ
Swimming at Waimea Falls depends on weather conditions, especially if it rains. Most days, it’s open! To be sure, call (808) 638-7766 in the morning. Lifeguards also make the call by 9 AM.
Yes, it’s safe to swim at Waimea Falls. Lifeguards are always on duty and will close the pool if conditions aren’t good. Like any freshwater spot on Oʻahu, there’s a small risk of leptospirosis, but if you’re healthy, avoid drinking the water, don’t have open cuts, and rinse off after, you should be fine.
Waimea Falls is deepest toward the middle, and some people estimate the water is about 30 feet deep. While I haven’t come across any official studies confirming the exact depth, I’ve noticed that the water level can fluctuate, especially after rainfall.
Most days, the water at Waimea Falls is a deep green and not crystal clear. After heavy rain, it can become murky but usually clears up fairly quickly.
There’s no bad time to visit Waimea Falls – it’s beautiful all day long. But if you want to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend arriving early in the morning or closer to closing time.
No, dogs aren’t allowed in Waimea Valley. Only service animals are permitted, and you’ll need to provide the proper certification at the entrance.
For safety and privacy reasons, drones are not allowed at Waimea Falls.
We hope this guide helps you feel more prepared (and excited!) to visit Waimea Falls. Got questions about the hike, swimming, or what to expect? Drop them in the comments - or give Waimea Valley a call at (808) 638-7766.
Planning more time on the North Shore? We’ve got more tips and guides right here!
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