Thinking about visiting Waimea Valley? It's one of our favorite spots on Oahu's North Shore! We walk here almost every day and want to share what you should know before your visit.
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Why you should visit Waimea Valley
Looking for a peaceful, nature-filled day on the North Shore? Waimea Valley has it all. Here are just a few reasons to visit: scenic walks through the beautiful botanical gardens, cultural sites that share Hawaii's history, and the famous Waimea Falls.
You can also enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau, the Toa Luau, and with its picture-perfect grounds, it's a fantastic spot for photoshoots and special events.
It's one of our favorite places to bring friends and family, so if you're planning a visit, this valley should definitely be on your list!
Things to do & see in the park
Waimea Valley has so much to do and see, it's easy to spend a full day here.
We live just five minutes away, and we like to take walks through the gardens to get a little exercise and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. On weekends, we often stop by Open Kitchen for their delicious Mahi Aina Salad.
If you're visiting, you'll love it too. Here are a few things to check out when you're at the park:
Hike & swim at the waterfall: One of the valley's top attractions is the easy hike to Waimea Falls through a lush botanical garden. Once at the falls, you can swim in the cool waters! Check out our Waimea waterfall hike guide for more info and tips.
Botanical gardens & bird watching: Waimea Valley's botanical gardens are among the most beautiful on the island. You'll see a lot of native Hawaiian plants and birds. Keep an eye out for the endangered ʻAlae ʻUla - you can often spot them by the pond near the entrance.
Visit cultural sites: Walking the trail to the waterfall, you'll see several historical and cultural sites that offer a glimpse into Hawaiian traditions and the valley's history, from ancient agricultural terraces to spiritual areas.
Experience a Luau: The traditional Hawaiian Toa Luau is a highlight for many visitors. Enjoy Hawaiian food, music, and hula in a beautiful setting. Book in advance to secure your spot. Here's a review of the Toa Luau.
Quick note: As of 2025, the Waimea Valley Farmers Market has moved to Haleiwa Town and isn't held at the valley anymore. Honestly, it's kind of a bummer since it was such a nice experience to check out the vendors in that beautiful setting. The good news is, the market is still around - just in a different location.
A few more things the valley offers
- Guided Tours: If you don't feel like walking the whole way, the Kipahele Tour is a fun option. It's a small-group shuttle ride to the waterfall and back, and the guide shares stories about the valley's plants, animals, and history along the way.
- What's Blooming Botanical Tour: Join the valley's botanical staff for a guided walk at 12:30 PM (Tuesday-Sunday) to check out rare and seasonal blooming plants from Hawaiʻi and beyond! Included with admission.
- Hula Dance (Kaʻaha Hula I Waimea): Watch live hula and chanting! Performances happen on Saturdays at 11 AM and 1 PM in the Amphitheatre or Upper Meadow.
- Dine at the Cafes: Enjoy a meal or drink at one of the cozy cafes in Waimea Valley. Like I mentioned above, we love the Mahi Aina Salad from Open Kitchen, and I've heard their fries are super crispy and delicious too!
- Gift Shop: Stop by for locally-made crafts and Hawaiian-inspired souvenirs. The shop is small, but it's packed with cute gifts and unique finds you won't want to miss!
Events calendar & wedding info
- Waimea Valley Event Calendar: Stay up-to-date with monthly events, from cultural celebrations and live music to special programs. Check out the full events calendar before your visit.
- Book a Wedding or Event Venue: Waimea Valley offers its beautiful grounds for weddings and special events. With its lush gardens and iconic waterfall, it makes a stunning backdrop for any occasion.
Admission, hours & map
Entrance fees
Here's what it costs to visit Waimea Falls and explore the beautiful botanical garden. You can pay at the entrance or book online in advance.
A heads-up for locals: the free Thursday entry is no longer available. The staff told me this used to be offered because of the Haleiwa Farmers Market, but since the market moved, it's no longer part of the program. Locals can still take advantage of a yearly membership, which is a great option if you plan to visit often.
General Admission
Adult: $25
Senior: $20
Student: $20
Child (ages 4-12): $15
Group Rate (10 adults): $20
Hawaii Resident/Military
Adult: $10
Senior: $8
Student: $8
Child (ages 4-12): $6
Group Rate (10 adults): $8
- Shuttle Transportation: Shuttle transportation is available from the ticket booth to Waimea Falls starting at 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. One-way is $10 for each person.
- Mobility Scooter Rentals: Need an easier way to get around? Rent a mobility scooter for a comfortable and accessible visit. Rentals are $19.99 per hour.
- Parking: There are no parking fees!
Hawaii Resident/Military Annual Passes
Individual Annual Pass: $40
Family Pass (2 Adults and up to 6 children under the age of 18): $80
Lifetime: $800
Hours of operation
- Waimea Falls trail and shuttle service: Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Gift shop: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Cafés: Open from 10 AM to 4 PM, with Hale Kope Coffee House opening at 8 AM.
Waimea Valley map
Here's a handy map of Waimea Valley. It includes everything from the hiking trail through the botanical gardens to the waterfall, cultural sites, and all the facilities. Feel free to print it out to take along with you when you visit!
Visitor facilities & accessibility
Parking
Parking at Waimea Valley is super easy and free! The main lot near the entrance has a number of spaces, but if it's full, you'll be directed to another spot on the property, and it's just a short walk to the entrance.
Restrooms & changing rooms
There are restrooms near the main entrance, with a few more along the botanical garden trail to the waterfall. And if you're planning to swim, there are changing rooms by the falls so you can change out of your wet clothes afterward!
We're always impressed by how clean the facilities are, and it's great that they're always stocked with toilet paper and soap!
Accessibility
The valley is super accessible for everyone! The main trail to the waterfall is paved, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to get around.
While there are a few gentle inclines, it's pretty smooth overall. If you prefer a little extra help getting around, there's a shuttle service for $20 round trip, or you can rent a mobility scooter for $19.99 per hour.
Helpful tips & insights
One of the things we love most about the hike is how shady the trail is. The tall trees keep it cool and comfortable, and the paved path makes it easy for kids and strollers - perfect for families!
Cell service & Wi-fi
Cell service is limited in the valley, but Wi-Fi is available in select areas of the park with no password required.
What to bring & wear
If you're walking to the waterfall, wear comfy shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes to change into, and water shoes if you plan on getting in the water!
While you're at it, pack a picnic and stop at one of the shaded benches or grassy areas along the trail. It's the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the views.
Attending the luau? Wear something comfy, like a casual dress or lightweight clothes.
Best time to visit
Our favorite time to walk to the waterfall is right when the park opens or later in the afternoon. During these times, the park is less crowded and fewer people are swimming.
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:
Must-do nearby
Waimea Bay: A beautiful beach right across from the valley, known for big-wave surfing in the winter and perfect for swimming in the summer. Check it out live on the Waimea webcam!
Waimea Valley FAQs
Waimea Valley is about an hour's drive from Waikiki or Honolulu, depending on traffic via the H1/H2 freeway. If you take the scenic route along the coast on the east side of the island, it can take about an hour and a half to get there without any stops along the way.
Waimea Valley address:
Waimea Valley Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
View on Google Maps
On average, you'll want to plan for about 2 to 3 hours at Waimea Valley. The walk to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes each way, but you'll probably want to take your time exploring the historical sites along the trail.
If you plan to swim in the waterfall, attend the Luau, check out the hula show, or shop at the gift shop, you'll need a bit more time to enjoy everything fully!
You don't need reservations at Waimea Valley to visit the botanical gardens and waterfall. However, you can book general admission, the Toa Luau, Kipahele Tour, and mobility scooters online in advance if you'd like.
For weddings, photoshoots, or other events, it's best to contact them ahead of time.
Waimea Valley has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and 50 First Dates, as well as TV series like Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I., Lost, and The Bachelor (seasons 1 and 2).
We hope this guide helps you learn more about Waimea Valley! Got questions? Drop them in the comments below, or feel free to call them directly at (808) 638-7766.
Looking for more tips on exploring North Shore? Check out our other posts!
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