Spend a full day Waimea Valley is truly paradise. entertainment theme park on the North Shore, where you could drive right up and Special night-time openings of Waimea Valley around the full mahina. river (stream during the summer months) below, if you wish to see a closer view river (stream during the summer months) below, if you wish to see a closer view Purchased a Seniors gate pass for $16.00 plus tax. I have seen many disappointed tourists (including myself) state that the waterfall wasnt flowing heavily when they got there. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Add more time if you plan to have lunch there. Decorate your own palm leaf crown. Discover. grab a seat, and sip on pineapple juice while watching cliff The 45-foot Waimea Valley waterfall flows continuously, but the rate of flow is dependent on rainfall. Supposedly (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are not a fan of huge crowds, try getting there before the big groups arrive around 10:00 -10:30 am. The information on this site is for your reading pleasure only. Falls Park, this Oahu waterfall and the surrounding tropical grounds are now run Manoa Falls is located within a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki, and they are a great option if youre short on time. Throughout the gardens there are also a number of visiting cultural practitioners, who offer painting, feather work and artifacts for sale. for freeif you don't have your own. (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 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. You can choose to walk or pay for a ride (cash only) but I promise you it's well worth exploring by walking. Waimea Canyon State Park overlooks of one of the States scenic treasures the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon. Upon completion of the kaapuni, guests will earn a Hookipa Cultural Ambassador Certificate, along with a unique Waimea Valley collectible pin. The mission of Waimea Valley is to Preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship.. The best was the waterfall where you could swim. turned About Waimea Valley. Its included in the admission fee. Private Oahu Island Tour (English or Spanish). After walking for about 20-30 minutes, you will reach the majestic Waimea Falls. The total length of this hike is ~6.5 miles including lots of vertical meters and is not for the faint of heart. 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. Tickets on sale now. Look for a sign that reads Waimea Valley, which is about This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Mahalo! Waimea Visiting Adult $25 Waimea Valley is a gorgeous park and botanical garden on Oahu's North Shore that is home to Waimea Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Oahu. For more information onRapid hia Death please see the links below. From the start you will be surrounded by oversized ferns, neon green lily ponds, and wildlife birds that call this valley home. One of last intact ahupua'a on O`ahu, Waimea Valley consists of 1,875 acres and has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of . 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.". Be advised that the more rain the island gets, the more the waterfall will flow. 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. Waimea Bay Beach Park is located 5 miles north of Haleiwa or 36 miles from Kaneohe on Hwy 83. Everything growing is labeled so you know exactly what you're looking at. There are plenty of things to do, see, eat, and explore. The river runs all the way out to Waimea Bay if you were to follow it. Visiting Group Rate $16 (per person - group of over 10 Adults) If you are not a morning person, this is another great option to beat the crowds. you off near Waimea Valley Road (across from Waimea Bay), where you will have to walk the last 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. Park there. 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. Adjacent forest reserves with long, strenuous hikes into and out of the canyon. I highly recommend Waimea Valley for families who love to be outside and surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, the dispensers have been removed but there are still plenty of amazing birds hanging out in the park, especially around fruit trees. If youre looking for some more adventure while in the area, check out Waimea Bay Rock for some cliff jumping. Ask the bus The first shuttle starts at 9:45 AM. into a beautiful, paved, botanical garden walk. 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. Waimea Bay is one of the most iconic areas on O'ahu's North Shore. Beaches such as Sunset Beach and The Banzai Pipeline are some of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu, located within a short drive from Waimea Valley. Great rest stops along the way as well. Waimea Falls. Latitude: 21.639382889091 She was able to keep her land until 1884 when she was pressured to mortgage and lease it due to a large debt. This hike will take you from the overlook into the valley, to the black sand beach, and back up. 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. Visit Partners.HawaiianAirlines.com for details. Ke Ahu Hapu'u is a sacred location on the southwestern side of Waimea Bay, located on the water's edge. If you are expecting an extremely tall and unbelievable waterfall, Waimea Valley is not the place for you. Kamehameha the Great's exclusive Kahuna, Hewahewa, was a descendant of the Pa'ao. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. This is one of our favorite hikes on Oahu. You will find a series of reconstructed Hawaiian Hales (houses) in different stages and materials 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. back down 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). I would plan on spending at least 2-4 hours in Waimea Valley. You have to pay to see and hike Waimea Valley. There is also a bathroom and food stall halfway to the falls. We were among the first batch at around 10 a.m. but took our time hiking to the falls and by the time we arrived it was busy. If you are looking for an easy but spectacular hike, look no further than the Kaena Point hike. Theres also a daily scheduled guided activities for botanical garden and cultural sites. 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. You can take your kids out for a day trip or just have them stay home while you go. 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. world famous. In this blog post, well provide an overview of this natural wonder so you can plan your trip accordingly. Established in 2008. The fundraiser kicks-off on Friday, May 19. Aloha and welcome back! Hours: Open Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, 7 days a week, Admission: **For current prices and fees please call. The best way to get to Waimea Falls is to drive there. The park consists of a scenic drive, lookouts of the canyon, a viewpoint of Ni'ihau Island, wildland picnicking and trails. Spend a full day Subscribe to receive Best of Oahu updates on events, updates, and new articles. Take note that the you will need to get life vest before enter the water. "Supposedly (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Note that the below breakdown is only for general admission (non-resident). Stop at the Dole Plantation WHEN TO VISIT OAHU Traveling To Oahu Soon? signs along your There is also a section of stairs that leads down to the While Waimea Valley is home to a variety of impressive native species, it is also home to several unique plants from all around the globe. Even if you're not a fan of riding the waves, watching these pro surfers in action will get your heart racing too. And believe me there is so much to see. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~, Enjoy an afternoon swimming in the Waimea Falls. The Waialua Farmer's Market, held Wednesday afternoon and Saturday . Its easy to find a quiet spot to rest on the grassy areas and unwind from the busy highways of Honolulu. General Admission to the Valley: Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The botanical gardens are absolutely stunning and worth exploring. The best way to reach Waimea Valley is via car. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Waimea Heiau Ruins Just 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 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. As a rule-of-thumb, many drivers assume $1.00 per mile as their net take-home after expenses. There are lifeguards that monitor the large pool at the base of the falls, and free lifejackets are required to be worn while in the water. We recently attended this luau, and we started our day by hiking to the falls, then we participated in the day luau. it was very very good. Very nice falls, fun to swim under them, but it is very tricky to get into the water, requiring you to walk over wet, slippery, uneven rocks. changed at Waimea Falls Park is the ability Valley Road. which will lead you to the coastline. Volunteer at waimea valley. Pig and seasonal goat hunting nearby. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Also I wanted to learn more about life for natives to the island and the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. Shuttle to the falls is available, cost is $10 pp for one way. Without a doubt this my favorite stop during my vacation. Free life vests. Until next time, aloha and happy exploring the Waimea Valley! you once you have arrived at Waimea Falls Park. Just be aware of things to consider before visiting (weather, fees, other activities in the area), and have a great time! Children under age 4 are free. Bug spray will make your day much more enjoyable. , YES ! Sharlene Earnshaw is the Managing Editor of Trekaroo.com and has worked in the family travel field for over 15 years. NOTE: Waimea Canyon State Park charges a fee to park and enter for all except Hawaii residents. Oahus largest heiau, or temple, resides there, overlooking the valley. Another feature of the property is the Proud Peacock Restaurant. If you have kids or are just looking for a fun place to go, the Dole Plantation is a great option. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Very well organized with mandatory life jackets available and a team of staff explaining how to stay safe. 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. Participating Kaapuni o Waimea guests will be given an identifying sticker at each cultural site. The gardens and waterfall have opened again starting on June 5th, 2022! Many people were unfamiliar with the Western concept of land ownership. Most rideshare companies collect a commission as well as a booking fee. Seasonal trout fishing. This is a complimentary tour, free of charge (with paid admission). Check out our many venues here at Waimea! The plan is to visit the North Shore the Monday morning of our trip. view the stunning waterfall in Waimea 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. Its an excellent hike for all ages and is mostly shaded, making it a perfect choice on a hot day. Waimea Valley was considered one of the more recognized locations for its spiritual significance by Ancient Hawaiians. Currently, we have 2,500 guarded spaces, both on the outskirts and in the city center. The waterfall at Waimea Valley is about 45 feet high and is worth admiring. Still known as the The drive was perfect with little to no traffic as we drove along the beach and plantations. Pyrnes . It was then nice getting to the falls to take a dip to cool down. History walks, hula lessons, crafts, music and storytelling take place in the magnificent gardens. Waimea Falls is perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities. In the summer, it offers visitors a beautiful white sand beach to lounge and blue-green water to swim. Waimea Valley said they will . Be sure to take the time to admire the waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-82325016', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Waimea Bay Beach Park during our trip in July. Plus, its one of the few waterfalls on Oahu where you can swim. If you have time to spare, make sure to spend some time hiking on this side of the island. Continue on Hwy 83 for almost 4 miles, and turn right onto 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. We visited in February so it rained lightly on and off. Bus will take you into Old town Haleiwa and then The 88A Oahu Please note that swimming conditions might change based on the weather, so check out the Waimea Valley Website for updates. Its definitely a must if you are in the area. Do you need to book in advance to visit Waimea Valley? Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Hewahewa turned to Christianity, repudiated Hawaiian gods, and assisted in the destruction of all heiau and religious idols, along with Kamehameha II and Ka'ahumanu (his co-ruler).[3]. in dance, cooking, and other facets of life from the past. by The trail is paved all the way and also wheelchair accessible. [MAUI]UPDATED 5/1/23: Iao Valley State Monument ha REOPENED. In our opinion, both options are great and if possible, be sure to visit both. 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. and famous north shore beaches, while making important stops to non-profit Waimea Valley gardens that now benefit and preserve the Yes, the falls are now open at the writing of this post. Sharks Cove is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, so make sure to check it out while youre in the area. Place des Ftes. You wont find many Oahu hiking trails here, except for the one-mile Aloha and welcome back! Thats one of the reasons why its one of the best kid-friendly hikes on Oahu. You will need a few hours to explore Waimea Valley. 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. headed West, Take the H-1 Hwy West to the H-2 Hwy North, Follow the H-2 Hwy to the Kamehameha Hwy (Hwy 99), Take Hwy 99 and continue into Haleiwa Town. Waimea Valley is located on Oahu's North Shore, just inland from the famed Waimea Bay Beach Park. 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. art, and OnHawaii Island, hundreds of thousands of hia have already died from this fungus, called Ceratocystis. A walk to Waimea Falls means that you'll be sweating. You might feel like you have stepped into the movie set for after some substantial rainfall. botanical gardens. There is a small park entrance fee that goes towards the Here are 3 additional Oahu Waterfalls that you might want to consider hiking to after this one Take the 52bus from Kuhio Ave (away from Diamond Head) to Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. Much of the inventor on display is unique and created by local artist. Majestic Circle Island Eco Tour from Waikiki, Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions and Tours, Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer, Oahu Grand Circle Island Audio Driving Tour, Private North Shore Tour with Free Photo Session by a photographer, 6-Hour Private Customized Luxury Convertible Tour of Oahu's North Shore, Private North Shore Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer, Your Private Mix Plate (Combination) Tours, Circle Island (Holoholo Mokupuni) from Ko'olina, Ultimate Circle Island Experience: Beauty and the Feast, Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour w/ Lunch & Waimea Valley, Amazing Oahu Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Self-Guided Audio Tours, Next-Level Circle Island Tour-Waimea Falls | Byodo | Turtles-Dole, Oahu Circle Island (Holoholo Mokupuni), from Waikiki. please tip . The lifeguards will help you get in if you ask, and are very nice about it. 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. Evidence of an early existence can be found in the many archaeological and cultural sites throughout the valley, including the Hale O Lono Heiau (Temple dedicated to the god Lono), Kauhale Kahiko (Traditional Living Site), and Loi (Agricultural Terraced Walls). General Admission to the Valley: She currently lives in Orange County with her husband and 15-year-old son and daughter (twins!). [1][2] Much of the garden floor was once cultivated for taro, sweet potato, and bananas, with new crops and orchards introduced by Europeans after their arrival. find a parking spot, then youre in for a treat! Play traditional Hawaiian games at the kauhale cultural site. The path itself is a concrete paved path, well-marked and maintained. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Please do not pass this place up! swimming at the waterfall. Disclaimer all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may inflict injury. Pretty long uphill walk to falls: we were tired by the time we got there. If the Oahu surf report world famous can you park on the street? Take time to admire all the tropical plants that thrive in the area. This valley is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Hawaii and the swimmable waterfall is like the cherry on top. There are some free parking spaces along the highway on both ends. Most of the outlying walls are still intact, To qualify for Kama'aina/Military rates each individual must present a valid ID at the time of admission. Your Toal Luau admission ticket also gives you free access to the falls. Parc Des Roches. One of the highlights of our trip. Mahalo for sharing such a detailed account of your experience, we are so glad you enjoyed every aspect of Waimea Valley! E mlama a e ho'omau i n waiwai knaka, mo'omeheu, a klohelohe o waimea no kia hanauna a me n hanau e hiki mai ai i loko o ka ho'onaauao 'ana a me ka ho'okahu 'ana. on Oahu, Waimea Falls Park was for use. I recommend getting an early start so you have plenty of time to explore all the awesome North Shore activities. transfer to the number 88A or 60 Oahu Bus. grand waterfall. This is a fair contribution, especially for visitors who spend time exploring the park. Lifeguards make the swim call for the day at 9am. Book a site tour or contact us for more information. Id even say this is one of the top best waterfall hikes in Oahu for families. Waimea Valley does not charge for parking in the lot nearest their botanical garden for their customers. There's a LOT to see and do here besides swimming at the falls! 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. Waimea Falls are located on the north shore, and its a great option if you dont mind making the drive up there or if you are already staying in the area. Hiking to The Waimea Falls. 10.00-15.00 Report inappropriate content Daniel_ATC Montreal, Canada Visiting this special North Shore trail is definitely one of our favorite North Shore Oahu activities. the park and across the highway, into Waimea Bay Beach Park. I think $10, but not sure. Hike at your own risk. Waimea Falls Park is ranked among some of the best Oahu hikes. its a short paved walk for about 20-30 minutes depends on how fast you walk. *Hours are subject to change during summer hours or special events. Get off at Waimea Falls Park and walk about 200 yards to the entrance. Your Toa Luau tickets actually give you free access to Waimea Valley for the entire day. Here are some stops to check out on the way up: Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10): This lookout features panoramic views of Waimea Canyon, which is 10 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,500 feet deep. In addition to playing games of skill, strategy, and strength (staff is on-site to demonstrate the games and help you learn to play them), there is also a traditional Hawaiian living site for a high-ranking chief. Guests are guided through three key cultural sites - Hale Hike, Kauhale, and Kahua Pani. Walk through the covered bridge and take a moment to explore This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. Since 1960, we have been providing car parks for rental by the hour, day, week or monthly subscription. cascade you were expecting might have dwindled down to a small trickle. These water lilies were originally discovered in Bolivia and can grow up to a meter a day! Mahalo! 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. Learn more and garden on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm. including Thanksgiving & Christmas. What's the best way to see Waimea Valley? I think $10, but not sure. If you want to see a powerful waterfall, try going when it has rained recently. You wont regret visiting this beautiful place with your family. 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 98% of travelers recommend this experience. You wont find an Oahu waterfall hike that is easier! You can check on waterfall swimming status on the day you visit by calling (808) 638-7766 on the day of our visit after 9 am. giving you a good perspective on just how large the site was. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Waimea Falls in its powerful, cascading glory! Waimea Falls is a very popular tourist attraction in Oahu, and the pool can get pretty crowded during the middle of the day. stroll through lush botanical gardens that lead up to the Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip! Guests will enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, storytelling, and music while taking in the beauty of Waimea Valley. Visiting Senior $18 (age 62+) 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. Waimea Valley is very stroller-friendly. you go Please know your visit is very important in keeping the flora and fauna in the botanical gardens and the conservation forests above the Valley maintained. Are you looking for a family-friendly destination to visit on Oahu? preserved Hawaiian heiaus on the island, known as Puu o Mahaka State Waimea Valley is lush for a reason, as it rains often here. Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm 4. There are a couple of different food and beverage stands in the Valley including a grill, coffee shop, and bar.