Waimea Valley

Overview

Waimea Valley is a lush botanical garden and hiking trail leading to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. It's a serene escape into nature with cultural significance to the Hawaiian people.

Waimea Valley is a sacred site in Hawaiian culture, known for its natural beauty and historical importance. It's also a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and learning about native Hawaiian plants and history.

Botanical Garden Hiking Trail Cultural Site

Location

Address

Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii

Neighborhood: Haleiwa Town

Coordinates

21.479400, -158.027500

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25

Children

$12 (ages 4-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and pleasant

• Lush greenery
• Wildflowers in bloom

summer

Hot and sunny

• Extended daylight hours
• Warm water for swimming

autumn

Warm to cool

• Fall colors
• Harvest season

winter

Cool and rainy

• Rainy season
• Cooler temperatures

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Bring plenty of water

What to Bring

essential

ID Water Hiking shoes Tickets

seasonal

Rain jacket Umbrella

not allowed

Large bags Drones Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Hiking trail with some steep sections
• Uneven terrain
• Swimming area with strong currents

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $25

parking $5

food $10-$15

souvenirs $10-$30

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals, Inappropriate clothing, High heels

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week in advance
• Official website
• 48 hours in advance for full refund
• Available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

First aid

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Waimea Valley App

Size: 35 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 35-45 minutes

taxi

$60-$80 35-45 min

public_transport

$2.50 1 hour 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 40 km

car

Gas and parking 40-50 min

public_transport

$2.50 1 hour 30 min

taxi

$80-$100 40-50 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical and cultural significance, beautiful natural setting

Historical Significance: Ancient Hawaiian settlement, cultural and spiritual importance

Insider Tips

Visit early morning for fewer crowds and better photography
Combine your visit with a trip to Haleiwa Town
Check for guided cultural tours for a deeper understanding of the valley's history

Local Recommendations

• Try local shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice
• Visit Haleiwa Town for local shops and cafes
• Ask about guided cultural tours

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Aloha

thank_you Mahalo

where_is Ia 'oe 'eiho?

how_much E pehea ke kalika?

beautiful Nani

ticket Kaukau

Guide Languages: English, Hawaiian, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Waimea Waterfall

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon

Tips: Wide angle for the full view, use a tripod for steady shots

Result: Stunning waterfall photographs

#WaimeaValley #Hawaii #Waterfall

Botanical Garden

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Macro lens for details, use natural light

Result: Beautiful flora photographs

#BotanicalGarden #Nature #Plants

Hiking Trail

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Wide angle for the trail, use a polarizing filter for vibrant colors

Result: Scenic trail photographs

#Hiking #Trail #Adventure

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Hiking trail, Botanical garden, Waterfall

prohibited areas Cultural sites (unless permitted), Indoor exhibits

flash photography Not allowed in indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited without special permit

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Haleiwa Beach Park

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Beach

Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Beach

Haleiwa Town

Distance: 0.3 km

Walking: 5 min

Type: Shopping and dining

Dole Plantation

Distance: 15 km

Walking:

Type: Tourist attraction

Reviews

4.6

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online in advance"
"Visit early morning for fewer crowds"
"Wear sturdy hiking shoes"
"Bring plenty of water"

Contact Information

+1 808-638-7766

info@waimeavalley.net

www.waimeavalley.net

Social Media

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