Waimea Valley, gardens and a sacred waterfall

As published on the valley’s own site and booking pages, checked Sep 26, 2026. Confirm when you book.

Best for

• CouplesGreatThe Sunrise Tour goes in before opening, with the day’s first swim.
• FamiliesGreatA paved path, free life jackets in every size, $18 for ages 4 to 12.
• FriendsGoodOutside food and coolers are welcome in the picnic meadows.
• SoloGreatA free daily botanical walk and a self-guided cultural circuit.
• GroupsGoodGroups of 10 or more adults pay $22 each; tours take 12 per booking.

Waimea is an ahupuaʻa, a land division running from the mountains to the sea, and the valley’s 1,875 acres hold the whole of it. Hawaiian tradition set it aside for Oʻahu’s kahuna nui, the high priests. After Kamehameha conquered Oʻahu in 1795 he gave Waimea to his high priest, Hewahewa, the last kahuna nui, who died here in 1837.

Ranching, a wartime camp and, from 1973, a commercial park with a 150-acre botanical garden followed. In 2006 the Office of Hawaiian Affairs bought the valley with the city, the state and other partners, and in 2008 formed Hiʻipaka LLC, a nonprofit subsidiary that now holds title and runs it. Admission pays for that stewardship.

Past the ticket booth, the first site is Hale o Lono, a heiau to Lono, god of agriculture, rain and peace, which the valley dates to the 1400s and which Hawaiians still use. November through February is Makahiki, Lono’s season. Farther in are a Kuʻula fishing shrine, loʻi kalo terraces and the Kauhale, a chief’s living complex rebuilt with traditional materials. Please do not touch or move the stones.

The paved path runs three-quarters of a mile to the falls through 60 themed gardens and more than 3,000 species; side trails circle ponds where the endangered ʻalae ʻula feeds. At the pool, life jackets are required and free, and there is no diving, rock climbing, soap or oil in water Hawaiians hold sacred.

General admission covers a full day, including the free 12:30 p.m. botanical walk: $26 adults, $20 seniors 62 and up and students, $18 ages 4 to 12. Hawaii residents and military with ID pay $10, $8 and $6. The shuttle is $10 each way or $20 round trip.

The Kipahele Tour is a 75-minute guided ride on an electric shuttle, leaving at 10 a.m. and ending at the falls, admission included: from $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for seniors, students and children.

The Sunrise Tour goes in before opening, 7:30 to 9 a.m., with storytelling and, conditions permitting, the first swim of the day. It runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: $80 a person, parking included.

Admission and both tours book online through the valley’s website, waimeavalley.net.

The valley faces Waimea Bay across Kamehameha Highway, 1 to 1.5 hours from Waikiki by car (our guide to renting a car on Oahu). The lots are for valley guests only, and beach parkers are towed.

Pair it with Haleʻiwa town or Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, both in our North Shore guide. Our Oahu road trip and the scenic drive map plan the loop, and our easy hikes guide rates this walk the family pick. Bound for the bay after? Check whether it is safe to swim, and save room for North Shore coffee.

• Call before you drive. The day’s swim status is set at 9 a.m.; the number is (808) 638-7766.
• Pack water shoes and a swimsuit. The rocks at the falls are slippery, and the free changing stalls are near the pool.
• Time it for 12:30. The free 45-minute botanical walk leaves from beside the ticket booth.
• Bring lunch if you like. Outside food and coolers are welcome; alcohol stays outside the ticket booth.
• Mind the shuttle hours. The first shuttle leaves at 9:45 a.m., and shuttle sales end at 2 p.m.