Waimea Valley

Excellent Botanical Gardens and water fall! Plenty of walking paths, areas to rest, sit and contemplate life. Cafe, wine bar, tables and shaded chairs. Cultural awareness tables with staff talking to guest. Beautiful...

FYI - if you are going here to see the waterfall, you’ll be disappointed. It cost us about $70 (family of 3) to enter the park. (Free parking). We knew the waterfall was not really running due to lack of rain. It’s about a .80 mile walk to the falls. All paved paths for the most part. There are a few areas which you should divert off to explore the various plants and flowers. They have some demonstration areas along the way as well. Also a snack bar and bathroom about half way through. Swimming is only allowed when the water is really flowing , otherwise you are likely to catch a parasite which could trigger flu like symptoms. There was great church service happening when we arrived Sunday morning at the main check in area. They also have plenty of bathrooms, large gift shop and plenty of options for food as well.

Beautiful botanical grounds, some cultural sites, an easy paved path to the waterfall, some optional side paths with stairs to see even more of the beautiful plants. Entry to the waterfall is large uneven rocks, I recommend wearing water shoes and not for anyone with mobility issues.

Such an amazing place! Very fun to explore Please bring cash! There are many nice people along the trail that share with you their music or art. They are all amazing at what they do and are so talented. They only take tips in cash though.

Opening hours are 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on mondays. Price is 25$ which is totally overpriced. It is a 3 km entirely paved walk. You can pay a shuttle 10$ one way. So if you have difficulty to walk you are paying 45$… Overwise it is a 30/45 mins walk. The park is beautiful to reach the cascade. I think you can call to check the recent rain fall as the cascade flows depends on it. Some people go and see very little waterfalls. There is an overcrowded swimming area. It is a very nice place but if you are a family of 4 it is a certain budget and becomes not worth it. If you have a limited budget this is not a must. If you don’t mind paying for an hour excursion then it is pleasant but not fantastic. You can buy the tickets at the door. There is a free parking

Waimea Valley 🌺🌴 Such a beautiful place to walk through, literally flowers and greenery everywhere you look. There were so many unique flowers, and even wild peacocks walking around, which was super cool. The colours were insane. It’s peaceful but also lively, with birds and nature sounds all around. They even had signs showing which movies and shows were filmed there: Jumanji, LOST, Hunger Games, etc. The hike itself was easy and fun, and the whole valley felt like a mix of nature and culture. Definitely worth it.

Waimea Falls is absolutely amazing. It's a relatively easy walk to get to, through Lush beautiful foliage and flowers, and then when you get to the falls they have life jackets provided to allow you to swim at the pool of the falls. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. What's also great is that purchasing the luau tickets for The Tao luau automatically gives you access to the Waimea Falls

Amazing walk through the botanical gardens and ended off with a a beautiful waterfall. Paths are easily walkable, came with my mother and younger child. We stopped in the huts and received a pin after answering some questions. Just a wonderful experience and would recommend it especially to a family. And buy the souvenir book, my daughter had fun checking off all the birds she saw, and used it throughout the rest of our trip.

Beautiful park and light hike to a waterfall. You can see a lot of the plants and nature of the island. Good way to spend a couple of hours away from the cities. If you go swimming don't lose your phone it will cost you to hire a diver to get it

As soon as you find a parking space in their lot, make your way to the wonderful heiau (temple) just above the lot. It's really an interesting addition to the grounds and shouldn't be missed. The Waimea Valley is an absolutely beautiful botanical garden with an easy walk to the waterfall; the road is completely paved all the way and not very far to the falls. Those with mobility issues can take a shuttle both ways, but it's $10 each way. While parking is free, entry into the valley and to the falls is another cost and not exactly budget-friendly if there are several members in your group. Still, aside from the cost, the valley is amazing with the variety of plants that can be seen. There was some chanting going on, but I couldn't locate the source of it. It was nice just to listen, though. The waterfall itself was a bit of a letdown. It's small and there were lots of people swimming under it. You had to wear a lifejacket to swim, but I'm not sure if you had to pay to rent it. There are restrooms and a snack vendor in the valley as well as a bigger food vendor before heading into the valley, so you don't have to worry about creature comforts. While I enjoyed Waimea Valley and Falls, I thought it was really commercial and would've enjoyed a more "natural" setting. All in all, still worth the trip!

AGAIN I FORGOT TO CHECK-IN!!! DAMN IT‍ITS OK... I'll just review my visit! We went go to the TE MOANA NUI hosted by TAHITI MANA. But we didn't make it for the events. We were absolutely late! However, we still were able to walk around in the main area to enjoy the scenery and the nice lush greenery. It was nice day tho. Ever tho we missed the events, we still made the best of our visit and enjoyed walking around the front area where the restaurant and shops are ar. We even brought our new additional to the family... LUCKY SUNSHINE SHADOW. Our mix dwarf rabbit! he was very good too! It was his first outing. With the family and he enjoyed the air as well. He kept popping his head out of the pouch to sniff the air and then he'd chill in the edge. I'd like to go back when they host another event here. Oh there was a charge to attend. Not sure how much, but the did give Kamaaina discounts. AND... people could enter the event and register PRIOR to their events. You'd have yo search it up tho. I don't know much of it just yet! Tahiti Mana is the Business. They also have lessons in Tahitian dancing as well. From little to adults. So, if you ever wondered what Waimea is like... YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK @ IT. You just taught loving it. Ok thanks for reading and have a good one! A hui hou MALAMA PONO

My mom and I the third day we were here decided to go to Waimea Falls. It is $25 per person located near the North shore. The falls right now are a little bit dry because the rainy season in Hawaii hasn't been that great but the garden and botanical area and amphitheater is still lush and green as ever. They have a new food options. They have a little grab and go area, a shop, restrooms and a place for coffee and tea. My mom and I watched the 11:30 AM luau presented by a local group in Wimea Valley. If you haven't been, I definitely recommend coming by however I do not recommend going in October. It's very lush and green and very pretty, however, none of the bushes are blossoming because it is the dryer season. The luau that we watched with the local group from Waimea Valley was very lovely and very relaxing. 10/10

Despite how I've had this place sitting in my list of bookmarks for quite some time, I have to admit I actually didn't know much about Waimea Valley before coming here. What little I did know was limited to all of the positive things I had heard from friends - the valley is beautiful, there's a variety of flora and fauna to see, and, most significantly, a waterfall and natural swimming pool at the end of the trail! Which, all together, was more than enough to convince me I should come here to check this place out for myself! Given how popular Waimea Valley is, we were surprised that there wasn't much of a crowd even around lunch time (we weren't able to make it in the morning, as was recommended to us). As we pulled in through the gate, we were happy to see a bunch of spaces available in the front parking lot (there's a smaller lot further down), but even happier to find out it was free! Similarly, we also didn't expect to see a handful of eateries next to the visitor center desk and gift shop, but skipped on trying anything since we had already ate beforehand. Now, if you're looking for a relatively chill hike through nature, this is the place for you. To be honest, it's really more of a walk - while it does branch out along the way, the main path, as well as the majority of the offshoots, is actually paved and relatively flat (for those with mobility concerns, they do have a shuttle that can take you from end to end). Along the way, there are culture sites where you can learn about the early Hawaiian people and a number of botanical gardens with numerous different flowers and plants. If you should want/need to take a break, there are places to sit and a snack shack with some picnic tables as you approach the waterfall where you can grab a bite, drinks, snacks, and even a sweet treat. As for the aforementioned waterfall, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little underwhelmed. While I certainly didn't expect something as dramatic as Yosemite Falls, I still thought it would be...bigger. Of course, it didn't help that we were here during the dry season, as I imagine it would've looked more impressive with rainwater feeding the flow. That said, the pool is pretty large and the relatively calm waters made it perfect to splash around a bit and float in the water. Plus, it's nice that they have lifejackets and lifeguards on hand to help keep folks safe. While Waimea Valley is undoubtedly pretty and serene, I think it's fair to say that it's also a little bit pricey at $25 per adult (though, they do have cheaper rates for seniors, students, children, and for large groups). It's especially true if you don't plan on getting into the water, regardless of the fact that the money goes towards preserving and maintaining the valley. Still, I have no regrets and I'm glad to be able to check this off my list of bookmarks. If/when I do ever return, I'll just have to make sure it's during the winter so that I can see a much more powerful version of the waterfall.

A TV ad for Waimea Valley's annual Summer Concert Series brought me and the spouse here, specifically to watch the Hawaiian Style Band as we're both fans of Robi Kahakalau. Getting here would've been smooth sailing had it not been for the tourists and turtles along the way that backed up traffic for at least 3 miles or more. Once here, the meandering road led to the parking lot and a friendly attendant. Parking was ample and free with our concert tickets. Security was visible so cars were safe from break-ins. If someone has difficulty walking, there is a drop off and turnaround at the facility's main entrance. We checked in at the will call table for bracelets. I thought they were going to scan our QR codes but instead went off a printed list that didn't show my name. But, they let us in without hassle. Inside I saw a gift shop, clean restrooms, a takeaway food counter and a restaurant with a big outdoor lanai. There was more to see but I didn't have time to poke around. We didn't eat anything but had some drinks from the pop up bar. A few vendors also sold crafts. The concert was held in a small courtyard laid with a mix of flagstone, gravel and artificial grass. Crowds were smaller than I expected. A big tree provided shade but the overcast skies did most of the work. The stage should've been propped up higher rather than sitting in a low point. Boundary signs prohibiting high-backed chairs went unheeded by some, which further impeded the stage's view. OVERALL: A very relaxing afternoon listening to great Hawaiian music!

This is a nice easy walk to the waterfall, lots of shade with some sunny areas. Make sure to bring water and comfortable shoes. Check the park website to see if swimming is permitted on the day you go. For those who can't walk far, this is wonderful, they have trams that will get you within a short walk to the waterfall for an extra $10 each direction. It was a beautiful walk, taking in the Beaty of the flowers and greenery. If you forget your water there is a place to stop and grab a snack and drinks at the top. We saw plenty of people swimming, water shoes are helpful and if you forget they do have them in the gift shop. They offered life jackets to everyone entering the water. And had nice covered bench seats for you to rest on. We decided to take the tram down. The driver was informative and funny. Definitely worth the entrance fee and tram ride.

The Waimea valley is located on the North Shore of Oahu just opposite of where some of the largest surf in the World is located. It's not uncommon to see waves there of 25-40 feet high, especially this time of year!

Waimea Falls was such an adventure. The short half mile walk to the falls was filled with stunning flowers, lush vegetation, and gigantic trees that made me feel like I was walking through the world of Avatar. Every step felt alive and full of color. When you arrive at the falls you are met with an incredible sight of rushing water surrounded by cliffs and greenery. I found myself just standing there taking it all in. It was peaceful and powerful at the same time. It was not crowded when we arrived which made the experience even better. I suggest coming early because it does get busy later in the day. Waimea Beach is just around the corner where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset after the falls. If you enjoy nature, beauty, and a little bit of adventure this is a must visit. Here are some pictures from the falls to give you a glimpse of what makes this place so special.

We must have came on a good day because the waterfall at the end wasn't crowded at all! The walk there was sooo beautiful and there is so many things to look at. The whole hike is paved so it is definitely accessible. There is even a little shuttle that can take you from start to finish. They have changing rooms as well for the ones that want to get in the water.

Currently the best botanical garden I've ever seen in my life. The location is actually massive and it's very easy to hang out in for hours upon hours if you want to savor every experience this luscious landscape has to offer. The waterfall at the end is definitely a nice treat, fairly large size every time I've been, which is nice considering some waterfall trails can be disappointing based off the past weather. Kid friendly experience, life jackets provided at the falls. Tickets are 25 dollars per person with discounts for military, and there's multiple shops to grab snacks/drinks. A definite must if you're willing to make the drive out.

Nice little hiking while visiting Hawaii. Admission is $25 per person for adults which I felt was kinda overpriced. Parking is free so that is a plus. We came early and had no issues with parking. This trail is known for their water fall which is all the way at the end. It takes 30 minutes from the entrance, give or take. Easy trail for everyone. There are restrooms, snacks and coffee shops as well. There is shuttle ride but for additional cost. To get into the water, must wear life vest which is provided. The place is well maintained. Beautiful sceneries and a nice day out. It did rain a bit but that didn't ruin the experience.

One of the best places to visit on the island. It has everything from history, culture, beautiful flowers, plants and lots of birds (amateur birder) - LOL Nice paved walk up to the Falls, there are ride options available, but if able definitely walk as the beauty is worth it. We got there early (plenty of parking) and they have a great snack bar with good coffee and baked goods. They also have other food & drinks. The Falls are the pot of gold at the end of the Rainbow. They have really built it over the years with bathrooms & changing rooms at the top near the falls. They also have a gift shop & snack bar. We spent hours enjoying all that the valley had to offer.

Probably nice if you wanted to walk around the trails. $100 for 4 to walk to the falls. $10 each one way if you want a ride. Then the tip jar at the falls. I'm sorry, this is all ridiculous. Must wear a life jacket. There is lifeguard onsite. There are some raised seats with a shade if someone on your party wants to go into the murk. Maybe it is not like this year-round but in mar 2025 it was disgusting looking and wife stunk when whe got out and that clung around since there is no where to hose the fetid water off you. I hope if you decide to go here the water is in better condition then this.

Beautiful as always! This was our second time visiting and this time it didn't rain. Overcast but it was perfect for walking around. Appreciate that all tickets are online but it would be nice if they could have one line for people purchasing tickets and another for those who have already purchased tickets. We did not go in the waterfall this time and the water was not flowing super strong but plenty of people were in the water. They do require life jackets that are provided and there is a sitting area for those who don't go in. The whole place is well maintained but when we went there were not a lot of flowers in bloom. Definitely recommend taking the 12:30 pm tour that is led by one of the staff! It makes it so much more enjoyable and educational. We've come before and wandered the lovely grounds but having a knowledgeable guide makes it better. The entry price is a bit high at $25/pp but knowing it is for a non-profit that seeks to preserve flora and fauna of Hawaii definitelymakes it worth it.

If I could give this place 10+ stars I absolutely would. This was an amazing hike. It's paved all the way through. There are scooters you can rent as well in case the hike is too much. There's a really cute gift shop and a luau (pay extra) But let me tell you about the place itself ... all the different types of flowers, trees, birds and honestly the sheer sound of being out in nature was absolutely captivating !! Our entire family hiked to the waterfall and it was truly such a beautiful sight. There's a little snack shop along the way before you get to the waterfall with fruit, shaved ice among other snacks. There are life jackets when you get to the waterfall , these are required !! I highly highly recommend this place. You learn a lot, so many things to read along the way and all the history in this place as well, it's beautiful! Just get out there & do it!!!

Visited Waimea Valley for a short day trip to explore the botanical gardens and hike up to the waterfall. There is SO MUCH to see and explore within the gardens we had to restrict ourselves from wandering off the main path as we didn't have time. The main walk up to the waterfall was very easy and paved the whole way. Lots of side adventures you could go on that seemed to be higher difficulty. We saw lots of really cool plants and plenty of wildlife as well... and SO MANY SNAILS. The waterfall had been dry for a few weeks when we went but finally was pushing through water for the first time the day we went so we were lucky to actually see the waterfall but because it had been dry for a while the waterfall was very brown with sediment. The journey up to the waterfall was definitely more exciting than the fall itself. It rained the day we went but of course the gift shop had ponchos ready to go for us. Great day trip and definitely would come back and leave even more time to explore.

Waiamea Valley is beautiful and breathtaking. It is a must see place. Enjoy the day soaking up the fresh air and seeing the beauty of Hawaii

Had the best time here. We decided to pay for the cart to take us up and down to get the most time in the water and we are so glad that we did- we have two young kids and knew at some point we were going to pick someone up so the cart ride was worth it. We brought our own life jackets for the kids and borrowed life jackets for us. You definitely need water shoes here. Some rocks have moss and you will slip right off. This was an ultimate experience in Hawaii. So glad we got to experience this.

We haven't been to Waimea falls in yrs. I didn't even think I needed to call ahead to make sure the waterfall was flowing and that we could swim. We made the drive and learned at the booth that the waterfall just recently started flowing again but it was too shallow to swim. At the base they have a store and also cafe. The trail to waterfall has signs and is paved but can pay to be shuttled up. They do have discounts for military, senior etc. we decided ti make the trek anyway since we already drove up. There are vending machines and rest areas along the path to sit down and be under shade. We actually incurred a strong rain down pour and was not prepared. But the kids had their bathing suits under eat and the weather was warm. So definitely check forecast as well. Without discount it was like $25 for adult I think. There are people at the top with life vests and a seating area. Forgot if u have to pay for vests- hope it's included with entry fee since it's mandatory to wear last I remember. Free parking. Enter Waimea valley signs to go to waterfalls trek.

What a beautiful adventure we had here! This property is breathtaking visually and physically! You hike through all the lush greenery surrounded by beautiful trees, flowers, animals in between a canyon to this amazing waterfall. You get to take a dip in at the end and it is amazing! The hill gets a little steep but they have some scooters available to rent or you can be taken through on a golf cart. So many native flowers and birds. It is really a sight to see! A good 3/4 mile hike with a great visual waterfall treat! A must see!

This is a review based off going with a guided tour for a homeschool group. The guide was quite patient taking time to explain highlights along the way during the hike. The guide took questions and answered them. The trees and plants seemed to be well maintained. Overall a good experience. Wished the valley had gotten some rain before this tour in order to there to be a waterfall oh well.

Sadly the falls were slow, but it was still so relaxing and a beautiful sight. We had two grandparents who had trouble walking, but luckily you can rent scooters here. They have shaved iced and plenty of little shops to eat or drink at. So many tv shows and films were shot here that I hadn't known about!

(9/2023): The gorgeous Waimea Valley: I was in awe the moment we entered. So much diversity, paths to explore, and cultural history. Also, at the time when we went, they were setting up some kind of event. Can definitely imagine having a wedding here. The waterfall is a thirty-minute walk on a paved path. There is a a shuttle service available, but at an additional cost. I just wish we had more time to explore, but we had to scurry back to catch our luau. If I lived in the area, I would buy a pass/membership in a heartbeat!

There are a number of factors that most reviews do not mention, and would have impacted our decision to visit Waimea Falls. Yes, the entire trail is paved, but it is not all in shade and has many uphill sections. I find the 15 minute estimation impossible, unless you are jogging. There is a golf cart shuttle that is $10 one way. The falls have great facilities: Restrooms, cafe down by the entrance, and changing rooms up by the falls. However, noone mentions how difficult it is to enter the falls without water shoes on the slippery rocks. Also, there is a massive leptospirosis warning sign. Do your research and measure your risk tolerence before investing the time and money to make it all the way up.

GO CHASING WATERFALLS | We decided to check out Waimea Valley before our Toa Luau reservation and it is absolutely beautiful. The "hike" is super easy since it is paved and clear. Maybe a bit more touristy than the other hikes and sightseeing spots we'd visited. I also was not prepared to get bitten up like crazy by Hawaiian mosquitos - will bring bug spray next time. Waterfall was GORGEOUS! But is there really any natural spot in Hawaii that is not? You can swim in the waterfall - rent a free life jacket easily right at the falls! Be sure to wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. Definitely worth visiting while in Honolulu!

Such a beautiful place ! My husband and I wanted to come here because this was a site where they filmed some scenes from the TV show LOST. It's about a 30 minute leisurely walk from the entrance to the waterfall, which is where my husband and I wanted to see and swim. However, since we arrived at 3:00 and the garden/valley closes at 4:00, we did a speed walk to the falls maybe in about 12 ish minutes. The waterfall itself was not super big, but still very beautiful to see. They provided lifejackets for everyone which I was glad about because the waterfall area is actually 30 feet deep to swim in. I wish they had taken time to try and dry the lifejackets in between users because it was kind of gross and cold to wear recently worn, wet ones - but that is the germaphobe in me. They also had storage for $10 there. There are also bathrooms and a snack shop right outside of the waterfall as well. Though the valley closes at 4pm, the gift shop closes at 5pm, so we had the chance to look at the shop as well. Overall, the valley was a very pretty place and I wish our time was not so rushed there, we could have gone earlier to spend more time there !

This is a good mainly flat hiking/walking area which leads to the waterfalls near the end. Good for family activities or solo. They have free parking but you have to pay for admission to get in. You can pay to get shuttled from starting entrance to end and back. But can't stop and walk in between. Or you can walk/hike to the end, and pay to get shuttled back for the second half. Which I did since I don't have enough energy lol. It was $10 if I recalled to get shuttled back for the shuttle back. You do have to option to pay ahead at entrance or a little more at last minute. Beautiful place to view gardens, plants, games and huts. You can swim at the waterfall area.

Went to Waimea valley with the fam over fall break. We love to take the little 30 minute paved walk back to the falls and explore all of the areas and learn about the Hawaiian history. There is also a little tram you can take as well if you are unable to do the trek. There are changing rooms and a shower by the falls so you can change in or out of your swimsuit. Keep in mind, there are only two stalls. Once you arrive at the falls, you put your things down and grab a life jacket. They are required for all swimmers. If you go on a Thursday, kamaʻāina and military are free, and they also have a cute little farmers market as well.

Parking is plentiful as there are several lots available. As you turn in, there's a small lot on the right available to beach goers (Waimea Bay is right across the street). As you drive in, there are several lots, including the lot fronting the entrance of Waimea Valley. The shops, restaurant, coffee shop, and bar located right behind the entrance are all open to the public. If you walk further, you'll find the entrance to the park and waterfall. If you're local, don't forget to mention it to get the kama`aina rates. It makes a pretty good difference in price. The nature walk provides a trail that is full of greenery, history, and guidance. You'll find tents in the beginning with employees that are ready to provide lessons about Hawaiian history, and crafts. What else is along the trail? Many, many different trees and species of plants. On my most recent visit (a Saturday), there was live entertainment provided by a beautiful halau (group of hula dancers). At the end of the trail, you'll find the waterfall, which makes for a beautiful resting place and a great way to cool off if you'd like to jump in the water. Not willing to jump in? They have lifeguards on duty and life vests available for everyone. Still not willing? There are stadium style concrete benches with shade available to enjoy the view. In the entryway of the waterfall area, they have swimming gear for sale. Can't make the entire walk to the waterfall? Or don't have it in you to walk the whole way? Shuttles are available for $10. Need a break? Not to worry, there are benches, restrooms, vending machines, and a snack shop along the way. We finished off our visit with lunch at the Open Kitchen. The wait for our food wasn't too bad considering the dining area was full and there were several others waiting for their food at the same time. I opted for a BALT (Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, and Tomato) sandwich, the kiddos had spam musubis and chicken strips, and my better half had a cheeseburger and fries. All were pretty tasty, but we could have done without the overcooked chicken tenders. We enjoyed drinks from the coffee shop and next time, will try a specialty cocktail from the bar. Waimea Valley is definitely an attraction that as a local, I don't take advantage of often enough. Now that I've been back after several years, I will make sure to visit more often.

Waimea Valley is located on the northwest side of the North Shore, near the Ekuhai Pillbox. There is an entry fee to visit the waterfall at the end of Waimea Valley, however, it was included with our purchase of the Toa Luau which is located in Waimea Valley. The walk to the waterfall took us about 25 minutes, it was a very scenic walk and the waterfall was beautiful. Many people were swimming at the bottom of the falls, life vests are distributed for free and are mandatory for safety. There are also lockers and changing areas for those who want to swim which was a nice perk. I would definitely include Waimea Valley in your itinerary if you're up on the North Shore, and would absolutely recommend going to the Toa Luau if you have the time! Best, Charlie

It was a beautiful spot with plenty of vegetation to explore. The day we went it was very dry and the falls was just a trickle. The hike was all paved, however you could explore small paths off the trail.

It's a very beautiful area! I really enjoyed walking around and looking at all the plants and trees in the area. I especially liked that there were descriptions along the trails so I could learn more about the valley and what I was looking at. It's definitely a great place that you should come to at least once, I definitely plan on coming again so I can explore more.

I love waterfalls! When i heard there is a botanical garden with a pretty accessible fall i was excited... well did not expect that the fall would have a lifeguard and life vests in it lol i have traveled the world and have never really seen anything like that. Making a waterfall as a swimming pool especially that the Waimea Valley is supposed to be a sacred place for Hawaiian culture and history. I am actually not sure how i feel about it. Apart from that the Botanical Garden is just stunning and majestic. I really enjoyed walking around! Warning the price to visit is $25 per adult ( they do have discounts for residents and military)

Beautiful park with lots of parking. Entry is reasonable for Kamaaina on Thursdays and the have a freat farmers market. The falls environment is awful with all the loud malihini, life vests, etc.... I miss the days of old when we could just jump in and swim. Food is expensive but yummy. Id go back.

Beautiful and there is parking lol. Good luck finding parking at the beaches nearby. Perfect for strollers

A paved path makes for an easy hike to the waterfalls. Children and stroller friendly. Admission is 1/2 off for residents and free on Thursday. Along the path you can stop and educational tables and learn about the culture and sacred grounds this sits above. The lush vegetation is a botanical garden of sorts with many side trails to explore. Once you get to the waterfall, there is a refreshment stand and a small swim shop.

We were in a group of 6 that booked the Kipahele Tour, riding on a covered oversized golf cart. Our driver/guide's name is George. His tour around the Valley and to the waterfall is outstanding! George is a Hawaiian history buff, all about the area. His tour around the Valley is about an hour long. He tells the Hawaiian story as we meandered through the various spots. We highly recommend this tour! Afterwards, if the Falls are safe when you visit, you can take a dip. There is also a nice snack bar and eating area, near the parking lot.

Sadly rained the day we went to Waimea, but beautiful with foliage and exotic flowers just as you would expect from Hawaii. The falls are a highlight. We attended the luau which, fortunately, was undercover. While the entertainment was excellent, the food was not. The only disappointing meal I had in Hawaii. Note all the posters of the many movies filmed in the Valley. Still, glad we went, for the nature. 13

My friends recommend this place as a must do on north shore! Such a beautiful scenic area, large gardens, walking trails (not difficult) bring comfortable shoes but good for kids, elderly etc. I did pay ahead online for a reservation to swim in the waterfall but decided not to when I arrived. I loved the walk and see no all of the plants, animals, flowers and waterfall. The water was really cold and looked a bit murky so I decided it was best to skip it. They do require you to wear a safety vest while in the water (life guards are there) Come in a bathing suit if you wish to swim! There's scooters available for rent! Came here for a wedding and it was beautiful, they have a few different areas for the ceremony. Gorgeous backdrop! They served excellent food, we had a Dj, open bar etc. great spot to consider for a wedding here, photographer and everything was included!

Really lovely falls, well maintained grounds and garden. Nicely paved paths. Honestly you can spend at least 4 hours inside the valley just wandering around and looking at all the gardens. The waterfall really depends on the amount of rainfall, so don't expect a lot of water if there hasn't been a lot of rain! You can swim in the waterfall, and they offer/require life vests. The map is not very well done. Even though there is good signage marking the different gardens, the map itself does not tell you where you are, and not all paths lead back to the main paved path, you might have to wander a bit. There are no physical maps, they ask you to take a photo of your map. Make a reservation before you go!

Stunning and worth the visit, for sure! I've visited the falls both solo & with my son. Absolutely stunning! Without being told, you could probably guess, based on the beauty of your surroundings, that many movies were filmed here. After you visit, consider a drive up to Kaena Point... many snack stops along the way! Gotta love the North Shore vibe.

First we stopped and visited the plant sale with great directions to it from Val. Mikey D, was super helpful and we purchased a plant he says will do well in our location. Then, we enjoyed the free tour at 12:30pm the Valley offers and had Cody as our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the specimens, and even went into detail about the Valleys efforts of conservation. My experience on the tour was so great I ended up upgrading my ticket to a yearly pass. All the staff was amazing. I am so excited to come again and learn and see more!

Very pretty to see. It's $25/adult and swimming in the waterfall wasn't as cool as we'd hoped. It was short, cold, and a long walk. I believe it's a One and done. If Waimea Bay is too dangerous to swim, I suppose this is a good option to make the trip up that side of the island worth your while.

A Tour to Remember with George at Waimea Valley! We had the absolute pleasure of touring Waimea Valley with George, and it was hands-down the best guided tour we've ever experienced! George was nothing short of incredible. He took extra time to ensure we saw everything we wanted, and his passion for the valley was contagious. His deep knowledge of the plants, history, and culture of the area was matched only by his warm, personable nature and fantastic sense of humor. He made every moment engaging and educational, weaving stories and facts together in a way that kept us captivated from start to finish. If you're visiting Waimea Valley, do yourself a favor and take a tour with George. He doesn't just guide you--he brings the valley to life. Mahalo, George, for an unforgettable experience! Chris and Renata

Waimea Valley...a beautiful escape from the city. I've always loved coming here to reconnect with nature and explore the beautiful botanical garden which includes 52 themed gardens and is the home to over 5000 documented types of tropical and subtropical plants including native Hawaiian plants and globally endangered species. If interested, they do have plant sales on Saturdays. I recommend going on the Botanical Tour which is at 12:30pm. It is a guided tour by an horticultural specialist - very informative and interesting! What most people frequent here for is the waterfall, which is 3/4 mile nature walk. They do require everyone to wear lifeguard jackets, making it safe for everyone. As someone who is not a super strong swimmer, I appreciated that I was still able to enjoy the waterfall when I came years ago. Waimea offers several events throughout the year as well, such as the Summer Concert series which I attended last year and it was a blast! A more recent honorable mention is the Moonwalk. I attended this last night and it is truly a magical escape, very different feel than the daytime. It's only $10 for admission from 8-10pm. It's only happening 2 more times this year, so I recommend going if you can. Kamaʻāina discounts available, otherwise $25 GA. Different parking lots you can park. Small lot in the front but the rest is dirt. May have to do a short walk. There is a cafe, food, and a bar available inside.

My visiting family consistently enjoys the best experiences at Waimea Falls. The experience is fantastic, starting with the warm welcome by Aunty Desma at the gift shop and the stunning walk to the falls. All the staff are wonderful, but Nick, the lifeguard at the falls was especially impressive. He went above and beyond to assist my mom with her vision impairment, even securing her glasses while she enjoyed the waterfall. On the way down on the tram ride Logan shared insights about the bird friends in the Valley. On your way out don't forget to great a coffee from the cafe! Thanks for a great morning Waimea valley staff and crew!!!!

So so beautiful. My favorite part is the lei garden because of the beauty and the cultural significance of Aloha. I also really like the animals endemic or not. They were all really cute. Saw a alae ula and tons of Geico Geckos (what inspired Geico's logo). The people here were so kind too and loving,

How is this place not 5 stars?? Such a gorgeous lush location and the waterfall/pond where you can take a dip at the end of a short easy walk is a once-in-a-lifetime type experience. It also offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture, customs, and history. We made some art, talked to the locals, ate some good food, and had a great visit overall. I can't recommend this place enough.