Waimea Valley

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Valley is a can’t-miss attraction on the island (and a trip there is a must).

An important cultural site for over 700 years, Waimea Valley was home to many native Hawaii royals and priests. Today, you can go there to see several heiau (Hawaiian temples) and other important archaeological sites.

Not only is Waimea Valley an important ancient Hawaiian site, but it is also home to one of the most famous botanical gardens on Oahu. Spanning over 1,875 acres, visitors can find many native Hawaiian plants in the complex. It is also home to Waimea Falls (Waihi Falls), a waterfall that is easily accessible, and swimmable.

🚜 Note: There is a farmers’ market at Waimea Valley every Thursday from 12pm-3pm. You can find plenty of local artists and farmers selling their products here. Be sure to pick up some kava to take home!

What to See and Do at Waimea Valley

Cultural Sites

There are various cultural sites in Waimea Valley. Hale o Lono (House of Lono), is one of the most significant.

Dating back to around 1470 AD, this site is dedicated to the Hawaiian god, Lono. Other special cultural sites include Ku‘ula Shrine, Kauhale Kahiko, and Hale Iwi (House of Bones).

Loʻi (Agricultural Terraces)

Waimea Valley’s agricultural terraces are another must-visit. Hawaiian farming typically centered around Kalo (also known as taro) and the crops were harvested by hand.

Local farmers also developed sophisticated irrigation systems, so fresh water could be sent through their growing fields, and they worked the land with aloha ʻāina – ‘love for the land’.

Waimea Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden at Waimea Valley is extensive, covering approximately 150 acres. It’s home to 52 themed gardens and over 5,000 documented plants, including both globally endangered species and native plants.

Those who wish to learn more about the Botanical Garden can head on a Botanical Tour, which takes place daily at 12:30 pm.

Waimea Falls

Also known as Waihi Falls, Waimea Falls is one of the more accessible waterfalls on the island.

You can reach this waterfall by walking (which takes approximately 30 minutes) or shuttle transportation is available for those who are not mobile (it is wheelchair accessible).

The first shuttle starts at 10 am and costs $10 one-way. Swimming is dependent on waterfall conditions. 

Toa Luau

Toa Luau is another popular thing to do located within Waimea Valley. Toa Luau offers a real island experience, with two luau shows taking place each day.

There are three different packages available (Silver, Gold, and VIP), and each one includes admission to Waimea Valley, as well as various activities.

How to Get to Waimea Valley from Honolulu

Waimea Valley is located on the opposite side of Oahu to Honolulu. It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel between the two by car. The fastest route is via I-H-2 N. 

There’s no direct bus to Waimea Valley from Honolulu, so you can either make changes (which takes just under 2 hours) or you can take a taxi. Alternatively, direct buses run from Wahiawa, Kawela Bay, and Punaluʻu.

Visiting with a Rental Car

The best way to reach Waimea Valley (and visit other attractions on the island of Oahu) is to rent a car.

Luckily, there are some fantastic rental car companies in Honolulu including Enterprise, First Rent-A-Car, and Voyage Rental Cars. Alternatively, you can rent a car straight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Popular rental companies such as Sixt, Alamo, and National Car are located here.

Your other option is to rent a car in advance using a platform such as Discover Cars. You’ll often get much better rental rates this way and will have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from!

Visiting on a Tour

This Oahu sightseeing tour is a full-day tour that will take you to some of the island’s top attractions including Byodo-In Temple and the Dole Plantation. However, a highlight has to be learning about the rich history of Waimea Valley! 

Although transport won’t be included, Waimea Valley itself also offers two tours; the Cultural Tour and the Botanical Tour.

The Cultural Tour will teach you all about the area’s archaeological sites and Hawaiian culture, while the Botanical Tour will see you spend time with horticultural specialists, as you explore the Botanical Garden.

Places to Visit near Waimea Valley

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Waimea Bay Beach Park is just a 2-minute drive from Waimea Valley.

This popular beach is a fantastic place to surf, especially in the winter, when waves reach up to 30 feet (9.1 meters). During the summer, it’s a popular swimming and snorkeling location, especially as turtles can often be seen here.

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is about a 4-minute drive from Waimea Valley. Known as Turtle Beach, it’s a frequent feeding area for green turtles making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

These sea creatures can be spotted at Laniakea Beach year-round, but summer (May to September) tends to be the best time to visit as the waters are calmer. 

The ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail

Those after a unique walk should head along the ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail. Parking for the trailhead is around a 5-minute drive away, and then you’ll embark on a circular 2.3-mile (3.7-km) hike.

The trail is short and slippery, but you’ll get to walk past WWII pillhouse bunkers. The coastal views are also spectacular.

Shark’s Cove

Shark’s Cove is also around a 5-minute drive from Waimea Valley. It’s a popular snorkeling spot as the waters are so clear, with tropical fish and turtles often making an appearance.

The seafloor is rocky though so you’ll need water shoes. There are several food trucks located across the street too.

Haleʻiwa Beach Park

Haleʻiwa Beach Park is around a 7-minute drive away. This area is known for its calm waters, making it a popular spot for beginner surfers and swimmers.

The beach may not be as scenic as others on Oahu, but it has excellent facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a lifeguard.

Waimea Valley: On a Map

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