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    Waimea Valley

    4.3 (834 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Waimea Valley

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    Waimea Waterfall
    Ryan E.

    The views here are amazing. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Oahu. The hike to the waterfall is easy and goes through some amazing scenery and plants. The waterfall swim was a little more challenging than I expected. The current going out from the waterfall really pushes you out so it's best to hug the rocks around the falls to get under the waterfall. Everyone, including good swimmers, should wear a life vest as depth drops off quickly, and the currents can tire you out.

    Ben A.

    Gotta keep it real-- this place was just OK. I know, I know... how could I possibly think this was anything other than paradise? Sure, I am a total plant nerd-- just ask my wife. But the whole thing just felt contrived. As another SoCal-based reviewer suggested, it's sort of like the Huntington Library Gardens, or maybe even the LA County Arboretum. First off, parking was tough. This might have been because there was some kind of traditional Polynesian games going on during our visit, and the place was crowded with all sorts of people. Admission was a bit pricey for a unique opportunity to see fake nature, but as my dad says in Vegas, "We're not here for a haircut." The paved path from start to finish sort of detracts from the beautiful flora. I enjoyed seeing all the tropical plants, and this place (like other botanical gardens) has different sections dedicated to plants that have no earthly business being in Hawaii: A South American section featured plants from across the Pacific, etc. I had to wonder how they keep these these from becoming weedy or invasive. The falls were a bit of a let-down. After traversing the shoals of people running amok for the festival, leaving trash everywhere and making a lot of noise that kind of took away from the experience, the falls sort of drain into a muddy pond full of people who are kicking up the bottom with their feet, until the water looks like chocolate milk. There is a stand of aluminum bleachers (yes, bleachers) for people to sit and watch this spectacle. I left feeling like I felt about most of my trip to Oahu-- this place is beautiful, but people ruined it. One was left to wonder if Waimea Falls and the beautiful valley there would have been better off being undeveloped. We'll never know, I guess.

    Sonia S.

    Beautiful park! Loved the botanical gardens. Many different plants from various regions. The waterfall was a bonus. So peaceful. Nice food and beverage options to enjoy after your trip.

    Annie W.

    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!

    Erich L.

    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

    Tropical trees
    Katie F.

    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

    Courtyard & concert area - VN
    Vince N.

    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!

    Waimea Valley Waterfall and Natural Pool
    Mike L.

    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.

    Waterfall
    Kerry W.

    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.

    Genevieve A.

    What an unforgettable day exploring the botanical gardens in Hawaii! We decided to start our visit with a guided tour before wandering the grounds on our own (party of 4) and I can't recommend that enough. It completely elevated the experience. Our tour guide, George, was an absolute gem. He's not just knowledgeable he's a phenomenal storyteller who truly brings the land, the history, and the gardens to life. We learned so much about the plants, the culture, and the rich history of the land, but what made it so special was how fun and engaging he made it. It never felt like a lecture it felt like an adventure. If you're planning a visit, do yourself a favor and book the tour and if you can, request George. He adds that perfect spark that turns a beautiful visit into a truly memorable experience.

    Virgilynn B.

    I definitely enjoyed my visit here. The hike to the waterfall was amazing with lots of different plants and history as you walk through the botanical gardens. The price to get in is decent and parking is pretty easy to find if you get there early. If you're looking for an easy, paved hike, this is definitely for you! It's perfect for all ages and you can go at your own pace, take pictures on the way, and even stop by for a snack. There are restrooms and changing areas if you decide to get in the water to enjoy the waterfall. They even have life vests available for rental.

    Auntie Coco's Lai garden
    Roger I.

    The walk-through Waimea Valley to get to the Falls is a beautiful hike. It shouldn't be too hard for most people to do, I saw people doing it flip-flops. The main path up is an asphalt paving or hard packed earth. As you were walking up the path, there will be a little side paths you can take, none of them are very hard to do but are very interesting. There is a fee to get in, $25. The flowers and the vegetation on the walk up are beautiful. When you get to the Falls, you can swim in them. It is mandatory to wear a life vest, which are provided. There's a little gift shop and snack shop not far from the Falls. There is also a two stall dressing room that you could change your clothes in. When I say dressing room, I really mean it's four walls with about a foot open at the bottom and about 7 feet tall. Most people wore their bathing suits there and back from the falls. It was warm enough that everyone was pretty dry by the time they got back to their cars. Before you start, there is a very extensive food area with bathrooms. There is also a really nice gift shop which we bought some wood art. I saw people of all ages doing this walk up to the falls. It is a little rocky when you were getting in the water, but the lifeguards were there to help people.

    Native flowers description
    Bob R.

    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!

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    Page 1 of 21

    Waimea Valley Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Waimea Valley

    Is there choke parking?

    Yes, plenty!

    Can you ride e-bikes there?

    Sorry, e-bikes are not allowed. Mahalo.

    Is 4pm the latest admission? Or when you have to leave

    Aloha Lydia, Great Question! Currently through September 2nd, 2024, our last admission is at 5PM,… Read more

    With the heavy rains how is the hike to the waterfall? is it going to be muddy and soft ground or is it paved? Also other answers weren't clear: how do we utilize the free entry from our luau ticket?

    Aloha! I don't know about the lu'au tickets but we went on a rainy day and managed just fine since the main walk is paved, unless you take a side trail. The water may be murky with rains though.

    Is there a parking lot?

    Yes there is.

    Can we bring the in food?

    Yes, you're allowed to take food. They also have food and beverage stands!

    When is the best day/time to visit to avoid crowds?

    Aloha Enza Mahalo for your question. We recommend in the morning during the week. Tuesday at 9 am.… Read more

    I see many do the hike/swim and attend the Tao Luau afterwards. Is there a place to freshen up/change clothing? What do most of you do? Also is there In & Out same day…

    Aloha to purchase tickets for the Toa Luau you will need to go to toaluau.com it is a separate company from Waimea Valley. Purchase of luau tickets includes entrance to the Valley. There is a changing room near the waterfall and an outdoor shower… Read more

    Do they allow dogs?

    Aloha mahalo for your inquiry. Pets or other animals, except approved service animals e.g., dogs… Read more

    How long is the drive from Waikiki to this place?

    About an hour, more on the weekend when the locals aren't working and they go to the North Shore. Saturday and Sunday traffic will be very heavy, and parking is hard to come by, so go early, or try to visit middle of the week.

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    Review Highlights - Waimea Valley

    There's a little snack shop along the way before you get to the waterfall with fruit, shaved ice among other snacks.

    Mentioned in 459 reviews

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    Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum - Plane Bush Sr flew

    Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

    (326 reviews)

    It was a small birthday celebration--just myself, the newly minted 9-year-old grandson, and his…read moremother. The admission to the museum was pricey, even for Kama'aina, so we opted to get the Family Membership instead. The membership was for 2 adults and up to 4 kids, and also has discounts for other exhibits. After a quick sweep through the museum, and a wary observation of the flight simulator, the grandson decided it was time to eat. I got the Blue Angels Burger and he got the kids hot dog meal. I'd say the prices were reasonable, considering how much takeout and restaurant food costs these days. The burger was fat as hell and the dog wasn't Costco sized but definitely satisfied the kid. I didn't get pics of the food because I was too enthralled over the size of the patty! We spent the day also visiting the Mighty Mo, the Virtual Reality tour, and gift shop shopping also.

    Our second stop while at Pearl Harbor was the Aviation Museum. Located just a few moments from the…read moreUSS Missouri on Ford Island. In my opinion the Aviation Museum was one of the cooler stops on our trip. I really enjoyed all the different types of planes and carriers they had on display. We also ate Lunch at the Cafe in the Aviation Museum and the food was delicious! The bus picked us up from the USS Missouri and dropped us off at the Aviation Museum, there was a short line to check in at the front desk of the museum before you could enter the inside portion of the museum. They had a flight simulator inside the internal museum as well as a gift shop and restaurant. The Hangar still had the original bullet holes in the glass from the Pearl Harbor attack which was a really neat part of history to be able see. They also have a section where they are restoring some planes and helicopter parts. My favorite thing they had was this wood paneled plane in the hangar. They also had some old Military trucks out front of the hangar that were really cool. I highly recommend visiting the Aviation Museum while at Pearl Harbor.

    Captain Bruce - Complimentary Snacks

    Captain Bruce

    (107 reviews)

    We had a hiccup with the third party that we booked through but Karen who works at Captain Bruce…read morewas AMAZING. she made sure that we were taken care of and received what we originally booked. It was hectic given we had to board right away but she was so helpful and kind when I was feeling under pressure. I really wish I can give more than 5 stars just for her service itself. As for the rest of the trip, everything was SMOOTH sailing. Casey, Jared and Mahiki were WONDERFUL as well. I highly recommend this to everyone wanting a great experience. To note, we had 4 kids with us too!

    We booked this Kaneohe Sandbar snorkeling tour after seeing many reviews describe it as…read morebeginner-friendly. As first-time snorkelers traveling with a child, our experience did not align with those expectations. Equipment distribution was poorly handled. Masks were handed out with little to no instruction, and basic questions were met with a rude and dismissive attitude. Overall communication and service were lacking. Once in the water, guidance was minimal and inconsistent. The experience felt rushed and disorganized, with limited support for guests who were new to snorkeling. The tone and treatment we received also made us uncomfortable as Asian guests. After sharing feedback, the company clarified in writing that they do NOT advertise or position this as a beginner-friendly snorkeling tour. Based on both that clarification and our experience, I would strongly recommend that beginners or families looking for clear instruction and attentive guidance consider other operators. Sharing this to help future guests set accurate expectations before booking.

    Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument - View

    Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument

    (35 reviews)

    The ruins of this 250 year old temple tell the story of the Hawaiian culture. Signs reminded us…read morethat we were on sacred grounds and to be respectful. Plaques describe the Hawaiian religion and the role the temple played in communication and honoring of the gods. Sacrificial offerings would have made to the gods on the site. The site played a role in the success of war. A high priest presided over ceremonies. The site was named a Registered National Historic Monument in 1962. A breathtaking view of Waimea and the channel between Oahu and Kaua'i can be observed from the site. The ruins are a bit off the beaten path of the North Shore. The road is windy and narrow, but the views and story are worth the trek. There was no charge for admission and we found ample parking during our visit, but there are no amenities. Wear good walking shoes if you want to take the short hike around the ruins. Worth a visit if you are interested in history of the Hawaiian people and their engineering and religious practices.

    It's a very peaceful sacred place to visit. Driving up the winding narrow road go slow on the speed…read morebumps and show aloha to the cars coming down. If you have multiple people in your party have someone watch the car and take turns due to car break ins. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and don't touch anything. The sign says no dogs allowed. Use hushed tones and don't use swear words in this space. The Alii would perform ceremonies here and sacrifices. Follow the trail and take a short hike to the breathtaking views of Waimea. Can be a little steep so those with bad knees may be uncomfortable. Always throw your trash away into the bins and the most important rule is not to take anything home. Everything stays at the Heiau.

    Go Adventure Hawaii

    Go Adventure Hawaii

    (37 reviews)

    Just did a cageless shark dive with Go Adventure Hawaii and wow... what an unforgettable…read moreexperience! I'll be honest it was the scariest thing I've ever done. At one point, I refused to even look down into the ocean but then my son tapped me and pointed... and there it was a shark swimming right toward us. I almost passed out! Even though I was terrified, it turned into such an amazing memory. My son had the best time and is already asking to come back again. That alone made it all worth it. Huge appreciation to the staff they were professional, supportive and made us feel safe the whole time. Plus, we got some really cool pictures to remember it by! If you're looking for something thrilling and unforgettable, this is it.

    This was my first time shark diving, and I chose to do it for my birthday was my best decision…read moreever! From start to finish, the experience was incredible, safe, and beyond epic. Our boat had an amazing crew of three who made everything perfect: Michelle, our lovely photographer, captured stunning moments I'll cherish forever; Mauri, our safety instructor, was calm, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely at ease the entire time; and Captain Maddy navigated with confidence and professionalism, making the whole trip smooth and fun. We saw 13 sharks, up close, in their natural environment, and at no point did I feel unsafe. The crew clearly prioritizes safety while still delivering an adrenaline-filled, once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're nervous but curious..do it! If you're looking for something unforgettable..this is it! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday experience and would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting or celebrating something special.

    Take a Hike Oahu - This is a great hike for the whole family

    Take a Hike Oahu

    (10 reviews)

    I took the Lalumha falls or Manoa falls hike & Kailua / Lanikai beach day tour with Seamus as my…read moreguide. The group was nice and small - only me, Seamus, and a couple from CA. Seamus was a very knowledgeable guide - very approachable and fun to hang out with. He knew the trail very well and carefully guided us over the more slippery areas. One should definitely be prepared to get muddy and wet on this tour - I actually felt relieved that it was raining because there are lots of changes in the terrain and sunny/hot weather may have been too much. Seamus will say the trail is okay for children and elderly, but I don't believe it is. Might be a pain. I wanted to get a little rugged this trip, so it was perfect for me. The waterfall at the end was gorgeous - Seamus didn't rush us at all. We were unable to do the beach due to the weather, but Seamus took us around the island and showed us turtle beach, which was lovely because we got to see multiple sea turtles! We stopped at a local woodworker's shop for gifts which was a nice touch - always prefer the mom and pop places to the cheap junk you get in touristy shops. Pickup and drop-off were seamless. Easily one of my highlights this trip and have already recommended to a friend who will be in the area soon. Thanks Seamus!

    We booked the North Shore / Waimea, Falls Day & Swim Swim with Turtles trip…read more Our tour guide (Seamus) and tour guide pet companion (Sandy) were AMAZING! First, we didn't get to experience the Waimea Falls or swim with the turtles because it rained so much the night before AND of course for the safety of all (mother nature, staff and guests) they had to close access to that area. It was a bummer BUT Seamus and Sandy truly made our day such a BLAST! We could tell that Seamus truly loves his career. We learned and saw so much about the history, culture and people of Hawaii! We look forward to when we can return to Hawaii and book another trip with Seamus and Sandy!!!!! Don't just book a trip with just any company, BOOK a trip with a company that TREATS you just like FAMILY!

    Loulu Palm - Getting Ready for the big day!

    Loulu Palm

    (110 reviews)

    5/5 -- Loulu Palm Estate…read more We recently had our wedding at Loulu Palm Estate. From the moment we stepped onto the property, we knew this was the place where we wanted to say "I do." The estate is even more stunning in person -- lush greenery, a private stretch of beach, and that perfect blend of tropical beauty and intimate charm. It truly feels like your own beautiful, private oasis. One of the biggest reasons our day felt incredible is the team behind the scenes. Nickie and the entire Loulu Palm staff worked seamlessly with our amazing planner, Emmarose from TGA, and together they created a day that flowed perfectly from start to finish. Their coordination, communication, and attention to detail were exceptional. We also want to highlight how welcoming and LGBT‑friendly the venue and team were. We felt supported, celebrated, and completely at ease throughout the entire process. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the venue -- the breathtaking ceremony backdrop, the golden sunset during cocktail hour, and the relaxed, elegant atmosphere throughout the night. It genuinely felt like our own private paradise. If you're considering Loulu Palm for your wedding, do it. It's a place filled with beauty, heart, and aloha.

    To finish off 2025 with my last review before 2026 comes…read more This was the best decision both my husband and I made to choose this place as our wedding venue, which we were able to take a tour in January. Seeing how private with both views of mountains and ocean. We were totally convinced that Loulu Palms Estate was perfect to host the biggest day of our lives. The guests enjoyed the property and program we had planned. I'm grateful to Nickie and her staff to making this day special. Initally we were going to have the reception dinner on the lanai with awning decorated with lights to represent rustic night theme. But once Nickie and her team were aware of the rain storm that coming on the wedding weekend, she offered us to rent their covered tent 44x63 clear top tent with twinkle lighting with no additional cost as we paid to rent the lanai space. We agreed to the option as we weren't sure if weather will put a damper to our big day. But surprisely, it was sunny when I got to venue to get makeup/hair done, throughout the ceremony to the reception dinner till the end, very little sprinkle of rain occurred. I'm glad the tent set up worked out for us. The set up with the floral arrangement, which was modern boho theme I picked while working with Modern Elopement was gorgeous on pillars overlooking to beach, ocean. We even repurpose those arrangements on reception table with ti leaf as table runners with candles lights lit up. It was simple table set up, which did justice flowing with modern boho florals. The lawn space was huge to host larger weddings, but for our wedding group it was perfect size. It was little wet in some areas and ground little unstable but I managed to carry myself in my wedding dress. The bridal suite to get ready and dress was asthestic pleasing to the eye as seen in local wedding videography. I swear the AC blasting cool air made the room very cold that some part of me tried to avoid where it was blowing at. It was nice they had coat racks to hang both me and my matron of honor dresses. There was restroom in house for us to use away from outdoor restrooms wiht bidet and toiletries to use. Overall, my experience here at Loulu Palms was nothing but highly satisfying and very thankful we were able to have our micro wedding here given the date we requested. With the people I talked to about this venue, lot of people consider having a wedding here. Another thing is that venue is not one of those over-hype and overused wedding venues in Oahu. It is a private venue offering both ocean, mountain views, they have a vendor list, assist with planning wedding, and offers free parking too compared to those Waikiki hotels and downtown Cafe Julia. Thank you Loulu Palm Estate again and will recommend to those couples looking for venues!!!

    Waimea Valley - venues - Updated May 2026

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